If I had an auto accident in a relative’s vehicle, do I have to pay the full cost of the damages or the price of the value of the vehicle?
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If I had an auto accident in a relative’s vehicle, do I have to pay the full cost of the damages or the price of the value of the vehicle?
The vehicle was damaged and I agreed to pay for the damages, however the cost of damages are more than the Kelly Blue Book value of the vehicle.
Asked on February 14, 2015 under Accident Law, Maryland
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
You can agree to pay whatever you and the relative work out between yourselves. If you were sued and lost, you would have to pay the lesser of the repair cost of the current fair market (Blue Book) value--that is, if the car would cost more to repair than it's worth, you'd pay what it's worth. You can use that as a touchstone in determining what to pay.
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