Car Accidents When Driving Someone Else’s Car

It can be scary enough getting into a car accident with your own car. Getting into an accident while driving someone else’s car can leave you even more frightened. However, once you find out what types of compensation you are responsible to claim, you will find the process isn’t so bad, especially if you have a Denver car accident attorney on your side to help you along.

What You Can Claim

If you get in an accident while driving someone else’s car, you can make a claim for payment of medical bills only. The owner of the car is responsible for making a claim for any damages. However, if the car you were driving was the main cause of the car accident due to poor maintenance (burnt-out brake lights, bald tires, etc.), your only recourse may be against the car’s owner because it is their duty to maintain it and keep it in safe driving condition.

Car Accident Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage usually follows the vehicle. So no matter who drives your vehicle, as long as you gave that person permission to drive it, he or she will be covered under your insurance policy. If your insurance doesn’t cover everything in the event of a car accident, the driver can use his or her car insurance as secondary insurance to ensure that all medical bills and other damages are paid.

Uninsured Motorists

If you are driving someone else’s car and get into an accident with an uninsured motorist, you typically would use the car owner’s insurance as the primary insurance, while your insurance would be secondary. Therefore, you should inform both insurance companies of the car accident, but expect the car owner’s insurance company to settle with you. If you have questions about this, talk to a Denver car accident attorney.

When Driving Someone Else’s Vehicle

Before driving someone else’s vehicle, it is important that you have permission. You should also ensure that he or she has insurance on the vehicle. If the owner has insurance, you may want to see if you can use your insurance as a backup in the event that not all expenses are covered under the car owner’s policy.

Contacting a Lawyer

If you caused a car accident while driving someone else’s car, you may wish to seek legal help to determine the types of compensation you can seek. Contact the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz. He is a Denver car accident attorney who has experience handling the most complex car accident claims. Contact him today at 1-303-300-5060 and request your free booklet 7 Costly Mistakes that can Ruin Your Colorado Injury Case.

D.J. Banovitz’ career has always concentrated on trial practice and he has litigated hundreds of cases. His passion and sole career focus has been to seek justice for people suffering from personal injuries as the result of someone else’s negligence. The hallmark of the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz, is the total commitment to professionalism, quality, and personalized care of your injury case. D.J. has dedicated his professional life to helping those most in need and is a proud and active member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association. His experience includes volunteering for Colorado Rural Legal Services in Montrose, the Colorado Aids Project, consumer law, family law, criminal defense, and Alternative Defense Counsel for juveniles in Denver.