Imagine driving down a beautiful Montana city street in the Helena Valley. As you navigate through the streets, you accidentally collide with a rare, exotic, or luxury car parked on the side of the road. Your heart sinks, realizing the gravity of the situation. This is no ordinary car—it’s worth a small fortune.

At that moment, numerous questions flood your mind. What are the consequences of damaging such an expensive car? Who is liable for the damages? How will this impact you legally and financially? Understanding liability in these cases becomes paramount. The implications of damaging a super-expensive car can be far-reaching and complex, potentially leading to complications and unexpected burdens.

The consequences of damaging an expensive car extend beyond mere repair costs. Luxury vehicles often possess unique and costly parts, painstakingly crafted and sourced from around the world. Repairing or replacing these components can be exorbitantly expensive, leaving you to shoulder significant financial responsibility when you’re the one to blame.

Moreover, the legal aspects come into play. Determining liability involves investigating the accident’s circumstances, including negligence, recklessness, and adherence to traffic laws. Failing to comprehend the legal nuances in these cases may result in legal disputes, potential lawsuits, and the associated costs and consequences.

Car Accident Liability in Montana

Montana follows a comparative fault system, specifically the modified comparative negligence rule. This means that liability is assigned based on the percentage of fault each party bears in causing the accident. If a driver is found to be partially at fault, the courts may reduce their compensation proportionately.

Investigating authorities, insurance companies, and possibly the courts analyze many factors when assigning fault and determining liability. This may include driving behavior, traffic laws, speed, distractions, and other contributing factors.

In Montana, drivers have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care while operating a vehicle. This duty of care requires drivers to act responsibly to prevent accidents and avoid causing accidents. Failure to uphold this duty may result in a breach of the duty of care and potential liability for any resulting damages.

In other words, if you cause the accident, you are responsible for paying for the damages and injuries. When you hit a super-expensive car, this could be a costly mistake.

What Classifies as a Super-Expensive Car?

While super-expensive cars associated with prestigious brands that epitomize luxury, exclusivity, and high performance are rare in Montana, (e.g. Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Aventador, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Ferrari LaFerrari, Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, Porsche 911 GT2 RS).  These cars cost so much due to their limited production numbers and exclusivity drive up the value of these vehicles. Some supercars are produced in extremely limited quantities, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

While you may not see many of these high priced supercars on the roads in Montana, you will see a lot of expensive  trucks used for towing horse trailers, or campers, that can cost upwards of $90,000.

Financial Consequences of Hitting an Expensive Car

Damaging a high-value vehicle can increase liability compared to a standard car accident. The higher value of the vehicle increases the owner’s potential financial loss. As such, they may seek greater compensation. Additionally, the owner of a super expensive car may have a higher expectation of quality repairs and may pursue legal action if they feel the repairs did not restore the car to its pre-accident condition.

Repairing an expensive car can be much more expensive compared to regular vehicles. The specialized parts, advanced technology, and intricate craftsmanship of luxury cars often require specialized repair facilities and skilled technicians, driving up the repair costs. In some cases, the damage to an expensive car may be severe enough to necessitate the replacement of certain components or even the entire vehicle. Replacing high-end parts and restoring the car to its pre-accident condition can be exorbitant.

Insurance coverage may also play a role in liability. If the at-fault driver’s insurance policy does not provide sufficient coverage to repair or replace the expensive car, they may be personally responsible for the difference. This can lead to increased financial liability for the driver involved in the accident.

What If I Can’t Pay to Have a Super-Expensive Car Fixed?

If you have car insurance, you must notify your insurance company about the accident and file a claim promptly. Your insurance policy may cover damages caused to the other party’s vehicle up to the limits specified in your policy.

In Montana, the minimum limits that the law requires is only $20,000 in property damage coverage.  Because certain insurance companies try to get you a better “deal” with your car insurance, often there is incentive to sell you the lowest possible property damage limit to get you to purchase insurance from that company.  However in today’s expensive car climate, this is not nearly enough to cover the loss of a new $90,000 pick up truck, much less a supercar.

Be proactive and protect yourself by making sure you have adequate property damage limits on your insurance.

Contact Our Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you suffered an injury in a car accident in Montana, our law firm is here to help. At Doubek, Pyfer & Storrar, our car accident lawyers work diligently to help auto accident victims recover and rebuild their lives.

We want to meet with you for a Free initial consultation. Fill out a contact form on our website, and we’ll contact you, or you can call us at 406-442-7830 to answer your questions immediately. Don’t wait. Contact us today!