Body shops liability

What is the name of your state?
California (Northern).

My car had some front end damage, so I went to get an estimate.
I left on foot while the estimator at a body shop had my hood open.
I returned to pick up my estimate and then walked around the corner. When I came back they were closed. The hood was lowered, so I got in and drove off.

On the freeway, the hood flew open destroying itself, the top of my car and the windshield. Now the little damage I had has turned into a lot of damage.

They refused to do anything about it.
He lied, and said that he told me the car was not safe.
He also said it was my responsibility to check it before I drove off,
Is he right about that?

If so, is it my responsibility to check the lugs on my wheels after a break insperction to make sure my wheels don't fly off too!!?

I have not reported anything to my insurance company, yet.

What type front end damage was the estimator to examine?

The front bumper and grill needed to be replaced.
The latch itself was on the estimate too.

I previously ran into something moving forward.
(Not a famous quote, I really was moving forward.lol)

Also, could someone tell me, how much time I have to report this to my insurance?

(I deleted my duplicate post)

if the estimator did not put in your estimate in writing that the car was not safe to drive i would say that he may have some liability in the damage. verbal warning may not be good enough in court. Talk to a lawyer in your area and see what he says.

D.vG.