Legal Question in Traffic Law in Virginia

Wrecked friend's car

An acquaintance of my family left his car at our house for my brother's use. I drove this car, (with only my brother knowing) left the emergency brake on, brakes heated up, locked up, and I hit a tree.

I alerted the owner immediately, he said he was not going to contact the police and he would look at the car later that evening.

It has since been 3 months and I have repaired damages I caused to the car. Now he is contacting me wanting me to pay for an inspection, a new battery, and for his wheels to be straightened. He has told me that at least one of the wheels was bent before I wrecked it and I do not believe that the accident caused the bending of the other wheels. He emailed me and said that I can either a) pay him $1000, b) fix the wheels, battery, and get it inspected, or c) he says he will take me to court and prosecute me to the full extent of the law for ''stealing'' his car and driving it without his permission/insurance.

What are my responsibilities? Whats the worst that could happen?


Asked on 5/25/09, 4:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Wrecked friend's car

Send him a letter explaining to him that in your judgment you have already taken care of the damages

you admittedly caused in the accident and that unless he can offer credible proof of further damages incurred from this accident, you'll see him in court. (And, furthermore, if your brother was given unrestricted use of this vehicle while it was in his care, he would also have had authority to give you permission to use it.)

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Answered on 5/28/09, 9:40 am


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