Indianapolis Test Drive Car Accident Lawyer

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Test drives allow potential buyers to test drive a vehicle before purchasing it. These relatively short rides help inform their decision by allowing them to see and feel how the car performs in everyday road conditions. Most buyers cite their experience during a test drive as a deciding factor when deciding whether to buy the vehicle.

Unfortunately, accidents sometimes happen during test drives. The incidents can be particularly overwhelming, given their unique nature. In addition to any injuries you suffer and the emotional burdens that crashes cause, understanding the legal ramifications of your accident can make the situation feel overwhelming.

As Indianapolis’s top car accident lawyer, we have helped numerous drivers successfully navigate the legal process following a test drive accident. We understand the laws governing these unique incidents are committed to protecting your rights. Our experience and resources help you achieve the justice you deserve following a test drive crash.

Test Drive Car Accidents Are Unique Legal Challenges

Legal complications arise from accidents during a test drive since issues extend beyond the usual questions of fault and liability. Due to their nature, test drive car accidents involve the interests of more parties than the typical crash, meaning multiple parties could potentially be liable. The drivers of the vehicles, the dealership, or even the manufacturer may be at fault for the incident.

Indiana’s modified comparative fault negligence rule adds another challenging dynamic to test drive car accidents. This state system allows accident victims to file claims for damages if they are less than 51 percent at fault for the crash. However, their compensation may be reduced by the percentage of time they are ruled at fault for the accident.

Accident victims who partner with an Indianapolis test drive car accident lawyer see significantly higher payouts for compensation than those who go at it alone. At Vaughn A. Wamsley, we handle complex legal matters to help you secure the compensation you deserve following an accident.

Our knowledge and experience allow you to focus on your physical and mental well-being as you recover.

What Causes of Test Drive Accidents?

Test-drive accidents occur for various reasons, including common causes of car accidents, such as failure to yield or speeding, and factors unique to test drives. Our experienced team knows what it takes to determine the causes of your accident so that we can hold all responsible parties accountable.

We’ve seen test drive accidents caused by factors including:

  • Inexperience with Features: Modern cars are full of advanced technology, which can be overwhelming and confusing for drivers unfamiliar with these features. Adaptive cruise control, lane-changing assistance, and other automated systems might cause drivers to make sudden and dangerous maneuvers.
  • Pressure from Dealership Staff: Sales personnel may encourage a driver to push the vehicle’s performance limits, including sudden acceleration and deceleration, speeding, and tight turns. These maneuvers increase the likelihood of an accident.
  • Negligence by Other Drivers: Test-drive accidents are also caused by the actions of other drivers, who cannot help the test driver avoid the collision. Reckless or distracted drivers frequently contribute to these crashes.
  • Mechanical Failures: If the test-driven vehicle isn’t adequately maintained, it may suffer parts failures that can lead to an accident. Faulty breaks, lights, and tires can lead to a crash. Dealerships must ensure their vehicles are in safe working conditions before customers take them on a test drive.

As a top-rated test drive car accident lawyer in Indianapolis, we understand that multiple factors often contribute to these accidents.

We thoroughly investigate your crash to determine which parties were responsible for your accident so that we can protect your rights. Based on our findings, we seek damages from all liable parties to maximize your compensation.

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Who Is Liable in a Test Drive Crash?

Determining liability in a test-drive car accident can be complicated due to the various parties involved. Only a thorough investigation can appropriately assess fault in such an accident. We make exhaustive efforts to hold all responsible parties accountable in these cases.

Potentially liable parties in test drive car accidents include:

  • The Test Driver: A test driver may be liable for damages if their negligence caused the accident. Driver negligence may include reckless driving, speeding, failure to yield, and distracted driving.
  • The Other Driver: The other driver’s negligence may cause collisions between the test driver and other motorists. These factors might include aggressive or reckless driving, speeding, failure to yield, or driving under the influence.
  • The Dealership: The dealership may be held responsible if it creates conditions that lead to a crash. Failure to maintain vehicles in safe working order or to have adequate insurance coverage can expose the dealership to liability. Additionally, the dealership may be at fault if it allows an unlicensed or intoxicated driver to test drive one of its vehicles.
  • The Vehicle Manufacturer: The vehicle manufacturer may be liable for damages caused by an accident if defective vehicle components contributed to the crash. Under Indiana product liability laws, manufacturers must ensure their parts are safe.

Vaughn A. Wamsley strives to achieve settlements and judgments that adequately compensate victims for their damages. We hold all responsible parties accountable to ensure you get the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

Indiana Laws For Test Drive Accidents

Indiana has several laws that are relevant to accidents involving test drivers. Our in-depth knowledge of these regulations allows us to protect your rights following a crash by holding all responsible parties accountable. Our team works tirelessly on your behalf to secure favorable outcomes.

Relevant laws for test drive car accidents include:

  • Insurance Coverage Law: Indiana requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. Failure to hold or have an insurance policy below the minimum required coverage creates additional legal ramifications for accident victims that an experienced car accident lawyer near me can assist with.
  • Duty of Care Laws: Motorists in Indiana owe a duty of care to other vehicles on the road to follow all traffic regulations, adjust for weather and road conditions, and take reasonable steps to avoid accidents.
  • Comparative Negligence System: Indiana’s modified comparative negligence system necessitates assistance from an Indiana test drive car accident lawyer to protect your legal rights and maximize your compensation.
  • Statute of Limitations: Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident, according to Indiana law. This deadline highlights the importance of contacting a skilled test drive car accident attorney in Indianapolis as soon as possible following a crash.
  • Compensation Available: Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.

As your test drive accident attorney, we help you navigate the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. Our experience and track record provide peace of mind, knowing top-rated lawyers handle your claim.

How Vaughn A. Wamsley Helps Accident Victims

Here at Vaughn A. Wamsley, we offer a personalized approach to every case. We understand that no two car accidents are the same, so we tailor our strategies to meet the individual needs of each client, who we treat as a member of our family.

Our comprehensive approach, which starts with getting to know you, ensures your claim is positioned for success. We take the time to learn how your accident impacted your life before thoroughly investigating the evidence from the crash to determine exactly how it occurred.

Based on our findings, we determine which parties were liable and calculate fair compensation to compensate you adequately for all your damages. We will then be fully equipped to advocate for justice and the compensation you deserve.

Our outstanding track record of achieving favorable outcomes through negotiations with insurance companies and litigation in court gives you confidence in our ability to achieve the desired results.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a test drive car accident, call us today for a free consultation. We are ready to help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.

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