Trailer wheel fell off - who's to blame?
Discussion
Asking on behalf of a mate...my wheels haven't fallen off!!
Yesterday on the way home from a drifting event, my friend's trailer wheel fell off, bounced down the road and was brought to a sudden halt by another motorist. The wheel bearing failed. Castle nut and split pin left on the hub along with the inner race and bearing parts, brake drum and wheel nuts still on the wheel and the brake internals scattered and destroyed. Photo evidence of this was taken.
All four trailer wheel bearings were replaced at once, two months ago, and the trailer has only had two outings since. Regardless of who fitted bearings (I think my mate did them himself - they aren't exactly a specialist job), who should take the blame. Insurance details have been exchanged, but I think blame (and therefore the damaged motorist's costs plus repairs) should fall to the bearing supplier or manufacturer. Any advice on how to proceed? I have advised him to use tact and diplomacy, but should he contact his insurers first thing in the morning, or wait out for the suppliers?
Yesterday on the way home from a drifting event, my friend's trailer wheel fell off, bounced down the road and was brought to a sudden halt by another motorist. The wheel bearing failed. Castle nut and split pin left on the hub along with the inner race and bearing parts, brake drum and wheel nuts still on the wheel and the brake internals scattered and destroyed. Photo evidence of this was taken.
All four trailer wheel bearings were replaced at once, two months ago, and the trailer has only had two outings since. Regardless of who fitted bearings (I think my mate did them himself - they aren't exactly a specialist job), who should take the blame. Insurance details have been exchanged, but I think blame (and therefore the damaged motorist's costs plus repairs) should fall to the bearing supplier or manufacturer. Any advice on how to proceed? I have advised him to use tact and diplomacy, but should he contact his insurers first thing in the morning, or wait out for the suppliers?
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