Borrowed Vehicle Accidents | Cleveland Car Accident Lawyer

Borrowed Vehicle Accidents

“I have been there so many times before and NOW I will be there for YOU and your family.”
- Tim Misny - The man that “Makes Them Pay!®”

“Please understand that the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with preponderance of the evidence.” – Tim Misny

Borrowed Vehicle Accidents

Borrowed Car Accident Attorney

Nobody expects to be involved in a serious car accident, yet collisions can happen unexpectedly and without warning. Traffic accidents can be scary under any circumstances, and it can be particularly frustrating to know the other driver responsible for your accident was driving a borrowed car.

You’re likely concerned as to who will be liable for your injuries, and pay for your losses. As an experienced Cleveland car accident attorney, I want to assure you that you can seek compensation with against a driver in a borrowed vehicle even if the driver does not have his or her own insurance.

What is a Borrowed Vehicle Accident?

A borrowed vehicle accident is a collision in which one of the drivers involved in the crash was driving a borrowed vehicle. The vehicle could have been borrowed from a friend, relative, work associate, etc. A borrowed vehicle also means the driver does not own the car involved in the accident.

For example, if a teenager borrows a friend’s car and causes an accident, we would describe the collision as a borrowed vehicle accident. Similarly, if a family member borrows a car and is involved in a crash, this too is described as a borrowed car accident.

Who Pays for a Borrowed Vehicle Accident?

Why are borrowed vehicle accidents so confusing? A person may be injured in an accident, and the at-fault driver who borrowed the car may not have their own insurance. The injured party may be worried as to who will be responsible for paying the fees associated with car repairs, medical bills, lost wages and more!

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety explains, car insurance usually follows the vehicle. Accordingly, you should be able to file a third-party claim against the owner of the borrowed vehicle.

If an insurance payout is insufficient to cover your bills, your may seek additional compensation via a lawsuit. Car accident lawyers like myself, have vast experience filing personal injury claims against negligent drivers. Call me today to discuss your car accident claim!

Circumstances:

The owner of the borrowed vehicle has insurance:

If the owner of the borrowed vehicle has insurance, their insurance company’s policy serves as the primary source of coverage for the car accident. In Ohio, auto insurance coverage typically follows the vehicle, meaning that the owner’s insurance policy extends to anyone who operates the vehicle with their permission.

For example, if Sarah borrows her friend John’s car and causes an accident, John’s insurance policy would be the first to cover the damages. If John has liability coverage, it should pay for the injured car accident victims’ medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other related expenses, up to the policy limits. In cases where the damages exceed the insurance policy limits, I will help you pursue additional compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

The owner of the borrowed vehicle doesn’t have insurance:

If the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident lacks insurance, and it can complicate matters. Ohio law mandates that all drivers carry minimum auto insurance coverage, so ideally, the owner should be insured. However, if the owner is uninsured, we would see if the driver had insurance coverage. If so, their insurance would compensate the victim(s).

Example: Alex drove his friend’s car and causes an accident. His friend doesn’t have insurance, but Alex does. His liability coverage would then to cover the costs associated with the accident. If neither the car owner’s insurance policy nor Alex’s policy provides adequate coverage, the at-fault driver, in this case, Alex, may become personally responsible for covering the damages.

This is a very frustrating circumstance to be in. The owner of the car and the driver have proven to be irresponsible, by not having insurance, but don’t worry, I’ll Make Them Pay!®

The owner and driver of the borrowed vehicle have insurance:

When the driver of the borrowed vehicle has insurance, it can provide secondary coverage. In this scenario, the owner’s insurance remains the primary source of coverage, but the driver’s insurance is the secondary source of coverage.

If Mark borrows his sister Lisa’s car and causes a car crash, and Lisa has insurance, her policy would be the primary coverage. However, if Lisa’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover all the damages, Mark’s personal auto insurance policy may come into play to provide additional coverage. This secondary auto insurance coverage can help bridge the gap between the owner’s policy limits and the total costs associated with the accident.

