What Happens When You Get Into an Accident Driving Someone Else’s Car?

You and your friend have decided to go on a fun road trip. Since her vehicle is more efficient in gas than yours, you both decide that she will drive to your destination and you will drive home. As you’re driving her car through New Jersey, another car pulls out in front of you unexpectedly. With no time to stop, you hit the other vehicle. Your friend is fine but you suffer whiplash. Who will pay for your injuries?

As any driver in New Jersey should know, our state is a “no-fault” state. This means when a New Jersey driver is injured in a crash, the driver’s insurance policy will cover medical bills, property damages, and other expenses. The same can be said when driving another’s car — if your friend had given you permission to drive the vehicle at the time of the car accident, then his/her liability insurance coverage the bills related to the accident up to the policy limits. If the accident exceeds the liability coverage limits, then your own car insurance may provide secondary coverage up to your policy limits.

But when you’re injured, as shown in the scenario above? Then your own car insurance will pay for your medical bills. No car insurance? Then your friend’s car insurance should pay for your medical bills. And what if you didn’t have permission to drive your friend’s car? Well, you might have more problems than insurance issues.

The law surrounding car accidents and car insurance can be extremely complex. That’s why it’s best to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer after any time you have a car accident, no matter what the case may be. If you had a car accident in New Jersey and need legal advice, then contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone today for a free consultation.