Can I sue my ex for wrecking my car?

Asked by: Verna Ortiz  |  Last update: January 13, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (54 votes)

Yes, you can sue someone for property damage after a car accident even if you haven't suffered any injuries. In some cases, auto accidents can lead to sizable property damage, resulting in overwhelming expenses.

Can I sue my boyfriend for crashing my car?

Suing Your Boyfriend: Technically, you could attempt to sue your boyfriend since he was driving and caused the accident. However, since he is covered under your insurance policy, it's essentially like suing your own insurance. The insurance company would handle the claim up to your policy's limits.

What is the Oregon law on car accidents?

Oregon is what is called a “modified comparative negligence” state. This means that you can recover damages in a car accident, but only according to your level of negligence. If your negligence is greater than that of the other parties, however, you will be barred from recovering compensation.

Who pays when you get sued for a car accident?

In most car accident lawsuits, the at-fault driver's insurance company is the one who ultimately pays for the damages, not the driver.

What happens if you can't pay a car accident lawsuit?

The Consequences of Not Paying a Car Accident Lawsuit

The court could garnish your wages, put a lien on your property, or order you to sell assets to come up with the money. If you still cannot pay, you could be sent to jail. The court may allow you to set up a payment plan in some states.

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19 related questions found

Is Oregon a no-fault accident state?

Oregon is not a “no fault” state. Oregon follows a “fault” based system. In Oregon, the person who was “at fault” for causing the accident is responsible for any damages or harm resulting from the accident. This would include injuries, damage to vehicles, lost income, etc.

What qualifies as an accident car?

The definition of a car accident is an event where two or more vehicles collide, or a motorist crashes into a pedestrian or object. In both situations, a car accident can result in serious injuries or death.

What happens if you don't report an accident in Oregon?

If you do not file a report when required, Oregon law requires DMV to suspend your driving privileges for five years or until you file a report, whichever is sooner. (ORS 809.417(1)).

Can you take someone to court for wrecking your car?

California Civil Code 1714 outlines that a party at fault for a car accident can be held responsible for damages and, therefore, establishes an injured person's right to seek compensation.

What happens if my girlfriend crashes my car?

Is the Registered Owner of a Car Liable for an Accident in California? If someone other than the registered owner of a vehicle causes an accident while operating that vehicle, the victim has the right to file an insurance claim against the registered owner's auto insurance policy.

What are the chances of winning a personal injury lawsuit?

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, personal injury lawsuit outcome statistics include a majority (90 to 95 percent) settled before trial. Out of the small percentage that end up seeing a courtroom, the data suggests that the success rate of personal injury cases is around half.

Can I sue my boyfriend for wrecking my car?

You can sue someone for wrecking your car. Potentially recoverable losses include: Past and future medical care and additional expenses for accident injuries. Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.

Can I sue my ex for damages?

Yes, but only in rare situations in which your ex's behavior was really bad and the distress you suffer is severe. In some states, you must have physical symptoms to move a case forward. You do not need to have suffered physical abuse, but a standard breakup is not enough.

What happens if someone vandalized your car?

Contact the authorities. Vandalism is a crime, and filing a police report is a crucial step. This not only helps document the incident for potential legal action but is often required by your insurance company to process a claim. Call the police: Explain the situation and request an officer be dispatched to the scene.

Should I file a claim if I'm not at fault?

Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault

One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.

What to do if someone falsely claims you hit their car?

Report the Incident

You don't want them to hear from the other party first. Be detailed: Provide them with all the information you've gathered—photos, videos, witness names, and details about the incident. Ask for advice: Your insurance company will guide you on how to proceed and whether further action is needed.

Is a car accident considered a traumatic event?

In 2021 alone, more than 5.4 million people were injured in car accidents. Even minor accidents can lead to psychological distress and lingering trauma, such as: Mood swings, causing feelings of anger, frustration and guilt.

Is Oregon a no-fault state when it comes to divorce?

Oregon is called a “no fault” state. This means the spouse/partner who is asking for dissolution does not have to prove the other spouse/partner did something wrong. The only reason needed for dissolution is that the spouses/partners cannot get along and there is no way to fix the problems.

Is Oregon on a fault?

The Cascadia Fault marks the edge of Oregon's active subduction zone.

How long does an at fault accident stay on your record in Oregon?

The certified court print driving record includes most traffic violations and accident entries for at least the previous five years. Serious criminal traffic offenses, such as driving under the influence of intoxicants, may remain on the record permanently.

How late after a car accident can you sue?

In California, the personal injury statutes of limitations are as follows: You have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If you did not know that you were hurt right away, you have one year from the time that you discovered the injury.

What injuries are hard to prove?

Unfortunately, not all injuries are this clear. Some injuries can change a person's life, but are incredibly difficult to diagnose and treat. This is often the case when it comes to injuries such as whiplash, nerve damage, sprains, strains, mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions.

What happens if you lose a car accident claim?

What happens if you lose a car accident lawsuit depends on what side you are on in the suit. If you are the plaintiff—that is, the person who started the lawsuit—losing the case means you will not get what you are asking for, which is usually compensation from the party who caused the accident.