It’s late. You’re driving home through Encino—maybe down Ventura or Balboa—when suddenly, out of nowhere, a car crashes into you. Dazed, you step out and realize… the driver’s gone. Minutes later, you hear the words no one wants to hear: “It was a stolen vehicle.”
Car accidents are always stressful. But when the at-fault driver was in a stolen car and fled the scene? You’re left dealing with the damage, the trauma, and more questions than answers.
At Bojat Law Group, we know exactly how messy and overwhelming these crashes can be. And we’re here to help. If you were injured by a stolen vehicle in Encino, our experienced personal injury lawyer Encino can fight to get you compensated, because your rights don’t disappear just because the other driver did.
Why Stolen Vehicle Accidents Are So Complicated
When the driver vanishes and the car turns out to be stolen, it’s no longer just a simple car crash. It’s now a mix of criminal activity, insurance gray areas, and legal finger-pointing.
Here’s what makes these cases especially difficult:
The thief is gone or unidentifiable. No name, no insurance, no accountability.
Insurance companies aren’t eager to pay. They may argue no one was “technically” insured.
Even if police catch the driver, they usually don’t have assets, which means no way to recover damages directly from them.
So, where does that leave you? Not powerless, but you’ll need to act quickly and strategically.
What to Do After Being Hit by a Stolen Car in Encino
1. Call 911 Immediately
Even if it feels like chaos, your first move should always be to call emergency services. A police report will be the foundation of your case.
Be sure to mention if the driver fled and share any details you caught
- car color,
- make,
- direction of escape,
- partial plate number.
2. Document Everything (If You Can Safely Do So)
Take photos of:
- The crash scene
- Your vehicle’s damage
- Skid marks or debris
- Your injuries
Also, look around—was there a nearby gas station, apartment building, or storefront that might have captured the crash on video? Make a note of it.
3. Talk to Witnesses
People nearby may have seen the crash, the thief fleeing, or even recognized the vehicle. Get their names and contact info. Their statements could be critical later on.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company—But Carefully
You’ll need to report the accident, but do not give a recorded statement without speaking to a lawyer. Insurance companies love to twist words into excuses to reduce or deny your claim.
5. See a Doctor Immediately
You might feel “okay” after the crash. Adrenaline has a way of masking pain. But injuries from car crashes can surface days later, and if you wait too long to get medical care, insurers will use that against you.
Who’s Going to Pay for This?
You’re not going to track down the thief and send them a bill—so how do you get compensated?
Option 1: Your Own Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
This is usually the most direct path. If you have UM coverage on your policy, it can cover:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle damage
But be warned: your own insurer may push back hard. We’ve seen them delay, deny, or drastically undervalue claims, especially in stolen vehicle cases.
Option 2: The Vehicle Owner’s Insurance (Sometimes)
If the owner of the stolen vehicle left it running, unlocked, or otherwise made it easy to steal, they may be considered negligent. In rare cases, you may be able to pursue compensation through their liability coverage.
Option 3: Other Liable Parties
Some less-obvious examples:
A valet company or parking garage that failed to secure the vehicle
An employer, if the stolen car was part of a work vehicle used negligently
Government agencies, in rare cases involving poor road design or missing signage
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Encino
Here’s the harsh truth: insurance companies are not on your side. Especially in stolen car cases, their first instinct is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery.
At Bojat Law Group, we’ve handled complex hit-and-run and stolen vehicle crash cases in Encino and beyond. We know how to:
Dig through police reports and traffic camera footage
Identify every possible compensation source
Fight back when insurers try to minimize your injuries
Take your case to court if that’s what it takes to win
Don’t try to take this on alone. You deserve to recover without having to battle the system just to pay your medical bills.
Injured in a Stolen Vehicle Crash in Encino? Let’s Get to Work.
Being hit by a stolen vehicle is a nightmare scenario—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Your injuries are real. Your stress is valid. And you’re entitled to justice.
Call Bojat Law Group today for a free, no-pressure consultation with a seasoned personal injury lawyer in Encino. We’ll evaluate your case, walk you through your rights, and take the weight off your shoulders—so you can focus on healing, not legal red tape. Call us now or message us online.
