The overwhelming majority of car accidents take place on public streets. However, several of our clients come to us for collision repairs after an accident on private property. How do you respond in this scenario? What’s the right response in a private property collision?

Involved in a Private Property Collision Around Mercer Island?

If you were in a collision, take the same action you would for an accident on public roads. Take photos of all damages, talk to potential witnesses, and call law enforcement. Finally, remember to call your insurance company and DMV once everyone is safely off the road.

Who Is Responsible?

The city has no liability when an accident happens on public grounds. This is true even if, for example, a neglected pothole, was a contributing factor. With this in mind, you can’t file a claim against the county/municipality. 

The rules are different, however, in a collision on private grounds. Apart from the two parties that were driving, the property owner can also bear some degree of liability. When is the property owner liable? An instance would be a fender bender in a privately-owned garage due to massive blind spots or very narrow lanes.

In some scenarios, the property owner may bear liability even when an at-fault driver flees the scene. An example is a hit-and-run after a collision with a parked vehicle. The parked vehicle’s owner may submit a claim on the property owner’s premises liability policy. 

Let Us Restore Your Vehicle Post-Collision

Bring your vehicle to Doug’s Auto Collision Center irrespective of where the collision occurred. We perform frame repairs and minor fixes, such as dent repair and auto paint restoration. Talk to your insurer to determine the necessary course of action upon a collision on private property.

Private Property Collision Response Around Mercer Island

Serving Customers in Bellevue, Renton, Highlands, Factoria, Issaquah and Mercer Island

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Posted on July 14, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business