pushed into friend's dad's car, how liable?

golson · #1 02-07-2005, 02:56 PM

What is the name of your state? PA

I was out drinking one night with some friends, one of which stayed sober and drove us in his father's car. After leaving a bar, we went to a pizza place, outside of which a friend and myself began to shove eachother and fake fight in a playful manner. I was pushed and lost my balance falling into my friend's dad's car, leaving a dent the size of a fist in the door panel (the car is a "newish" Volvo under warranty and lease). Feeling responsible my friend and i told our other friend we would help pay for damages. This was in the late fall. Now in early February, his dad finally got an estimate from his Volvo dealership (the only place he wants to get the car taken care of, I asked him about looking for cheaper estimates, he said no dice) for $1200. This seems completely unreasonable. How liable am I in this case? I don't care if this strains any friendships, I can't pay that much.

HomeGuru · #2 02-07-2005, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golson

What is the name of your state? PA

I was out drinking one night with some friends, one of which stayed sober and drove us in his father's car. After leaving a bar, we went to a pizza place, outside of which a friend and myself began to shove eachother and fake fight in a playful manner. I was pushed and lost my balance falling into my friend's dad's car, leaving a dent the size of a fist in the door panel (the car is a "newish" Volvo under warranty and lease). Feeling responsible my friend and i told our other friend we would help pay for damages. This was in the late fall. Now in early February, his dad finally got an estimate from his Volvo dealership (the only place he wants to get the car taken care of, I asked him about looking for cheaper estimates, he said no dice) for $1200. This seems completely unreasonable. How liable am I in this case? I don't care if this strains any friendships, I can't pay that much.

**A: Are you an adult or minor? In any case, tell your friend to sue you.

golson · #3 02-07-2005, 03:15 PM

I'm 23. Though i said i don't mind straining friendships, perhaps that was a bit rash, as I don't want to dump all of this on the kid who pushed me.

#4 02-07-2005, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golson

I'm 23. Though i said i don't mind straining friendships, perhaps that was a bit rash, as I don't want to dump all of this on the kid who pushed me.

After leaving a bar, we went to a pizza place, outside of which a friend and myself began to shove eachother and fake fight in a playful manner. I was pushed and lost my balance falling into my friend's dad's car, leaving a dent the size of a fist in the door panel (the car is a "newish" Volvo under warranty and lease).

Either you pay the whole thing or ask your other friend to half and half.

HomeGuru · #5 02-07-2005, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seniorjudge

After leaving a bar, we went to a pizza place, outside of which a friend and myself began to shove eachother and fake fight in a playful manner. I was pushed and lost my balance falling into my friend's dad's car, leaving a dent the size of a fist in the door panel (the car is a "newish" Volvo under warranty and lease).

Either you pay the whole thing or ask your other friend to half and half.

**A: yup, that's deserving punishment for adults acting like kids and irresponsible drinkers.

golson · #6 02-07-2005, 03:42 PM

Why on earth would I pay the whole thing? I assume you mean to halve it with the kid who pushed me. And why on earth is $1200 a deserving punishment?! Does his dad have the right to fix the car anywhere he wants, even though I can find numerous places that would fix it for HUNDREDS less?

#7 02-07-2005, 03:50 PM

Why on earth would I pay the whole thing?
It is not a matter of wanting. Google joint several liability

Does his dad have the right to fix the car anywhere he wants, even though I can find numerous places that would fix it for HUNDREDS less?
You caused the damage; dad gets to pick who fixes it.

golson · #8 02-07-2005, 04:05 PM

ugh! Thanks.

Lynx 36 · #9 02-08-2005, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by golson

Why on earth would I pay the whole thing? I assume you mean to halve it with the kid who pushed me. And why on earth is $1200 a deserving punishment?! Does his dad have the right to fix the car anywhere he wants, even though I can find numerous places that would fix it for HUNDREDS less?

I would offer to pay half as you weren't the only one that caused it. Tell him to go after the other guy f/ half as well. If he doesn't agree then let him take you to small claims court. Tell your story to the judge and that you offered to pay half. Tell the judge you were pushed into the car by someone. This should relieve you of half the burden. Small claims courts also take common sense into a ruling along w/ the law to make their decision so you should be OK here.

teflon_jones · #10 02-08-2005, 12:37 PM

In my opinion, you're only 50% liable for the damages since both you and your friend knowingly and consenstually engaged in the behavior that caused it. The father has the right to get his car fixed wherever he wants, and while $1200 seems a bit high, it's not astronomical. Pay him 1/2 the money, and tell him he needs to go after your friend for the other half.