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What Should You Do If Hit While Driving Someone Else’s Car?

It’s never good when you get into a car accident, but what if you get hit while driving someone else’s car? You might panic even more, thinking that perhaps the car insurance company won’t cover any costs or that there might not be any auto insurance coverage at all. But it’s likely that you and the owner of the car will be able to make a car accident claim if you take the right steps.

Can You Drive Someone Else's Car?

Can you drive someone else’s car?

First, it’s important to clear up whether you should even be driving someone else’s car in the first place. This is largely a question of auto insurance, although it is, of course, important that you are legally allowed to drive any vehicle. Most of the time the auto insurance policy is for the car, so it’s insured no matter who is behind the wheel, as long as you have the consent of the car owner.

One thing to take note of is that the owner of a vehicle can be charged with wrongful entrustment. According to Ohio Revised Code 4511.203, this could happen if the vehicle owner permitted use to a friend or someone without a valid driver’s license or permit, without proof of financial responsibility or auto insurance, or a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Another Person’s Car

Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Another Person’s Car

The most immediate steps you should take after a car accident are the same as after any car accident. You need to find out if anyone in your car or the other person’s vehicle is injured, and if there are injuries, you need to seek prompt medical attention. Also, call the police so they can create a crash report.

It’s always best to document the accident scene by taking photos and obtaining the other driver’s contact and auto insurance information. Also obtain the contact information of any witnesses.

Since you don’t own the car, it’s important to be able to provide the car owner’s insurance company information because it may still provide coverage.

And, of course, inform the owner of the car you were driving about the accident so that the vehicle’s owner can inform the insurer. Finally, contact your car insurance company to tell them you had an accident while driving a car owned by another person.

Will the car insurance company provide insurance coverage?

Will the car insurance company provide insurance coverage?

Typically, the vehicle will still be covered by the car owner’s insurance policy for occasional use by another person when permission to drive is given. If the person is an additional regular driver, it’s a good idea to contact the company and let them know.

Whose car insurance should you use?

Whose car insurance should you use?

If someone else hits you while you are driving someone else’s car, the owner’s car insurance policy will generally provide coverage. The best thing to do to find out for sure is for the vehicle owner to get in touch with their provider and find out.

There are times when your own insurance company can also help you out. Your car insurance might cover part of a claim for injuries, for example, especially if the vehicle owner’s insurance policy doesn’t cover everything. Additionally, it might be necessary to pursue the other driver for damages caused. The other driver’s insurance company could be held liable for the costs if the crash is deemed to be their fault. This can be more difficult if they are uninsured or the circumstances of the car accident are complicated.

What if the other car is self-driving?

What if the other car is self-driving?

While this might not be a big problem for most drivers just yet, it’s an important question to consider. The answer could get complicated, as an accident involving a self-driving car could result in several parties being held responsible, including the driver, manufacturer, or even a regulatory body.

If a self-driving car gets into a wreck, it can be hard to figure out who is to blame. Generally, if the car was not working correctly or if the software wasn’t updated, then it’s the fault of the car’s manufacturer. But if the driver of the car wasn’t paying attention, then it might be their fault.

Contact A Car Accident Lawyer For Help

Contact A Car Accident Lawyer For Help

Accidents involving someone else’s car can get complicated. If you need help in pursuing the at fault driver after a car accident while driving a vehicle that’s not yours, car accident attorneys can help you. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney, like our legal team at Erney Law, is important if you have been injured and need help with medical bills and compensation.