I recently purchased a car, and a friend took it for a drive and ended up hitting a deer, all while being uninsured. He had the opportunity to stop but didn’t apply the brakes in time. The car is now damaged, and the wheel well is rubbing against the tire, rendering it undriveable for long distances. Since there’s no insurance coverage, what steps can I take, and what can my friend do to resolve this situation?
Bought a car, friend drove it and hit a deer without insurance
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Here are some steps you both can take:
Discuss Responsibility: Talk to your friend about the incident. Since they were driving the car at the time, it’s important to discuss how to address the damages.
Document the Damage: Take clear photos of the damage to the car. This will be useful for any discussions with your friend and for potential repairs.
Get an Estimate for Repairs: Visit a mechanic to get an estimate for the repairs needed to fix the wheel well and any other damage. This will give you both a clearer idea of the costs involved.
Talk About Compensation: Given that your friend was driving and there was no insurance, it’s fair to discuss how they can help cover the repair costs. They might be willing to pay for the repairs or at least contribute to the expenses.
Consider Payment Plans: If your friend is unable to pay the full amount upfront, you could agree on a payment plan that works for both of you.
Learn from the Experience: Going forward, both of you should consider getting insurance on vehicles to protect against unexpected incidents.
Car Safety Check: Before taking the car back on the road, ensure all repairs are made and that the vehicle is safe to drive.
Ultimately, open communication is key to resolving this situation amicably.