Legal Question in Insurance Law in Florida

Hit & run, what is vehicle owners responsibility

Involved in hit & run case, vehicle info obtained after lenghty chase. Driver plead no contest to fleeing scene. The owner of the vehicle was not the driver and not on the scene. Insurance has denied claim based on owners statement that driver was not given permission to have car. Owner has refused to press charges against driver for theft. Driver had no insurance. Is owner responsible for damages?


Asked on 8/27/03, 7:23 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

Re: Hit & run, what is vehicle owners responsibility

1. The owner is responsible unless he can prove lack of permisssion.

2. If you owned an insured vehicle at the time of the accident your insurance carrier may provide uninsured coverage.

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Answered on 8/27/03, 9:15 pm
Michael Tobin Michael M. Tobin, P.A.

Re: Hit & run, what is vehicle owners responsibility

You do not have enough facts to give an opinion.Ask the ins co for copy of the statement. They undoubtedly will refuse.You need to know if this person had access to the keys or often used the car with the owners knowledge or if the owner negligently left the keys accessible to a thief. If you van't get this info from the adjuster you should consult with an attorney. If you only have car damage, forget it. But if you have serious injury it may be worthwhile to persue.

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Answered on 8/28/03, 12:33 pm


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