Punks trespass, property damage, cops want help getting abandoned jeep, need advice

[GPintheMitten]

Something isn't right. Somebody with some pull with the PD. Gotta say again time to get a lawyer. Trail cam is a good idea as well.

 

[SPIKER]

I like the idea of adding some HD fence posts so the jeep can't move until paid in full, hold it collateral if you will... Steel posts stuck in 3 or 4 feet will be dang near impossible to remove without a lot of noise and place ad notifying owner have him served with estimate legally and include interest on amounts not paid in full after 30 days. If after value of truck is exceeded file for lien and ownership... Sell it at auction and bill him difference if it only brings a couple hundred bucks!

M

 

[dodge man]

I've kind of stayed out of this thinking it would be a bad idea to try and impound the jeep on your own. If he doesn't have insurance, I think I would make it almost impossible for them to remove it. No insurance they are going to probably leave you hanging.

 

[Tony_S]

Haven't you suffered enough damage?
I'm sure the insurance wouldn't mind paying to have it lifted out. Pffff

 

[EddieWalker]

Have you contacted your homeowners insurance agent? While you are getting a lot of great advice, only your agent can tell you what you should do in this situation. If you do not already have a lawyer, I would ask your agent to recommend one for you. I would not do anything to assist in removing the jeep, or anything to make sure it remains there. It is not your jeep, and it wouldn't be out of the question to get into trouble doing something that could be interpreted as interfering with law enforcement. Sometimes it's better to suck it up and live with the hand that's been dealt, then to make it worse.

Eddie

 

[dave1949]

It's too bad these young men didn't show up sober the next day to apologize and ask how they can remedy their damages. Plus the police thing sounds fishy too. All in all, I don't think you are dealing with good people anywhere in this.

I am curious about the driver's insurance accepting liability for this. My policy clearly states Liberty Mutual will not provide liability coverage for any person who "intentionally causes bodily injury or property damage." Driving off the roads through fields and fences can hardly be an "accident" and it sure sounds intentional. Honestly, if I were the insurer I'd be saying, "No way Jose."

You could drink too much, be impaired, and in the normal use of the roadways have a so-called 'accident.' That isn't so different than someone who has a medical emergency while driving that leads to damage. That could happen by not following a doctor's advice or failing to take medicine as prescribed. Those two things are different in law, but not so much in reality.

 

[mjw357]

Have you contacted your homeowners insurance agent? While you are getting a lot of great advice, only your agent can tell you what you should do in this situation. If you do not already have a lawyer, I would ask your agent to recommend one for you. I would not do anything to assist in removing the jeep, or anything to make sure it remains there. It is not your jeep, and it wouldn't be out of the question to get into trouble doing something that could be interpreted as interfering with law enforcement. Sometimes it's better to suck it up and live with the hand that's been dealt, then to make it worse.

Eddie

I agree with talking with your insurance agent. It doesn't automatically mean you are filing a claim, but they can do the legwork of finding out if the driver had any sort of insurance. They will be able to tell you if it's worthwhile filing damage claims, or if you are just stuck with a deadbeat. As far as the police go, I would think this is a civil matter, not a criminal matter. If he was drunk, they would have charged him with DUI.

 

[dave1949]

I agree with talking with your insurance agent. It doesn't automatically mean you are filing a claim, but they can do the legwork of finding out if the driver had any sort of insurance. They will be able to tell you if it's worthwhile filing damage claims, or if you are just stuck with a deadbeat. As far as the police go, I would think this is a civil matter, not a criminal matter. If he was drunk, they Could have charged him with DUI.

Consider that as a possibility.

 

[mjw357]

I am curious about the driver's insurance accepting liability for this. My policy clearly states Liberty Mutual will not provide liability coverage for any person who "intentionally causes bodily injury or property damage." Driving off the roads through fields and fences can hardly be an "accident" and it sure sounds intentional. Honestly, if I were the insurer I'd be saying, "No way Jose."

Are you talking about auto insurance or homeowners?

If in this case the driver was just being stupid and tearing up someone's land, the property owner's insurance would probably cover it under vandalism and then pursue the driver's insurance for compensation.

 

[mjw357]

Consider that as a possibility.

Yeah, almost sounds like he knows someone and is getting preferential treatment.