Legal Implications When Someone Else Crashes Your Car

Lending your car to a friend or family member seems like a simple favor—until they are involved in an accident. Suddenly, you are facing complex questions about liability, insurance coverage, and potential lawsuits. Many rules come into play when determining who is responsible, and the answers aren’t always intuitive.

Whether you are the vehicle owner or the driver, understanding these legal implications is essential to protecting yourself financially and legally. Reach out to our accident lawyers in St. George if your car was wrecked while driven by another driver. 

Who Pays When Someone Else Crashes Your Car in Utah?

In Utah, insurance typically follows the car, not the driver. This means if someone borrows your vehicle with your permission and causes an accident, your insurance policy is usually the primary coverage responsible for paying damages. Your friends or family member’s insurance may kick in as secondary coverage if your policy limits are exceeded, but you will likely see the initial claim filed against your policy.

Utah operates under a no-fault system, which means your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage pays for medical expenses and other losses for anyone covered under your policy, regardless of who caused the accident. If the damages exceed your coverage limits, you could also face liability for the remaining costs.

Understanding Permissive vs. Non-Permissive Use of a Vehicle

Permissive use occurs when you give someone explicit or implied permission to drive your car. This could be as straightforward as handing over your keys or as casual as allowing a friend to move your vehicle in a parking lot.

When you grant permission, your insurance generally extends to that driver. However, there are important exceptions. Some policies exclude coverage for certain people, especially those with poor driving records or household members not listed on your policy. If you live with someone who regularly drives your car but isn’t named on your insurance, coverage may be denied.

Non-permissive use happens when someone takes your car without your consent. In these situations, the unauthorized driver’s insurance—if they have any—becomes the primary coverage. If they are uninsured, you may need to file a claim under your own policy, but you generally won’t be held liable for damages caused by a car thief.

What to Do If Someone Else Gets into an Accident in Your Car

If someone crashes your vehicle, taking the right steps can protect your interests and streamline the claims process. Here’s what you need to do:

• Contact your insurance company right away to report the accident, even if the other driver plans to file the claim.
• Document everything related to the accident, including photos of the damage, the police report, witness statements, and any communication with the other driver.
• Consult with a Utah car accident attorney right away, especially if the accident involves significant damages, injuries, or liability disputes.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Utah Auto Accident Attorney

When someone else crashes your car, you may face insurance complications, liability concerns, and financial losses that extend far beyond the initial accident. Our injury lawyers in St. George can help you understand your rights and protect your interests every step of the way.

Whether you are dealing with questions about coverage, disputes over who’s responsible for damages, or concerns about being sued, your attorney will provide clear guidance. Schedule a free consultation to learn about your path forward.