The driver of the borrowed vehicle doesn’t have insurance:

If the driver of the borrowed vehicle lacks insurance, and the owner of the vehicle is also uninsured, it presents a challenging situation. In Ohio, all drivers are required to maintain car insurance policies, and driving without insurance can lead to legal consequences.

If an uninsured driver borrows his friend car and causes an auto accident, but both lack insurance, they have a problem. The injured accident victim would likely file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver and owner of the car.

As one of the most successful Cleveland car accident lawyers, call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

What Does Insurance Cover?

When you are involved in an accident where the at-fault driver borrowed a car, the coverage depends on the policy limitations, and the circumstance of the accident.

Property damage:

In the event of an accident where the at-fault driver is using a borrowed car, the car owner’s auto insurance company policy typically serves as the primary source of coverage for property damage. This includes the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged vehicles involved in the accident. This coverage ensures you are not left with the financial burden of repairing or replacing your car if it’s totaled in the accident.

As an experienced car accident attorney, I know insurance companies do their best to minimize their accident payouts. That is until they have to deal with me!

Bodily injury liability:

Insurance coverage for motor vehicle accidents also extends to bodily injury liability. If you were injured as a result of the driver’s actions while they were driving the borrowed car, their liability insurance should pay for your medical bills, rehabilitation, and other healthcare expenses. This coverage ensures you receive necessary medical care and treatment.

Property damage to other structures or objects:

Coverage isn’t limited to just the vehicles involved. If the at-fault driver borrowed a car and crashed into a fence, building, or road sign, the insurance policy should cover the repair or replacement costs for the damaged property.

Personal injury protection or medical payments:

Depending on the insurance policy, there may be additional coverage for medical bills. Personal Injury Protection and Medical Payments are types of coverage that can help with medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. If the at-fault driver has Personal Injury or Medical Payments coverage on their policy, it may assist in covering your medical treatment costs.

Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage:

If the at-fault driver is borrowing a car and doesn’t have adequate insurance to cover your damages, your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may come into play. This coverage is designed to compensate you for your losses when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient or non-existent. It can help bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s liability coverage and the actual costs you incur due to the motor vehicle accident.

Additional liability coverage:

In some cases, the at-fault driver may have personal liability coverage that extends to them when they are driving a borrowed car. If their coverage limits are higher than the car owner’s policy, it may help cover additional expenses, such as medical bills and property damage.

Insurance policies are complicated, and the insurance companies are in it for the money, which means they are not always doing what is best for their clients. I have been a car accident lawyer for more than 40 years, and have a lot of experience dealing with insurance companies. If you have been in accident with someone who has borrowed a car, you need to call me today. Whether compensation is involves dealing with the insurance company, or we have to file a suit against the driver of the car, I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Working with me can make a world of difference when dealing with insurance companies during this challenging time. Here’s why it’s crucial to hire me as your borrowed vehicle accident lawyer:

Legal expertise

I have a deep understanding of Ohio’s auto insurance laws and regulations. This expertise allows me to provide you with accurate legal guidance to handle your case most effectively.

Negotiation skills

Dealing with insurance companies can be a daunting task. My negotiation skills are a valuable asset when it comes to advocating for your rights and interests. I can engage with insurance adjusters on your behalf, making sure they consider all your needs and losses, including medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Claim assessment

I will thoroughly assess your case, gathering evidence, and evaluating the extent of your damages. This includes reviewing medical records, accident reports, and any available witness statements. I work with a team of experts to ensure that no aspect of your claim is overlooked.

I will take care of everything

I understand that dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be physically and emotionally challenging. While you recover, I will be your legal advocate and will handle everything about your case.

Strategic planning

I will guide you through the best course of action. This may involve negotiating with the insurance company or pursuing legal action, I’ll also give you my personal cell phone number, so you can call me whenever you have questions.

Communication skills

Effective communication is key to dealing with insurance companies. my team will handle all interactions with insurers to ensure your rights are protected.

I became a lawyer to help the people of Cleveland and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Borrowed Vehicle Lawsuit

If you plan to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you should keep in mind that Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations on most car accident cases.

