If you leave your keys in the car and it’s stolen and crashed, you are generally not liable for the damage the thief causes. That said, there are some situations where Florida law allows victims to hold you responsible.
Understanding state law can help you determine whether or not the owner of the stolen vehicle may be held liable. In these situations, it’s also helpful to hire a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer. An attorney can explain how the law applies to your case and assist you with a claim for damages if you were hurt in a crash caused by someone who stole a car.
Let’s take a closer look at how state law addresses this question and how a skilled attorney can help you.
When Can Leaving My Keys in My Car Make Me Liable for a Stolen Car Crash?
Normally, the person who steals your vehicle and causes a crash is the one responsible for the harm that follows. When the theft happens without your permission, it breaks the chain of liability that would otherwise connect you to the accident.
However, you may be held responsible in some specific situations. According to Florida’s dangerous instrumentality doctrine, a vehicle owner can be held responsible when they allow someone else to use their car. However, that responsibility is based on consent, and a thief does not have consent to use your vehicle.
That said, leaving your keys in an unattended car can raise a separate question of whether you were negligent for making the theft easy and the crash foreseeable. If you were involved in a crash with a car that was stolen because someone left their keys in it, reach out to a lawyer today. An attorney can advise you on your best course of action.
When Is the Thief Responsible for a Stolen Car Crash?
In most cases, the thief is liable for a stolen car crash after the owner left their keys in the vehicle. When someone takes a car without the owner’s permission, that criminal act shifts responsibility onto them. The thief is usually solely responsible when:
- A stranger takes a locked or unattended car and crashes it.
- The thief drives recklessly or flees police and causes a wreck.
- The driver had no reason to expect the car would be taken.
It’s important to note that thieves are often uninsured, hard to identify, or never caught by authorities. This can make recovering compensation difficult for anyone they injure. That’s why these crashes aren’t as simple as pointing to the thief and suing them for damages.
How a Lawyer Can Help You After a Stolen Car Crash
If you were injured in a stolen car crash, you’re probably dealing with painful injuries and uncertainty about how you’ll move forward. At a time like this, you need an attorney who can investigate the incident, address questions about liability, and pursue the compensation you’re owed.
Here’s what a lawyer will do to help you:
- Investigate the crash, gathering photos of the crash scene, surveillance footage, witness statements, and other records
- Use evidence from any criminal case against the thief, including police reports or even a conviction, to support your claim
- Use evidence to prove liability
- Help you explore other sources of compensation if the thief isn’t identified, such as an uninsured motorist (UM) policy or personal injury protection (PIP) plan
- Communicate with insurers and negotiate a settlement that covers your losses
- Pursue damages in court, if necessary
- Answer any questions you have about who is liable when keys are left in a car and it’s stolen and crashed
Compensation Available to Stolen Car Accident Victims
When someone steals a car, tries to make a quick getaway, and drives recklessly to avoid the police, they can cause serious collisions and injuries. If you’ve been hurt in an incident like this, you have the right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, and other losses.
An attorney can work with you to identify all the losses you’ve suffered due to the collision. They’ll consider your current expenses, long-term impairments, and continuing medical needs when calculating how much compensation you should receive. Depending on your unique situation, your car accident lawyer may pursue any of the following damages:
- Current and future medical bills
- Physical therapy expenses
- Vehicle repair costs and property damages
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you’re wondering who is liable for a stolen car crash, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lawyer. An attorney can explain your rights and, if appropriate, pursue these damages for you and anyone else injured in the collision.
Call or text 800-602-5000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Learn More About Who Is Liable When a Car Is Stolen and Crashed
If you leave your keys in the car and it’s stolen and crashed, liability may be in question. Understanding Florida law can be helpful in these situations. If you were hurt in a stolen car crash, it can also benefit you to hire an attorney. At Blakeley Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve won over $250 million for injury victims.
We have 40 years of combined experience and are prepared to draw on our extensive legal knowledge to make your case successful. We’ll streamline your case and move quickly without compromising on the quality of results.
Contact South Florida’s most well-known Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options after a stolen car crash.
