Legal Question in Traffic Law in California

Hit by ''stolen'' vehicle, is owner responsible for insurance coverage?

My car was struck in the rear by another vehicle while i was stopped at a light. The driver fled on foot and has not been caught. Although there are suspicious contradictions on the police report, the owner of the other vehicle has claimed the car was stolen. It's been months since and we're yet to recieve any insurance information from her. Is she responsible to provide this information for a vehicle which she claims was stolen? Or am I to forever absorb costs which are not covered by my insurance (i.e. deductable, medical co-pays)? thank you.


Asked on 4/30/02, 6:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Miller Robert L. Miller & Associates, A Law Corporation

Re: Hit by ''stolen'' vehicle, is owner responsible for insurance coverage?

Thanks for your inquiry. I do hope that you've made a claim with this insurance company, as they have a duty to pay out on this claim, even if the car was stolen. While they may be investigating the driver to make sure that the story is correct, you should be paid first, and it is up to them to request reimbursement if they find that the driver is at fault somehow in the future. Best of luck, and I hope that this helps. Please feel free to email me directly if you have any other questions.

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Answered on 5/01/02, 4:45 pm


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