For most borrowed accident lawsuits, the clock on the statute of limitations begins to tick on the date of the accident. From that date, you will have two years to get your lawsuit filed. You do not need to complete your lawsuit within this timeframe, but you do need to officially file your claim. I can help you every step of the way.

Call My Office Today for More Information

It is important to know that getting into and accident with someone who borrowed a car does not mean there is no option for filing an auto insurance claim.

Whether you were involved in a collision when you were in a borrowed vehicle, or you were injured by an at-fault driver in a borrowed vehicle, I can help you seek the financial compensation you deserve. Call me today at 800-556-4769 to learn more about the services I provide to injury victims as an experienced Cleveland car accident lawyer. I’ll Make Them Pay!®

ASK TIM A QUESTION
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The Law Offices of Tim Misny

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14:32 20 Sep 23

Christine Filippelli

01:55 18 May 23

DeAndre Merritt

06:58 23 Mar 23

23:46 01 Aug 22

I have no case and no one that I need Tim Misney to make pay, just wanted to say the best part of my day is getting to drive by his billboards. His People's Eyebrow is immaculate and the new billboard with him on the motorcycle is downright bitchin'. Thank you Tim Misney for significantly improving the quality of my life.

Jennifer Malainy

22:44 19 Jul 22

My favorite lawyer. Truly one of the kindest, smartest, and most genuine humans I have ever met. There is only one TIM MISNY and he will make them pay!! God Bless.

01:16 16 Feb 22

I spoke to Amy and Christine about a possible personal injury case involving my father and they were both helpful, professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Although they could not help us with our case, I would highly recommend them!

20:12 21 Jan 22

It really comes down to what people say and do when they don't think anyone that matters is listening or they'll get anything in return.There's the Tim Misny you see on the billboards and on TV, but there's another Tim Misny that I know up close and personal.The Tim Misny I know is genuinely passionate about helping the hard working little folks who get pushed around the big folks. He actually, really honestly cares about people who run into bad luck at no fault of their own. Tim has quietly, out of the sight of cameras and with no fanfare shared generously with the marginalized in our society; single moms, Veterans and others without expecting anything in return.He calls them like he sees them and you wouldn't want to take your troubles to anyone else.

14:33 06 Dec 21

Mr. Misny is an angel here on earth and the BEST attorney in Ohio. He has helped my daughter who is in law school when she needed the guidance most. He is a class act, a great family man, and extremely caring. If you need a lawyer in this field I would HIGHLY recommend. There is no other lawyer, in my opinion, better than Tim Misny.Thank you Tim for being a light in this community!

Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)

02:43 27 Nov 21

Advice on Law question? Also Advise to do more research for Different types of Situations that’s Criminal and Civil Pursuits!City, State and Above State Level Situation .Pro Se !

12:56 04 Nov 21

Mr. Misny is the best! I am a 27-year-old single mother, and I am finishing law school in May at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. When I found myself jobless during the height of the pandemic, I knew I needed help. Going into the legal profession, I wanted to be JUST LIKE Mr. Misny because I knew he was the most successful attorney in the industry. I called him up one day just for the hell of it to see if there was anyway he could help me. I never thought such a big name/reputation like him would respond to me. However, when he learned of my financial situation he PERSONALLY called my cell phone within 5 minutes of my email. Not only has he helped me secure employment, but he continues to teach me every single day what it takes to be the BEST lawyer in the legal profession. I am forever thankful for Mr. Misny. He changed my life. He continues to inspire me every single day, and I am so proud that he took me under his wing and is my mentor. He is the most intelligent, kindest, caring attorney I have ever met, and he is giving me the tools I need to be the most successful lawyer I can be o give my four-year-old son, Gregory, the life he deserves. THANK YOU MR. TIM MISNY. I owe my entire future legal career to you because if you didn't take the time out of your busy day to call me that day and help me when no one else would, I would not have been able to stay in law school. You change lives every single day. Keep being you Tim. There is no one like Tim Misny.

Brandon Hagerdon

20:53 18 May 21

I met Tim 6 years ago when he was working with my mother. Since then we were able to stay in touch and build a relationship. I reached out to Tim recently about an opportunity and he was able to connect the dots and help me with this. During this process he gave me his direct number to contact him if need be. If you are in need of any sort of help, I would recommend Tim every time.

