You never expect to get into an accident—especially not when you’re driving someone else’s vehicle. But it happens more often than you think. At Patterson Law Group, we’ve helped people in Arlington deal with the confusing aftermath of these situations. Crashing a friend’s car brings up a whole set of questions: Whose insurance pays? Are you personally liable? What if the accident causes injuries? What if your friend didn’t give you permission? We’re here to break down the legal implications and help you understand your options after an accident involving someone else’s car.
Car Insurance in Texas Follows the Car, Not the Driver
In Texas, including right here in Arlington, auto insurance is tied to the vehicle itself—not necessarily the person driving it. That means if you borrowed your friend’s car with permission and caused a crash, your friend’s insurance policy will usually be the first to respond. This coverage typically includes liability insurance, which pays for damages to other people and their property when the driver is at fault.
So if you’re involved in an accident and you’re at fault, your friend’s policy is the first line of defense. But that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook entirely. If the damages exceed the limits of your friend’s policy, your own auto insurance—if you have one—might be tapped to cover the remaining costs. This is called secondary coverage.
Permission Matters: Was the Car Loaned Voluntarily?
One of the first questions an insurance company will ask is whether you had your friend’s permission to drive their vehicle. If the answer is yes, then their insurance company is more likely to accept the claim. But if you took the car without permission, the insurer might deny coverage. This situation could turn into a legal mess, especially if criminal charges like unauthorized use or vehicle theft come into play. Even in less extreme cases, the lack of permission can void insurance coverage, leaving you financially responsible for all damages.
Texas doesn’t require written permission to prove someone was allowed to drive a vehicle, but insurers may ask for documentation or statements from the car’s owner. It’s always best to clarify expectations with your friend before borrowing their car to avoid this kind of dispute later.
Who Pays for Medical Bills After the Crash?
If people are injured in the accident, liability for their medical bills usually falls on the at-fault driver. In this case, if you’re responsible for the crash, your friend’s insurance policy may cover the costs of injuries to other people under their bodily injury liability coverage. Texas law mandates minimum liability coverage of:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
These minimums may not go far in a serious accident. If the medical bills exceed the coverage limits, the injured party may pursue compensation through your insurance or sue you personally. That’s why it’s important to consult with an Arlington car crash attorney immediately after the incident.
What If the Other Driver Caused the Crash?
If the accident wasn’t your fault and another driver caused the collision, their insurance should cover the damage. You’ll need to file a third-party claim with their insurance provider, just as you would if you were driving your own vehicle. The same rules apply when you’re in a borrowed car: you still have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and property damage. As your legal team, we’ll help you gather evidence, file your claim, and negotiate with the insurance company so you’re not stuck paying for someone else’s mistake.
Texas Is an At-Fault State—Here’s What That Means for You
Texas follows an “at-fault” insurance system, meaning the person who causes the accident is legally and financially responsible for any resulting damages. Whether you’re driving your own vehicle or someone else’s, fault matters. Texas also follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can’t recover compensation for your injuries or property damage. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Let’s say the accident caused $20,000 in damages and you were found 30% responsible. You’d still be eligible to recover 70% of your damages—or $14,000. But if you’re found 51% at fault or more, you get nothing. Understanding this rule is essential if you plan to file a claim or defend against one. Our auto accident attorneys in Arlington, TX can help assess your situation and protect your rights.
Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers Make Things More Complicated
Unfortunately, not every driver in Arlington carries enough insurance—or any at all. That’s where uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage comes in. This coverage is optional in Texas, but insurance companies are required to offer it. If you or your friend have UM/UIM coverage, it can pay for damages if the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance.
Here’s an example: you’re driving your friend’s car, and someone without insurance hits you. If your friend has UM/UIM coverage on their policy, it may cover the damages. If your friend doesn’t, but you do under your own policy, your insurer may step in. Every situation is different, and these policies often contain specific limits and exclusions. Our Arlington car accident law firm can review the details and explain what coverage applies.
You Could Still Be Sued Personally
Even if your friend’s insurance covers most of the costs, the other party might sue you directly for damages not covered by insurance—especially in serious crashes involving injuries or fatalities. If a lawsuit is filed, you’ll need legal representation right away. You could be held liable for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Legal fees
We’ve seen people who thought the matter was settled suddenly face a court summons months later. Don’t wait to get advice. If you’ve crashed a friend’s car and think legal action might follow, speak with a car wreck lawyer in Arlington immediately.
Common Exclusions That Can Deny Insurance Claims
Auto insurance policies don’t cover everything. Some common exclusions that may apply when you crash a friend’s car include:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving without a valid driver’s license
- Using the vehicle for commercial purposes (e.g., rideshare or delivery)
- Engaging in criminal activity at the time of the crash
If any of these apply, insurance might not cover the damages, and you could be held personally responsible. These cases are more serious and can involve both civil and criminal penalties. If any exclusion may apply to your crash, you need legal representation from a qualified Arlington car crash attorney.
Steps to Take After the Crash
The actions you take immediately after the car crash can make or break your case. Follow these steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident. This creates a legal record and helps establish fault.
- Seek medical attention for anyone who’s injured, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Take photos and videos of the car wreck, vehicles, damage, and injuries.
- Exchange information with everyone involved, including insurance details.
- Contact your friend’s insurance company and explain the situation honestly.
- Contact an experienced auto accident attorney in Arlington, TX.
Even if the accident seems minor, things can escalate fast. Insurance companies may dispute your claims or deny coverage. Having a lawyer on your side can make a major difference in the outcome.
Can You Be Arrested for Crashing a Friend’s Car?
Most of the time, accidents involving borrowed vehicles are civil matters, not criminal ones. However, there are exceptions. If you took the car without permission, you could be charged with unauthorized use or even theft. If you were intoxicated, reckless, or driving without a license, you may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability.
If law enforcement gets involved, call a lawyer immediately. We can help protect your rights and mitigate the consequences.
How Patterson Law Group Can Help
At Patterson Law Group, we help people in Arlington understand their rights and responsibilities after an accident—whether they were driving their own car or someone else’s. We know how stressful and confusing these situations can be. That’s why we step in with practical advice, clear explanations, and strong legal representation.
When you work with us, you get:
- A dedicated team that listens and fights for your best outcome
- Help navigating insurance claims, policy exclusions, and liability disputes
- Legal representation in settlement negotiations and court if needed
We’ll look at every angle to protect your financial well-being and help you move forward.
Don’t Wait—Call Us Today
Crashing your friend’s car may feel like a nightmare, but you don’t have to handle it alone. The aftermath of an accident involves more than just vehicle repairs—it involves your reputation, your wallet, and your future. At Patterson Law Group, we’re here to guide you through it. Call us now to speak with an Arlington car accident law firm that’s on your side from day one.
