Legal Question in Personal Injury in California

Re: Car hitting the house, teenager driver hit and run

The driver and her parents are liable for the damages, make a claim on them and follow up with a suit if required. Your insurance company is supposed to help you do this, but if you didn't have a policy at the time, you have to do this yourself.

Re: Car hitting the house, teenager driver hit and run

You have presented two very different issues.

1. Was your homeowner's insurance cancelled before or after this accident? If after, then your homeowner's insurance carrier should be able to assist you in the cost of repair. If before, then they will obviously provide you with no assistance whatsoever.

2. Recovering compensation for the damage from the person that caused it will be a little more complicated. Obviously, the 14 year old will have no assets to pay for your losses. Therefore, you may sue her parents for the damages you have sustained. Assuming the vehicle was insured, the driver's parents' may provide insurance for the damage caused by this girl. However, they will likely take the position that a 14 year old's "joy ride" was not a risk that they were insuring. Therefore, you may be pursuing the parent's personal assets. Also, the "permissive use" statutes may provide for a cause of action against her parents and/or the registered owner of the car. You definitely need a lawyer to assist you in this matter.

Re: Car hitting the house, teenager driver hit and run

Generally, the owner of the vehicle is usually responsible, but I would join them both in a lawsuit. Unfortunately, if you did not have active H.O. insurance, you may have to pay for the cost of the lawsuit yourself. Should you desire to hire an attorney, I would be glad to assist you. Feel free to contact me at 818.653.0462