When cars are damaged by a hurricane or flood, some of those vehicles end up back on the market. The cars are bought by unsuspecting buyers who have no idea that the vehicle suffered water damage. As a result, the buyers might be exposed to contaminants like mold, sewage water and E. coli. The car could have other complications like broken air bags, malfunctioning seat belts, brakes that stop working or an engine that stops in the middle of the highway.
How can people avoid buying vehicles with water damage?
To avoid buying a potentially water-damaged vehicle, buyers should always shop from a reputable car dealership. Before signing the contract, they should inspect the car for water damage and look for rust inside the vehicle. They should also check the car’s history to see if it came from a flood-damaged area.
When buying a car, most people should avoid auctions and private sellers. Buyers can ask the seller if the vehicle has flood damage, but they might not get an honest answer. If they find out that the seller knowingly sold them a damaged car, they might wish to speak with an attorney who deals in auto dealer fraud.
How should a buyer proceed if they were sold a damaged car?
If a car dealer knowingly sold an individual a damaged or defective car, the buyer might wish to hire an attorney. Some dealers refuse to pay for repairs even if the car was covered under a warranty. They might also hide the car’s defects until the buyer has already signed the contract. If this happens, the individual may be able to launch a lawsuit against the car dealership. An attorney may be able to negotiate for fair compensation from the dealership.