Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Borrowed vehicle breaks down, who pays?

My sister in law loaned her van to us to use for a few days while we looked for a new vehicle. While driving to work, one of the belts on the van broke and it seems the water pump also went out. These are parts that only go out through wear and being old. When discussing repairs we were demanded to pay for repairs in full however the parts that broke were never replaced or maintained since she brought the vehicle and were just old. The van has about 190,000 miles on it. From the beginning wee offered to pay half of the expenses because we were in possession of it, however she's put the most wear and tear on it. Who should pay for this repair?


Asked on 9/13/05, 11:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Borrowed vehicle breaks down, who pays?

You are not legally responsible because the damage was not caused by your negligence. You're being generous in offering to bear half the cost considering the breakdown was due to the belt wearing out. I assume, of course, that you were not driving in an inappropriate manner that would have enhanced the likelihood of the belt breaking.

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Answered on 9/14/05, 9:47 am


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