Being involved in a car accident in Missouri is stressful enough, but when the other driver is behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle, the situation becomes even more complicated. Stolen car accidents in Missouri are increasingly common, as the state has one of the highest vehicle theft rates in the nation. In 2023, Missouri ranked among the top 10 states for vehicle thefts, with over 27,000 vehicles reported stolen.
St. Louis County leads the state in vehicle theft incidents, with nearly 3,000 thefts reported annually by the St. Louis County Police Department. This troubling trend impacts not only the safety of Missouri’s roads but also contributes to broader criminal activity, as stolen vehicles are frequently used in crimes such as burglaries and drug trafficking.
Victims of stolen car accidents face unique challenges, including hit-and-run scenarios and a lack of insurance coverage from the at-fault driver. This article by our skilled Missouri car accident lawyer will explore the complexities surrounding these accidents, from liability concerns to steps you can take to protect yourself and seek compensation.
Can I Be Held Liable if My Car is Stolen In Missouri and The Thief Crashes it?
If someone steals your car and gets into an accident, you may be wondering if you could be held responsible for damages. In Missouri, the answer largely depends on the principles of vicarious liability. Vicarious liability is a legal doctrine that holds car owners accountable for accidents caused by others driving their vehicles—under certain circumstances.
If someone steals your car and causes an accident, you are generally not liable for the damages, as you did not grant permission for the theft or use of your vehicle. The key here is the lack of consent—vicarious liability laws do not apply when your car is taken without your permission.
If your car is stolen, the important thing is to report the theft immediately. By notifying law enforcement that your vehicle has been stolen, you can provide evidence that you did not allow the thief to use your car. In this scenario, you would not be held responsible for any accident caused by the stolen vehicle, even if the thief is at fault.
In cases where someone you know takes your car without permission and gets into an accident, it might be more complicated. You may need to prove that you did not allow them to drive your vehicle, which could lead to a situation where you might need to involve a Missouri car accident lawyer to clarify the facts.
Understanding Vicarious Liability and How It Applies in Missouri
Vicarious liability laws in Missouri generally hold the vehicle owner responsible when they give explicit permission for someone else to drive their car. For example, if someone borrows your car, or if you lend your vehicle to a family member or a friend and they cause an accident, you could be held liable for the damages under the rule of vicarious liability. However, there are important stipulations: the person driving your car must have your consent to do so, and they must be acting within the scope of their permission.
In employer-employee situations, vicarious liability could apply if the employee is driving the vehicle as part of their work duties. However, if the employee is using the vehicle for personal reasons or is engaged in activities outside of work duties, the employer would likely not be held liable.
If you lend your car to a teenager, you could be held responsible if they cause an accident—even if they are at fault. In some cases, even if your teenager took the car without your permission, you could still be held accountable due to Missouri’s laws regarding minors.
To summarize, stolen car accidents in Missouri generally don’t result in the vehicle owner being held liable, especially if the theft was reported promptly. However, if the vehicle was taken with your consent—whether express or implied—then you could be held responsible under vicarious liability. It’s crucial to report a stolen vehicle as soon as possible to avoid any confusion or legal complications later.
Possible Situations Where You Could Be Held Liable
In most cases, Missouri law protects vehicle owners from liability when their car is stolen and later involved in an accident. However, there are specific situations where a car owner could be found partially liable, depending on factors such as negligence or foreseeability.
1. Negligence in Securing the Vehicle
Negligence can become a factor if you fail to take reasonable precautions to secure your car. For example, leaving your car running, unlocked, or with the keys in the ignition—especially in a high-crime area—might be considered careless. Courts may view such actions as contributing to the theft and subsequent accident.
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), a car is stolen every 32 seconds in the United States, with a significant number of these incidents involving unlocked vehicles or keys left inside. Proactively securing your vehicle is not only prudent but could shield you from potential liability in such cases.
2. Hazardous Items Left in the Vehicle
Liability may extend to a car owner if hazardous items left inside the vehicle exacerbate the accident or its consequences. For example, if a firearm stored in your car is used during a crime linked to the theft, you could face legal repercussions for not securing the weapon properly. Ensuring dangerous materials are stored responsibly can prevent such outcomes and reduce risks.
3. Foreseeability of Theft
Foreseeability is a critical consideration in determining liability. If it was reasonably predictable that your car might be stolen due to the circumstances—such as parking in a high-crime area without locking the doors or failing to use anti-theft measures—courts may conclude that you bear some responsibility.
For instance, failing to secure your car in a known vulnerable location could be viewed as a contributing factor to the theft.
Protecting Yourself from Liability
Although most stolen car accidents in Missouri do not result in liability for the car owner, taking preventive measures is essential. Always lock your vehicle, avoid leaving the keys inside, and park in well-lit, secure areas. Installing anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks or GPS trackers, adds another layer of protection.
By proactively securing your car, you not only reduce the risk of theft but also safeguard yourself from potential legal complications.
I Was Hit By Someone Driving a Stolen Car in Missouri, Who Covers Damages?