19:26 30 Mar 21

Tim is hands down the best lawyer in town. He was able to guide me through the legal process and keep me informed at all stages. Which allowed me to not stress and focus on life. He was able to get me the best deal possible in my court case. One thing that blew me away is that he gave me his direct cell number and answered anytime I had a question which is rare with most lawyers. 100% Misny is the guy! There's a reason he's on literally every billboard in Cleveland.

13:29 20 Jan 21

My relationship with Tim goes back over 30 years and is one of great trust and mutual respect. Tim represented me at a critical point in my life and I will always be indebted to him for the difference he made. He is always just a phone call away.

18:55 21 Dec 20

If I could reach into the sky just to pull more than 5 stars down for a rating I would! I have used other lawyers in the past and it was such a pain to reach them when I needed them. Tim is in all honesty there for you. He gave me his personal phone number, and at anytime or any day he answered. If I had to leave a message I could count to 10 and he would already be calling me back. He also was willing to talk on the weekends! He didn’t just forward me to an impersonal automated system or a person with no experience. I will NEVER use another person for legal advice. He’s gracious enough to give me guidance whenever I have a question. No matter how complex. This may sound like an advertisement but I assure you this man was more in touch when I had an issue than my own family. A reasonable and caring family man who will MAKE THEM PAY!Thank you Tim

PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training

01:51 22 Oct 20

I've had the pleasure of getting to know Tim personally over the past 2 years. Beyond him being an incredible lawyer & 'Jack of all trades ' he is an amazing friend. One thing I love most is that he is family oriented & always making quality time for his loved ones. He inspires me to be a great role model &father figure one day. Tim loves nature & shares the true beauty of nature with how he raises his kids. From biking through trails & having his kids learn how to nurture the family garden - he teaches valuable lessons on how to appreciate the world we live in. I know that Tim is just a phone call away & always urgent to responding no matter the situation. He has given me some of the greatest advice & continously throwing positive energy my way! I'm honored to know him & be a friend of his. He is the true practioneer of changing lives & paying it forward. He has taught me so much in just a short amount of time. Tim Misny, a man that wakes up every single day to make a difference!

16:49 10 Oct 20

Tim has created a highly visible and effective law practice, and despite his decades of experience, he has never once forgotten why he got into this business in the first place: to help people. He puts his whole heart into his work, and he works hard for everyone he represents. He has a gift for tuning out the noise and tuning into the core of what his clients need, and making it clear he has heard them. As a result, we feel empowered. He is smart, resourceful, creative, positive, and solution-oriented. His abundant energy makes people feel better, stronger, and valued. He loves and promotes his community; he gives back generously, and he always leaves everything better than he found it. Tim is a true man of action, and a man of his word. Could not recommend him more highly.

04:44 09 Oct 20

As a young man, I worked at a local garden center. I came from a family that had too many problems to list. I felt I was never destined to be anything good. I had always wanted to be a police officer since I was a little boy. But, one side of my family told me that I would never be good enough to do it. Anytime I brought it up, they knocked me down until I started to believe that I could never accomplish my dream. One day, about 20 years ago, while working at that garden center, a very tall man came in and asked me to help him select plants. As we walked around the garden center, he struck up a conversation with me. He was very friendly and kind. I was a skinny teenager in dirty blue jeans and a t shirt. This man was dressed very nicely and I was surprised at how nice he was to me. During our conversation, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life after school. I told him that I wanted to be a police officer but many people told me that I’d never make it. I told him how my very own father said I wasn’t smart enough, brave enough, and I was wasting my time. I remember looking at the ground while I explained this to him. The man stopped and got serious. His voice dropped an octave and he looked me dead in the eyes. He pointed his finger at me and told me that I could make anything of my life that I wanted. He told me that it was up to ME to make my life goals come true. He told me to ignore anybody who tells me otherwise. He assured me that if I studied hard in school and never gave up on my dreams that they would become a reality. He told me to say it. I said “I can do it”. In that moment, I thought that if a complete stranger saw something in me, than maybe it could be true.After I helped him through the checkout and he left, many different employees at the garden center asked me if I knew who that man was. I did not. They told me, “That’s Tim Misny!” Once I figured out “who” Tim Misny was, my confidence grew. It was a pivotal moment. One in which steered the rest of my life. His words stuck with me. I worked hard and obtained my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I was hired by a local Law Enforcement Agency at the age of 21. I was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, which was an extremely tough place to be, to say the least. At the Academy, they try to break those who don’t have a determined spirit. On days I wanted to quit, I remembered Tim’s words. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was random chance.... I’ll never know But, Tim Misny helped me have the confidence and determination that was necessary to be where I’m at today. I’ve been a law enforcement officer for over 16 years. I’ve told this story to many of my coworkers.Tim, you’ll never understand how your words that spring day helped shape my future. Your words enabled me to provide a great life for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful.Mike

