About Timothy Alan Provis Expertise Any and all questions related to the practice of law in the United States including but not limited to questions about statutory, constitutional and administrative law
Experience 20 years doing appeals of all kinds
Organizations U.S. Supreme Court Bar
California Bar
Wisconsin Bar
Publications Wisconsin Defender
Education/Credentials B.A. University of Wisconsin 1974
J.D. Santa Clara University 1981
Misc Legal - Car (Corvette) purchased 7 years ago; now find that it has been wrecked.
Expert: Timothy Alan Provis - 6/1/2004
Question I purchased a 1994 Corvette in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in August 1997 from a reputable dealer of that area. After several people were looking at it, the subject came up that it may have been involved in a major accident. I told them that I have a signature from the dealer that the car was never in an accident. My friend got online and got a Carfax report that indicated this car was involved in 2 accidents. One was a rearend collision and another being a "Rollover" and it stated that both accidents resulted in "Minor to Moderate damage". It sounds to me that the paper they signed stating it was not involved in an accident is obviously not true. Is there anything I can do now?
Thank you
Answer Dear C.,
You do not state how you have suffered any monetary damage. The car is apparently still running without any difficulty and has been for the 7 years since you bought it. The dealer may not have known about these accidents, but if he/she/it did, how are you harmed if a) you paid a competitive price for the car and 2) it has not broken down or otherwise required an unusual amount of money for repairs?
The dealer's statement the car was not in an accident might legally be considered a warranty. So if something went wrong with the car that could be traced to these accidents, then you might be able to hold the dealer liable. But, again, if the car is running fine, where are your damages?
Yours,
Tim Provis
Cal. Bar No. 104800
Wis. Bar No. 1020123
legalpro@chorus.net
