Can I sue someone for crashing my car?

Asked by: Miss Bridgette Towne  |  Last update: April 20, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (19 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.

What is the Oregon law on car accidents?

Fault and Negligence Laws in Oregon

After an auto accident, a common question is who was responsible and who will pay for damages. Oregon is an at-fault state, which means that someone will be determined to have been most to blame for the accident. That person will be responsible for paying for property damages.

Can I sue my friend if he crashed my car?

Yes, you can sue your friend, but it probably isn't worth it. Cases that only involve a damaged vehicle seldom make financial sense (if you were injured, this is a different matter), this is what insurance is for. You chose not to have adequate coverage, which was a gamble, and you lost that bet.

How often do people sue after a car accident?

Statistically, only three to five percent of car accident cases go to trial. Instead, most lawsuits are settled before a trial becomes necessary. The majority of plaintiffs and defendants prefer to settle rather than go to court for several reasons.

How long do most car accident settlements take?

A: While every car accident claim is different, and there are always circumstances specific to every individual case, the majority of car accident claims in California are settled between 6 months and 3 years.

Can You Sue Someone For Lying About A Car Accident? - CountyOffice.org

22 related questions found

How long after a work accident can you sue?

In California, the general rule for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a workplace accident is two years from the date of injury. This is the statute of limitations. Filing within this timeframe is important. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries.

What happens if I let someone borrow my car and they crash?

Usually, a car insurance policy covers the vehicle itself, not the person driving it, and that means the liability coverage (which is required by California law) should cover the friend. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver responsible for an accident is the one whose insurance will be the primary ...

Can I sue my ex for wrecking my car?

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 someone blame me for a car accident?

Getting blamed for a car accident that wasn't your fault is extremely common—it's how a car insurance company makes money. If you find yourself in this situation, don't despair. The crash scene most likely contains lots of evidence that can prove what really happened.

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 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)).

How long after an accident can you file a claim in Oregon?

You have two years from the date of the crash to file a car accident injury claim. This time limit is based on the Oregon Revised Statutes section 12.110.

How do you get max payout from a car accident?

Follow these steps to get more money from your car accident settlement:
  1. Don't be in a rush to settle.
  2. Get all the medical treatment you need.
  3. Consider hiring a lawyer.
  4. Do not take the first offer (or the second)
  5. Seek professional legal advice about the value of your case.

What is considered a good settlement?

In general, if you can get close to judgment value of the case in settlement, then it should be considered a very good settlement. One of the first considerations that attorneys and clients should factor in is the chance of prevailing on the issue of liability.

How much is my car worth in an accident?

"In reality, cars that have been in accidents tend to lose market value, but there is really no way to gauge how much," Arca says. He adds that some of the factors that affect the value are the severity of the damage, the quality of the repair, and the demand for that particular model.

Can I sue my friend for wrecking my car?

Your Friend Caused the Car Accident

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 someone sues you for more than your insurance covers?

You may face a lawsuit for the uncovered amount when damages exceed your policy limits. The injured party could attempt to seize your personal assets, which may include: Savings accounts. Wages (via wage garnishment)

Can I sue a dealership for wrecking my car?

Under California law, if your car was damaged while it was in the care of a dealership, you may have grounds to pursue legal action for damages or negligence.

Can you get money if someone hits your car?

If another insured driver hits your car and is at fault for the accident, their insurance company will pay for the damage. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or leaves the scene, your own insurance will pay if you have the right coverage.

Does my insurance cover me if I borrow someones car?

If you're specifically listed on the car owner's insurance policy, you'll be covered when driving that car – even if it's not your own. If you're not on the owner's policy, applicable coverage will again depend on consent.

Who is liable if you crash someone else's car?

Vehicle Owners Are Liable Under California Law

This law holds a vehicle's owner responsible for collisions caused by the driver of the vehicle – even if the driver is not the owner. Liability is determined by identifying the actual owner of the vehicle.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an accident?

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 won't workers' comp lawyers tell you?

Workers' comp lawyers might not always tell you that you can file a claim on your own without them. They also might not mention that they get paid even if you lose your case. It could take a long time to get compensation, and they might only take cases they think they can win easily.

What to expect when you sue your employer?

You will likely be deposed (a deposition is a formal process where lawyers from both sides ask questions under oath; it's a chance for the employer's lawyer to understand your side of the story and gather information). The discovery process can last several months, especially in complex employment law cases.