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A Florida man steals school bus and drives it from Tampa to Miami
SARASOTA, Fla.– A 32-year-old from Land O’ Lakes faces grand theft charges after allegedly taking a school bus from King High School in Tampa and driving it to Miami. According to the arrest report, the Florida Highway Patrol received a report on Sunday about a stolen school bus traveling north on Interstate 75 near mile-marker 155. GPS and camera surveillance reportedly tracked the bus.
An FHP trooper located the bus at an intersection in Sarasota County and initiated a traffic stop. The driver, identified as the alleged bus thief, was detained and read his Miranda rights. The alleged bus thief allegedly admitted to taking the bus without permission, driving it to Miami, and planning to return it to Tampa because “he felt bad.” He confessed to being under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time. He was arrested and taken to the Sarasota County Jail. The school bus was returned to its fleet manager.
Who Pays for Damages to Your Vehicle If It Is Stolen and Damaged?
In Miami, the car accident attorneys at the Perazzo Law Firm explain that determining who pays for damages to a stolen vehicle is more complex than it seems. While Florida vehicle owners must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage (PD) insurance, these policies do not cover damages if the vehicle is stolen.
Will My Insurance Pay for My Vehicle Repairs If It Is Stolen and Crashed?
Whether your insurance will pay for repairs depends on various factors. Although it seems straightforward that stealing a car is a criminal offense and the thief should be liable, insurance providers may argue that the vehicle owner’s negligence contributed to the theft. Examples of such negligence include:
- Leaving the keys in the car or ignition
- Leaving a running car with the doors open
What Insurance Policies Cover My Vehicle If It Is Stolen and Damaged?
Two main types of insurance cover your vehicle if it is stolen and damaged: Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) insurance and Comprehensive Insurance. Jonathan Perazzo of the Perazzo Law Firm provides details on these policies:
Guaranteed Auto Protection Insurance (GAP)
GAP insurance covers the difference between a vehicle’s current value and the amount owed to a financial institution. This type of coverage is common for new vehicles or trucks used for commercial purposes, which depreciate quickly. Vehicle owners can purchase GAP insurance through:
- Insurance intermediaries or brokers regulated by the insurance industry.
- Unregulated waiver agreements from financial institutions or insurance providers.
GAP insurance is important because standard policies like PIP and PD only cover the vehicle’s fair market value. GAP insurance fills the gap between the market value and the amount owed.
For more information on GAP coverage, the Perazzo Law Firm suggests consulting an insurance provider or contacting their North Miami Beach car accident attorneys for a free initial consultation.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance is optional for vehicle owners in Miami and covers a wide range of incidents not caused by negligence. This includes damage from vandalism, natural disasters, and theft. Comprehensive coverage is common for leased or financed vehicles until fully paid off.
This insurance is recommended for vehicles with high market or sentimental value, such as antique cars, as it protects against almost all non-collision-related damage.
For more details on Comprehensive Insurance, the Perazzo Law Firm advises vehicle owners to consult with an insurance provider or watch their informational video on comprehensive coverage.
The Perazzo Law Firm is a dedicated car accident lawyer serving individuals and families who have suffered injury due to the negligence of others. With a deep understanding of the emotional toll accidents can take, our firm, a reputable car accident lawyer in Miami, is committed to helping those in need.
Our news blog is designed to inform you about the latest personal injury cases and legal developments. We aim to raise awareness of the injury and loss of life that occurs in our community by sharing information from publicly available sources. As a well-established Miami car accident lawyer, we strive to shed light on the legal avenues available to those affected. However, please note that the information shared in our blog has not been independently verified, and the photos depicted are not necessarily representative of the actual event. If you notice any inaccuracies, please bring them to our attention for correction.
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