Striving to be the best Atlanta car accident lawyer, Jonathan Perazzo, personal injury attorney and founder of the Perazzo Law Firm, understands that the moments after a car accident that leads to injury, can be daunting for car accident victims. That is why, it is fundamentally important to contact a trusted and dedicated car accident lawyer in Georgia following an accident.
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Stolen Vehicles & Auto Insurance Claims: Atlanta Lawyer Insight
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONCERNING STOLEN VEHICLES
- -What happens if your vehicle is stolen and the thief crashes into another car, hits an object, or injures a pedestrian?
- -Will your insurance policy cover damages or injuries to others after such an incident?
- -Who is responsible for covering the damages to your vehicle if it’s stolen and involved in a crash?
- -What type of insurance coverage protects you if your car is stolen and damaged?
- -When is your vehicle not covered if it’s stolen?
In Atlanta, these are common concerns for car owners dealing with vehicle theft and related accidents. The experienced team of car accident and insurance claims lawyers at the Perazzo Law Firm understands these worries and is here to help. Jonathan Perazzo, a Georgia car accident lawyer in Atlanta and the founder of the Perazzo Law Firm, provides clarity on these issues.
If your vehicle or the vehicle of a friend or relative has been stolen, keep reading for important information. You can also reach out to Jonathan Perazzo at the Perazzo Law Firm ONLINE now for a FREE initial consultation. The Perazzo Law Firm is committed to offering clients ZERO OUT-OF-POCKET FEES.
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WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR VEHICLE IS STOLEN AND INVOVLED IN AN ACCIDENT?
Following a car accident in Georgia that involves a stolen vehicle, the vehicle owner of the stolen car, will not be held legally at fault for injuries or damages incurred as a result of the vehicle robbery. Nevertheless, it is in your best interest to file an insurance claim following an accident involving your car, in an attempt to get compensation for your losses from damages to your vehicle. Since stealing a vehicle is a criminal offense, the culprit will face criminal charges and may be held liable for any damages, injuries, or losses incurred upon others as a result of an accident.
Another factor to be considered is how the car was stolen. For example, was the broken into, was there an identical key made, were you carjacked, or was the car hotwired? The answers to these questions will help determine liability on behalf of your insurance provider. The Perazzo Law Firm recommends that Georgia vehicle owners check with their insurance providers to determine whether their coverage includes theft.
WHO PAYS FOR DAMAGES TO YOUR VEHICLE IF IT IS STOLEN AND DAMAGED?
In Atlanta, the car accident attorneys at the Perazzo Law Firm recognize that this question might seem straightforward, but it’s actually complex, with several factors needing consideration to determine if compensation for a stolen and damaged vehicle is possible. While all registered vehicle owners in Georgia are required to carry PIP (Personal Injury Protection) and PD (Property Damage) insurance, these do not cover damages to your vehicle if it is stolen.
Stealing a car is a criminal offense, and the perpetrator will face criminal charges and be held liable for any damages caused, provided they are found guilty.
WILL MY INSURANCE PAY FOR MY VEHICLE REPAIRS IF IT IS STOLEN AND CRASHED?
This largely depends on various factors. While it might seem logical that anyone taking another person’s car without permission is committing theft, an insurance company may argue that negligence on the part of the vehicle owner contributed to the theft or subsequent criminal activity.
Acts of negligence that could affect your claim include:
- -Leaving your keys in the car or ignition
- -Leaving your car running with the doors open while you are away from the vehicle
WHAT KINDS OF INSURANCE POLICIES COVER MY VEHICLE IF IT IS STOLEN AND DAMAGED?
Two main types of insurance coverage can protect your vehicle if it is stolen and then damaged or lost: GAP insurance and Comprehensive Insurance. Jonathan Perazzo of the Perazzo Law Firm in Atlanta explains them below:
GUARANTEED AUTO PROTECTION INSURANCE (GAP):
GAP insurance covers the difference between a vehicle’s current market value and the amount still owed to a financial institution or company, such as through a personal loan or dealer leasing contract. This type of insurance is particularly common for brand-new vehicles or commercial trucks due to their rapid depreciation. Vehicle owners can acquire GAP insurance in two ways: through an insurance intermediary or broker, regulated by the insurance industry, or through an unregulated waiver agreement purchased from a financial institution or insurance provider. The Perazzo Law Firm in Atlanta emphasizes the importance of GAP insurance because other policies like PIP or PD will only cover up to the fair market value of the vehicle. GAP insurance fills the gap between the vehicle’s market value and what is owed to the lender. For more information on GAP coverage and how it applies to car accidents in Georgia, the Perazzo Law Firm advises consulting with an insurance provider or contacting their Atlanta-based car accident attorneys for a FREE initial consultation.
COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE:
Comprehensive insurance is not mandatory for registered vehicle owners in Atlanta, so it’s up to each owner to decide whether to obtain this coverage. Comprehensive insurance covers a wide range of incidents that may cause damage to vehicles that aren’t due to negligence. This can include damage from vandalism, weather events like hurricanes or hailstorms, and even intentional collisions involving other vehicles, pedestrians, or animals. It also provides coverage for vehicles that are stolen, including any parts of the vehicle. Comprehensive insurance is common for leased or financed vehicles until they are fully paid off. The Perazzo Law Firm in Atlanta highly recommends comprehensive coverage, especially for vehicles with high market or sentimental value, such as antique cars. This coverage protects against almost any situation not directly related to an accident caused by the owner.
For more detailed information on comprehensive insurance coverage, the Perazzo Law Firm suggests reaching out to an insurance provider or contacting their Atlanta office for personalized advice.
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