Who Is Liable If a Stolen Vehicle Causes an Accident?

 Posted on March 25, 2025 in Car Accident

The suspect in a Cook County crash that happened on March 19th, 2025, apparently had a busy day. According to police, the suspect began by allegedly stealing a Bedford Park police car, which was later abandoned when the car became disabled. From there, after an alleged carjacking, the suspect obtained a USPS truck. Finally, the postal truck collided with a car in Bridgeview on Roberts Road. A mother and two young children were injured in the crash. As of now, the suspect is reportedly in police custody.

In 2022, 38,649 vehicles were reported stolen in Illinois, with 28,545 of those thefts in Cook County. 1,655 of Chicago vehicle thefts involved carjacking. The odds are that you have probably driven close to a stolen car in Chicagoland. If a stolen vehicle causes a collision that injures you, your pursuit of compensation will have complications. Our knowledgeable Cook County, IL personal injury lawyer can face these challenges head-on to help you collect the compensation you deserve.

Why Are Stolen Vehicle Crash Claims Complicated?

To pursue an insurance claim after an accident, you need to know who was liable for causing your collision. When a vehicle’s driver and owner are one and the same, he is likely liable if he causes a crash. However, stolen vehicles present a different situation.

With forcible hijacking, a stolen vehicle’s owner probably will not share liability if the thief causes an accident. Vehicles left unattended, unlocked, and with keys inside arguably invite theft. In that situation, the car’s owner or intended driver may share responsibility.

Most of the time, someone driving a stolen car will flee the scene of an accident. If that driver remains at large, your insurance claim will likely be against your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — if you have it. Your UI/UIM coverage limits may not be high enough to cover all your accident-related expenses and intangible losses.

Why Do I Need a Lawyer After a Stolen Vehicle Collision?

As you can see, these cases can be complicated. We can investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft as well as your accident. Those results should identify who was ultimately liable for your crash.

Insurance companies routinely look for loopholes they can exploit to avoid paying claims. A stolen vehicle gives the liable insurer a plausible excuse for shortchanging you. Your lawyer will not let the insurance company take advantage of you.

Call Our Skilled Rolling Meadows, IL Car Accident Lawyer

Any car accident claim can have complications, not only those involving stolen vehicles. Working with an experienced Arlington Heights, IL personal injury attorney from Adler Law Offices, LTD increases your chances of a favorable outcome. Call 312-236-2700 or contact us online today to request your no-cost case review.