Deer Accident/Body Damage Questions

Hey guys, looking for some help/opinions again.

For the last two months I have been working out of town. Being that my company gave me a truck to drive while I work, a buddy of mine volunteered for me to leave my truck at his place (I live in the city, i.e. lack of parking). Although we never discussed it, I had assumed that the truck was going to sit in his driveway during my time away, with the occasional start or ride around the block. Earlier this evening, I received a phone call from him informing me that he had hit a deer on his way home from the bar. I have not seen the damage yet, but he assures me it is minimal due to my 3" lift.

So my questions for you guys are:

1. Stating the obvious, I should review the damage. Should there be anything specific I look for, other than the visibly apparent?

2. Given that I never gave direct permission to drive the vehicle, and I was not in the vehicle at the time of the incident. Who's insurance would this fall under?

3. Assuming the damage isn't earth shattering, could it be cheaper for me to buy after market parts (i.e. bumper) and upgrade my truck for cheaper than returning it to factory?

Thanks guys, any input would be great.

 

That would piss me off so much. You never gave permission and who in their right mind thinks they can drive someone else's car on the way home from drinking. If it's possible, let their insurance deal with this. I'd pay extra attention to the frame. Have it professionally looked at. A deer hit at any speed is gonna do damage.

 

Implicitly gave permission for buddy to drive the vehicle by surrendering the keys and allowing it to be parked at his buddy's property.

OP's insurance would probably be involved, not the buddy's insurance.

 

I'm not sure how to handle it because we never really discussed him driving it. I assumed that it was implied.

I figure I'm going to be stuck under some sort liability for that exact reason.

I don't know if he was drinking, but he did send me picture messages from a bar less than an hour before the incident.

I'm headed home for the holiday tomorrow, so I'll get a chance to check things out.

 

Deer ran in the side of my truck 3 years ago, $6,000 in damage. Damage cost can vary, it all depends where the deer collided.

 

Yeah, I figure that much. Without being able to see it for myself, I'm purely guestimating on the costs/damage. He was very adamant that the damage is minimal, but with the slight lift I have concerns about the undercarriage.

At the very least, I know the bumper and fog light are toast. Could it be cheaper to get an after market (metal/guard) bumper and install it myself, over having a new fog light and painted factory replacement bumper installed?

 

Best of luck, I hope your damage is minimal.

 

Thanks

 

The bar part is concerning. He could be charged with a DUI if there was any proof, like bar CCTV or something. I'd recommend consulting a lawyer under the circumstances.

 

I've known him for awhile and we are very good friends, but I guess I'm just surprised by all of this. I feel somewhat at fault for not making things more clear, but on the other hand as a good friend I would sort of expect him not to be taking my truck out for leisure.

I'm not looking for any trouble with him, because I believe it was an honest mistake, but I'm also a little disappointed and unsure on how to handle something of this nature.

 

I see.

I'm not sure what the laws are there, but in California damages totaled over $750 (more than likely with deer damage) must be reported to the DMV and insurance.
Definitely read into this website, it says that "Depending on your state, if you did NOT give permission for the excluded driver to take your car, you might not be held liable for damages."

 

Ideally his friend should own up to it and pay for the repairs himself, total shitty move driving the truck without permission...especially to and from a bar. Hopefully a lawyer doesn't become a necessity, but I agree that route should be taken if his 'buddy' doesn't step up to the plate.

 

That link doesn't work for me.

 

Tough call man, hope it works out for the best!

 

Fixed, my b. I blame the excessive turkey in my system.

 

Thanks for the support guys. I feel like I need it right now.

 

Interesting link. Seems to confirm that permission was actually given, because the key was surrendered voluntarily.

http://www.dmv.org/insurance/when-another-driver-has-an-accident-in-your-car.php

 

Interesting. I guess it depends on what is considered permission.

Suppose you forgot your keys somewhere and said person wrecked your vehicle. I wonder what would happen then.

Another interesting bit on that site, if someone is intoxicated and driving your vehicle, you can be liable.

 

Jeez this is sure a cluster. Sit down and talk to your friend first, if he gives you any trouble you really should consult a lawyer. It might be a better option.

 

Probably one of the first questions asked, is how your buddy got your keys. If he found or stole them, it is probably considered theft. If you gave him the keys, that probably will mean you gave permission.

Be interesting how things are actually determined in your case.