Having a friend pay for damages.

[Knot Waiting]

Our standard procedure for launching is that I back the boat in, jump into the boat and start it, then a friend operates the winch and once the boat is free, pulls the truck out. This saves time and doesn't tie up the launch. Well last weekend while my friend was parking the truck he didn't watch the trailer and smashed my boat trailer into someone else's. My fender is totaled and needs to be replaced (the other trailer was fine). He left a note for the other trailer owner and then walks up to me and says "I owe you a fender" and explains what happened. Is it wrong to let a friend pay for an accident? I really don't want to shell out $250 to repair my new trailer yet am slightly morally torn on the issue. What would you do?

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

If he wants to pay for it then let him. It sounds like he realizes it was his fault and its too small for an insurance claim.

$250 sounds crazy for a trailer fender though - might want to shop a bit.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

I think the price is crazy too. It's a polished aluminum tandem axle fender with diamond tread plate stamped in. A portion of the cost is to have UPS ship the bulky thing.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

I might be inclined to say forget about it since it was an accident. How about a compromise, since he's a friend, did the right thing by offering, and it was an accident that could happen to anyone:

You pay for parts, he gets the parts and gets it fixed (I buy you fly)--whether he does it himself or pays the labor at a shop. After all, the real "damage" is the inconvenience to you of having to go around getting it fixed.

 

[BoatDrinksQ5]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

I know where you are coming from. My bro jacked up the jack on my new trailer - because i felt bad about it since he was helping me put it away. I paid for a little bit of it (~20%). Plus i was able to get a better one for the same price as the replacement - so i felt like i got an upgrade out of the deal. Trailer jack wasn't bad plus an easy install.

 

[QC]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

Tough call. I like a split. If it was boat damage, I would suggest all on you. Trailer . . . seems like there is some responsibility if he agreed to help out. I'm still conflicted though. It's your thing, and it could be argued that he shouldn't have any financial responsibility for something I assume you invited him to participate in.

 

[duke33]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

Let him pay.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

If he offered to park the tow rig and trailer, then let him pay.

If you asked him to park it, then refuse his offer.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

If he offered to park the tow rig and trailer, then let him pay.

If you asked him to park it, then refuse his offer.

That sounds about right to me.

 

[mrbusdriver]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

I think I would split the cost and also have him come over and help put in on. Then have a beer and go fishing. Saves money and a friend.

 

[colding]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

If I were driving my friends truck and did the damage, I would feel responsible and insist on paying for it. No sense letting money issues come between friends.

 

[Part-time]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

If I were driving my friends truck and did the damage, I would feel responsible and insist on paying for it. No sense letting money issues come between friends.

what he said...

 

[erwinner]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

Sounds like a good friend. I'd tell him I really appreciate it and offer to meet in the middle. If I knew they were in a tight spot and we were good friends, I'd tell him not to think about it again. Good friends are worth the occasional $250 to me.

 

[hog88]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

It's all on you, it's your rig cap. Captains are responsible for everything your crew does or does not do.

It is refreshing that he offered to pay, you have a good friend.

 

[AviatorJim]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

Split it, and get him to buy the beer when you are swapping it out. Share the pain, it makes it easier on everyone.

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

It's all on you, it's your rig cap. Captains are responsible for everything your crew does or does not do.

It is refreshing that he offered to pay, you have a good friend.

I'm with the hog on this one. Besides, it's probably just a matter of time before you find yourself in a similar perdicament. :facepalm: I'm not trying to be a jerk by saying that, but I am saying that we all take our turn making mistakes. You buddy was up front with you. Seldom will you ever regret cutting someone else a little slack when it truely was an honest mistake. Don't let a few bucks come between you and your friend.

 

[catfishcarl99]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

i agree on the split. he was with you BUT he did the damage. 50-50. have a beer and say thanks for helping with it. like when you go on a long trip and split the gas.

 

[2ndtry]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

http://www.boattrailerpartssuperstore.com/product_p/44355.htm

Just sayin'

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

Your truck, your boat, and your trailer... and your fault for letting him drive it. You shouldn't take his money.

No one drives my truck or operates my boat for this very reason, if anything happens I want it to be because of me and not someone else.

 

[oregoncruiser]

Re: Having a friend pay for damages.

I wouldn't take his money.