Before purchasing a new car, many consumers opt to take it for a test drive. This is an opportunity to narrow down your choices and decide whether the vehicle is a good fit for you and your family.
While taking a car for a test drive is standard practice before making a decision, what happens if something goes wrong on the road? You may not like how a car rides, notice odd noises or be involved in a car accident.
When the unexpected happens, it is crucial to understand who’s responsible and how to proceed. A car accident lawyer can guide you through the complexities of navigating a car accident that occurs during a test drive.
Determining Fault for a San Antonio Car Accident During a Test Drive
When a car accident occurs during a test drive, it is crucial to determine who was at fault for the collision. The party whose negligence or wrongdoing caused the test-driving accident is responsible for it. Texas is an at-fault state for car accidents. This means the at-fault party can be held responsible for the accident victim’s damages.
Multiple parties may be at fault for a collision that occurs during a test drive in San Antonio, Texas.
Potentially at-fault parties for a car accident during a test drive include the following:
- The person test-driving the vehicle
- The salesperson
- A dealership
- Car manufacturers
- Parts manufacturers
- Motorists
- Motorcyclists
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Trucking company
- Transit company
- Passengers
Texas is a modified comparative negligence state that apportions a percentage of responsibility to each party involved in the collision. The amount of fault assigned to the injured party can significantly impact the damages recoverable.
Damages May be Available for a Car Accident that Occurs During a Test Drive
San Antonio car accident lawyers declare that when a car accident occurs during a test drive, you may be able to recover damages for the financial and emotional losses you endure due to the at-fault party’s conduct.
The following economic damages may be available:
- Lost wages
- Future medical expenses
- Current medical expenses
- Property damage
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
The following non-economic damages may be available:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Depression
- Diminished quality of life
If you were injured in a car accident during a test drive, the at-fault party might be responsible for your economic and non-economic damages.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Car Accident During a Test Drive
Car accidents that occur during a test drive can be particularly complicated to handle. However, knowing what to expect can help you be better prepared for what’s to come.
Take the following steps after a car accident that occurs during a test drive in San Antonio:
- Notify law enforcement that an accident occurred
- Get medical help immediately
- Exchange insurance information and contact details with the other parties involved
- Document what occurred at the accident scene, note the weather conditions and the salesperson’s information
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene and visible injuries
- Gather witness statements and contact information
- Inform the insurance company of the accident
- Consult a car accident attorney
Car accident scenes are often chaotic. However, it is essential to avoid admitting fault for the collision. More than one person may be responsible for the accident. Speak with a personal injury attorney before providing a recorded statement to the insurance company or car dealership.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You After a Collision During a Test Drive
You don’t have to navigate the aftermath of a collision during a test drive by yourself. It can be challenging to identify who is responsible for your accident and injuries while focusing on healing. A car accident attorney can make this trying time more manageable for you.
