Most consumers who are in the market for a car will perform a test drive before purchasing the car. Test drive accidents are rare, but it’s easy to see how they could happen. After all, you’re driving an unfamiliar car with unfamiliar handling. It can be easy to get distracted when trying to test all the features of the car while driving. Of course, another driver could strike your test drive vehicle due to their own negligence.
You may wonder, “Who is responsible for a car accident during a test drive?” This article will tell you what you need to know. For more information about your legal rights after a car accident, visit this website.
Liability for a Test Drive Car Accident
Test drive accidents are just like other car accidents. The party who causes the crash is ultimately liable for damagesafter the accident.
The following parties could be responsible for a test drive car accident:
– The test driver
– Another driver
– The dealer/seller
– The manufacturer of the car (if mechanical failures caused the accident)
The at-fault party will be responsible for compensating victims for their economic damages, including property damage, medical bills, lost income, and other financial losses. They will also be liable for the victims’ non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Insurance and Test Drives
In all likelihood, an insurance company for the at-fault driver will cover the damages related to a test drive accident. If you caused the accident, your insurance coverage will compensate any injured parties pursuant to your Property Damage Liability and Bodily Injury Liability coverage. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance will be liable for the crash.
Car dealerships typically have some business or fleet insurance for cars in their inventory. If the dealer was somehow responsible for the test drive wreck, this insurance policy will kick in and cover damages to the other parties.
What Happens if the Vehicle Was Owned By a Private Seller?
If you wreck a vehicle during a test drive and that vehicle is owned by a private seller, the insurance for the seller maycover the damages. Whether the accident is covered will depend on the terms and limits of the policy.
Your own auto insurance company may also provide coverage if you get into an accident while test-driving a vehicle owned by a private seller. Your insurance will need to have a provision stating you are covered by the policy when driving someone else’s vehicle.
What to Do After a Test Drive Accident
If you get into a car accident while test-driving a vehicle, you should take the same steps you would take after a traditional car accident.
At a minimum, you should:
- Contact 911 to report the accident and request EMS if necessary
- Exchange insurance and contact information with other party’s involved in the crash
- Take pictures and videos of the scene of the car accident
- Seek prompt medical attention to ensure you receive treatment for visible and hidden injuries
- Contact an experienced car accident lawyer to determine whether you have a personal injury claim.
The best way to determine whether your insurance (or another party’s insurance) covers your losses after a test drive accident is to contact a personal injury lawyer. An injury attorney can help you assess your rights and options, gather evidence of your losses, and navigate all other aspects of your claim. Most car accident attorneys offer free consultations, so there is no financial obligation to get legal advice.
