I recently purchased a car, and my friend took it for a drive and unfortunately hit a deer. He had a chance to brake but didn’t, which resulted in damage to the car, particularly with the wheel well rubbing against the tire. Now, I can’t drive it far. To make matters worse, I didn’t have insurance on the vehicle. What options do I have, and what can my friend do to help make this situation right?
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 can take to try to resolve the issue:
Talk to Your Friend: Have an open conversation with your friend about the accident. It’s important to express your feelings and discuss the impact of the damage.
Assess the Damage: Get a clear understanding of the damage done to the car. You may want to visit a mechanic to get a professional assessment and estimate for repairs.
Discuss Compensation: Since your friend was driving and the accident was caused by his decision not to brake, it would be reasonable to ask him to cover the costs of repairs. If he’s unable to pay upfront, you could discuss a payment plan.
Check for Other Insurance Options: If your friend has any type of personal insurance (like homeowner’s or renters insurance), he might want to check if it covers accidents like this.
Explore Repair Options: Depending on the extent of the damage, you might consider small repair shops for potentially lower costs. Sometimes, minor adjustments can solve the rubbing issue without extensive repairs.
Learn from the Experience: Going forward, consider getting comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle, which could help protect against future incidents.
Legal Advice: If you’re unable to reach an agreement with your friend, you could consider seeking legal advice to explore your options.
It’s tough to deal with accidents like this, but open communication and a focus on solutions can help.