Being involved in a crash caused by someone driving a stolen car can be both frustrating and confusing. Victims often face additional challenges because drivers of stolen vehicles frequently flee the scene to avoid arrest. This can leave you without an identifiable at-fault party to hold accountable, making it crucial to understand your options for recovering damages in stolen car accidents in Missouri.
Understanding Insurance in Stolen Car Accidents
In most situations, your own insurance policy will play a critical role in covering your losses. Here’s a breakdown of how insurance applies in these cases:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is specifically designed to protect you when the at-fault driver lacks insurance or cannot be identified, such as in hit-and-run or stolen car accidents. UIM can help cover:
- Medical bills for treating your injuries.
- Lost wages if you’re unable to work due to the accident.
- Other damages, such as pain and suffering.
As stated by the Insurance Information Institute (III), approximately 12.6% of drivers in the United States are uninsured. UIM coverage provides a safety net, ensuring you are not left shouldering the financial burden when the at-fault driver cannot be held accountable.
Collision Coverage for Vehicle Repairs
If your car is damaged, collision coverage under your policy can cover the cost of repairs after you pay your deductible. While deductibles can range from $500 to $1,000, this cost is often much less than paying for the full repair expenses out of pocket.
Rare Scenarios
In rare cases, the individual driving the stolen car may have their own auto insurance and could potentially use it to cover damages. However, this situation is highly uncommon, as most individuals who steal vehicles do not possess valid insurance policies.
What to Do Next
Navigating the aftermath of a stolen car accident can be overwhelming, but understanding your insurance coverage options can help you move forward. If you have UIM or collision coverage, contact your insurer as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
For legal guidance and personalized support, the team at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers is here to help you navigate these complex situations. The skilled Missouri auto accident attorneys from our firm have the experience and resources needed to fight for the compensation you deserve.
How To Report a Stolen Car in Missouri
If your vehicle is stolen, acting swiftly is essential. Prompt reporting not only increases the chances of recovering your car but also shields you from legal and financial complications, particularly in cases involving stolen car accidents in Missouri.
Why You Should Report a Stolen Car
- Improves Recovery Odds
According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), approximately 35% of stolen vehicles are recovered on the same day, and 45% within the first 48 hours of the theft. Reporting the incident to law enforcement as soon as possible significantly boosts the likelihood of recovering your car quickly.
Vehicle theft rates vary by region, and Missouri is no exception. In fact, recent analysis of FBI data from 2022 reveals that certain metropolitan counties in Missouri experience significantly higher rates of vehicle theft. If you live in or near one of these areas, it’s even more crucial to report your car as stolen as soon as possible. Find out which Missouri counties are most prone to vehicle theft to better understand the risks in your area.
- Protects You from Liability
Reporting your car as stolen creates an official record that demonstrates you were not in control of the vehicle at the time of any accidents or crimes committed by the thief. This documentation can protect you from liability, especially if the vehicle is involved in a collision or other illegal activity. - Required for Insurance Claims
Most insurance companies will not process a claim for a stolen vehicle without an official police report. This report serves as proof of the theft and is essential for initiating your claim.
How to Report a Stolen Car
- Contact Local Law Enforcement
Call your local police department or visit the nearest station to file a report. Be prepared to provide the following information: - Vehicle details: Make, model, color, and year.
- License plate number: Ensure it matches your vehicle’s registration.
- VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): This can typically be found on your insurance documents or vehicle registration.
- Unique features: Mention any distinguishing marks, decals, or modifications that may help identify the car.
- GPS Tracking System: If your vehicle has a GPS device, inform the police. This can greatly enhance recovery efforts.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider
After filing the police report, contact your insurer to inform them of the theft. Provide the following details: - The police report number.
- Circumstances surrounding the theft.
- All relevant vehicle information.
The claims process may vary depending on your insurer, so follow their specific instructions. Some companies may allow you to file your claim online or through a mobile app for added convenience.
- Stay Updated
Regularly check in with law enforcement for updates on your vehicle’s recovery status. Having a clear line of communication ensures you stay informed about any developments.
Additional Tips
- Document the Scene: If possible, take note of where your car was last seen, any suspicious activity in the area, and whether there were broken windows or other signs of forced entry.
- Secure Replacement Transportation: While awaiting updates, consider using your insurance-provided rental car coverage (if applicable).
Experienced Missouri Auto Accident Attorneys
At Beck & Beck Car Missouri Accident Lawyers, we are unwavering in our dedication to delivering compassionate, skilled, and results-driven legal representation to individuals and families impacted by car accidents in Missouri. Whether you’re facing the intricate legal issues of a stolen car accident in Missouri or the frustrations of navigating insurance claims, our experienced team is prepared to guide you through every step of the process.
With a proven track record of securing favorable outcomes, we prioritize protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Our personalized approach means we treat every client with the care and attention they need during these challenging times.
Let Beck & Beck Car Accident Lawyers fight for you—because your recovery matters, and we are here to make a difference.
Our legal team serves the state of Missouri and has helped residents of St. Louis, Florissant, Cape Girardeau, Doniphan, and more.
