I recently purchased a car, and unfortunately, a friend was driving it when he hit a deer and didn’t have insurance. He had an opportunity to brake but didn’t take it. Now, the car is damaged, and the wheel well is rubbing against the tire, making it undriveable for long distances. Since there’s no insurance on the car, what can I do, and how can he 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 and your friend can consider taking to address the issue:
Assess the Damage: Take photos of the damage to document everything. This will be helpful for any repairs and discussions about responsibility.
Estimate Repair Costs: Get a few quotes from mechanics to assess how much it will cost to fix the damage. This can give you a clearer idea of what needs to be done.
Discuss with Your Friend: Have a conversation with your friend about the incident. Since it was their decision not to brake, they may feel responsible for the damages. Talk about how you both can come to a reasonable agreement.
Financial Agreement: If your friend is willing, you could work out a payment plan or a one-time payment to cover some or all of the repair costs, depending on what is manageable for them.
Consider Repair Options: Sometimes, a less expensive temporary fix is possible, like adjusting the wheel well to prevent rubbing until you can afford full repairs.
Insurance: In the future, consider getting insurance or looking into coverage options that could help in similar situations.
Legal Advice: If you can’t come to an agreement, you might consider seeking legal advice, especially if significant expenses are involved.
It’s important to communicate openly and find a solution that works for both of you. Good luck!