21:02 04 Oct 20

Tim has represented me twice, once 30 years ago and again just recently. I was too young to fully appreciate his expertise when he represented me the first time (as i was a minor who was the victim of an accident - he won for us, incidentally), but I'm old enough and wise enough now to really appreciate how truly great he is. First off, how many attorney's actually give you their cell phone number and actually answer? I would contend very, very few. Secondly, he has a street fighter mentality combined with a sharp legal intellect which makes you immediately think "I'm so glad this guy is on my side." I was really in a bind recently and Tim came through in spades - he is THE person I would call if I were in trouble or needed help - at a minimum he would know who I should talk to and direct me there (he knows his own limits, which is the key to a wise person) - at a maximum he would take on my fight himself and I'd have full confidence in his ability to deliver the best possible outcome for me - he fights for you like you're family - can't say it better than that.

Benjamin Firstenberg

19:32 28 Sep 20

I worked as an intern for Tim the summer of 2017 and it was an unbelievable experience both for my career and personal development. He treats his employees with a level of respect, appreciation and honesty that I've truly not seen anywhere else that I've worked. We've stayed in touch these past few years and I'm still learning from Tim, whether it be the way he sees the world, his career advice or his commitment to his family. He's an honest man who treats people honorably.

01:13 30 Jun 20

I don't know much about Tim the lawyer, but I do know about Tim the man. Tim the man befriended me as a youth and gave me the motivation to excel in school. Tim the man wrote the letter that got me into college and got me a helpful scholarship. Tim the man gave me an internship while in college. Tim the man has been a friend to me for over ten years. He makes himself available day or night whether I need advice or just want to talk about the day. There a lot of stigmas about attorneys (and they are earned) but Tim Misny bucks the stereotype. And if Tim the lawyer is half a good as Tim the man, he will live up to his word, and make them pay.

00:16 17 Jan 20

WOW! It is the only way to describe the tremendous experience I was afforded, when I contacted and then retained Tim Misny, to handle a case for me. I had been injured in an automobile accident and needed help and direction, Tim and his staff provided both.The personal attention and clarity of the matter and specifics, gave me a state of comfort and satisfaction that I could have found nowhere else! I will be forever grateful to have Tim Misny as my attorney and my friend!I am a businessman in the Greater Cleveland area and have directed various members of my staffs as well as personal friends to Tim for solutions to their personal injury case needs. All my referrals have been more than pleased with the service and personal treatment they have received from Tim and his staff.I strongly recommend Tim Misny and his associates should you ever need the finest legal services available in Ohio! Trust is his number one priority, trust in knowing that you will be his client second, his friend first!

ASK TIM A QUESTION
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THE LAW OFFICES OF TIM MISNY

Cleveland Office
3100 E. 45th St.
Suite 444
Cleveland OH 44127

Phone: 1-800-556-4769
Toll Free: 1-800-556-4769
Fax: 440-306-1600
Email: tmisny@misnylaw.com

Mailing Address:
Interstate Square I
4230 Chillicothe Rd. Ste 200
Willoughby, Ohio 44094

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Disclaimer: All lawsuits are different and the Law Offices of Tim Misny make no representation or promise that it can obtain the same results in other legal matters. Nothing in this webpage constitutes a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any future legal matter.