So, you’ve found a car you think is decent and is within your price range. It can be tempting to snatch that opportunity while it’s there since good vehicles tend to go quickly. However, you need to know a few legal items before getting the keys so that you don’t contribute to a Las Vegas car accident.
Five Easy Steps to Take
Though documenting a car crash in Las Vegas is relatively easy, finding that documentation may not always be as easy as it looks. While laws govern the information that a car dealer must give you before purchase, that doesn’t stop unscrupulous dealers from selling you a car they know could well create a car accident Las Vegas.
There are five easy steps you can take before buying a car. Though a few of these will cost a bit of money, we can’t overemphasize how important these steps are to take for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
1. Get a CarFax report. This is a step many people skip because of the fee. Some dealers offer CarFax reports for free, and others don’t. Either way, make sure you get a full description. If there are red flags, such as multiple accidents, the car isn’t worth your time. Especially if it’s a salvage title, you should run, not walk, away from that purchase!
2. There’s a government website that keeps track of vehicles that insurance companies and people have reported as totaled or salvaged. The check does cost money, but it’s usually between $5 and $6 per check, so it’s well worth doing so.
3. Check for safety recalls at this link. You’ll need the VIN of the car first, but this step costs nothing. You’ll need to make your own judgment regarding what information comes back. For example, many vehicles have small safety recalls that manufacturers completely fund to make the car safe. In that case, you could choose to buy the car still and bring it to a repair shop and have it done for free. However, if it’s a more major safety recall, that’d be a reason to walk away from the deal. You could avoid causing injuries in a Las Vegas car accident due to improper and dangerous equipment.
4. Have a trusted mechanic look over the car. Again, even though documenting a car crash in Las Vegas is easy enough, many people do not record collisions for various reasons. However, a seasoned mechanic will be able to do their own assessment of the vehicle and give you an opinion of their take on the car. This should always be a mechanic you choose and not a mechanic the dealer knows or uses.
5. Always take a car for an extensive test drive before committing to anything. Drive it on roads with a variety of speed limits. If you’re going to go on rural interstates, find a route with a 75 mph or 80 mph speed limit and operate the car on it. Unscrupulous dealers will often “suggest” roads to take that they know have very low speed limits or will mask problems the vehicle has.
What Does the Dealer Need to Tell Me?
Even though some of this information is vital for a prospective car buyer to know, very few dealers wish to divulge it out of an interest to turn a profit. However, if there’s a legal problem in the future, it’s critical to know what the dealer should tell you. Knowing this could help prevent a car accident Las Vegas and help you pass the legal blame onto the dealer if you aren’t given this information at the time you buy the car.
Per Nevada state law, if a car has 75,000 miles or more, a dealer must have a fairly in-depth inspection of the drivetrain. They must put, in writing, all defects and safety issues that were found during this inspection. If any information is omitted in this report, or you don’t get a report, you may have a legal case to get your money back if there’s a problem later with the car.
Just as you are subjected to common law’s “duty of care” when operating a motor vehicle, dealers are subjected to the duty of care when they inspect and sell cars. It is not legal for a dealer to sell you a rebuilt vehicle that was wrecked or totaled before without notifying you in writing.
Depending on the circumstances, you’ll need to reach out to the Nevada DMV and file a formal complaint if you find out that a dealer has not given you this information. Even if you’re able to reach an amicable agreement with the dealer, keep in mind that they will continue to do this type of thing until they are caught.
If You’ve Been in a Las Vegas Car Accident
Did a car crash Las Vegas happen due to omitted information by a dealer who had the duty to inform you? Did a vehicle die prematurely because you weren’t told about critical safety information? Even if you aren’t sure if you were entitled to the report, it’s safest to reach out to an attorney.
The Schnitzer Law Firm has been around the block regarding these issues and would be more than happy to have agents standing by to help you. Just use our chat box or contact form, call us at 702-960-4050, or email us today!