If my car was stolen and crashed into a parked car will I be held liable?
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If my car was stolen and crashed into a parked car will I be held liable?
Asked on December 29, 2011 under Accident Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
As a general matter, one person is not liable for damage or losses arising out of the criminal actions of another: so if your car was stolen, you would not normally be liable for damage or losses caused by the thief (such as by crashing your car). It is possible, however, to find you liable under special circumstances where you were negligent, or unreasonably careless, and that led to the theft. So, for example, say you got out of your car and left it unattended and running in a bad part of town--that negligence led to the theft, and therefore to the acts or damages flowing out of the theft, and could possibly lead to you being liable.
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