Hit by a Stolen Car in Florida? Here’s What You Can Still Do

Being hit by a stolen vehicle can make an already difficult accident claim even more complicated.

In this article, we explore…

• Who may be held legally liable when you are hit by a stolen car.
• Whether insurance will cover injuries caused by a driver in a stolen car.
• How an attorney can help you overcome challenges in these more complex injury claims.

Who May Be Held Legally Responsible In A Car Accident Involving A Stolen Vehicle In Florida?

The driver of a stolen vehicle is responsible for any negligence committed while driving the car.
The owner of the stolen vehicle is not automatically responsible for the thief’s negligence.

However, the owner may be held liable if it can be shown that they were negligent or contributed to the theft, such as by leaving the keys in the ignition or otherwise failing to take reasonable steps to secure it. The owner may also face complications if the vehicle was not reported stolen after the owner became aware of the theft.

Uninsured motorist coverage may also apply when someone is involved in an accident with a stolen vehicle.

Does Insurance Cover Injuries In An Accident Caused By A Stolen Vehicle?

Uninsured motorist coverage may cover an accident caused by a stolen vehicle. In addition to uninsured motorist coverage, the responsible driver’s or owner’s automobile insurance policy may provide coverage depending on the circumstances. This often rests on whether the owner was negligent in allowing the vehicle to be stolen.

For the vehicle to be treated as stolen, the owner must be aware that the vehicle was stolen and must report it stolen after becoming aware of the theft.

A stolen vehicle crash can leave injured people wondering where to turn when the driver, owner, and insurance companies all raise different issues. Christopher Russo of Russo Law helps Florida accident victims sort through these complicated claims by examining police reports, insurance coverage, owner responsibility, and uninsured motorist options. He knows how to look for every available path to recovery when the obvious answer is not enough.

If you were hit by a stolen car, contact Russo Law to find out what options may still be available.

What Challenges Commonly Arise In Personal Injury Claims Involving Stolen Vehicles?

A lack of available insurance is one of the most common challenges in stolen vehicle cases. When a vehicle is stolen, and the owner becomes aware of the theft, coverage under the owner’s policy may cease depending on the circumstances. This is one reason uninsured motorist coverage can be especially valuable in Florida.

Without available insurance coverage, recovering compensation may become more difficult, even when fault for the crash is clear.

How Can An Attorney Help Me Recover Compensation After Being Hit By A Stolen Car?

An attorney can help determine the best path forward after an accident involving a stolen vehicle. This may include identifying:

• Who may be sued
• Which insurance policies may apply
• Whether the vehicle owner’s conduct contributed to the theft
• Whether uninsured motorist coverage is available
• How to pursue compensation despite coverage disputes

Because stolen vehicle cases often involve both liability and insurance complications, it is important to evaluate every potential source of recovery before deciding how to proceed.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on compensation when hit by a stolen car in Florida, an initial consultation is your next best step.

Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (863) 201-5918 today.