Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California
Damage to Car from Bike Repair cost
My 7 yr old daughter ran her bike into a parked car. The car suffered a scratch on the hood and side along with a small dent. The owners want us to pay for the panels to be removed and repainted at a cost of $1000.00. We want to give them $200 to get the scratches touched up. The car was parked on the street and is six years old. If they take us to small claims who wins?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Damage to Car from Bike Repair cost
It sounds like the owners want you to pay to have the whole vehicle repainted. If they take you to small claims court, they will have to prove that they are doing what is reasonable to repair the damage your daughter caused. Although no one has a crystal ball, I rather doubt a court would require you to pay $1,000.00 to repair a small dent and scratch in a six-year old car.
Re: Damage to Car from Bike Repair cost
Can you take photos of the car and go to a reputable repair shop to find out what they'd charge? Get it in writing, and bring it to court if need be. You'd lose in court, but the question is how much you'd be obligated to pay.
Re: Damage to Car from Bike Repair cost
If you have homeowners or renters insurance you may want to report this to them. They can handle it and their adjusters have experience negotiating these things.
I obviously can not see the scratch, but I remember last year, a small scratch without a dent on my car cost well over $300. And I don't even have an expensive car. $1000 doesn�t sound far fetched. A small claims judge may be convinced that it is worth that much.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
