According to a recent report from WSB-TV 2 in Atlanta, as the price of used cars increases, so does the risk of odometer fraud. Odometer fraud occurs when someone turns the odometer on the vehicle back, making the vehicle appear to have less mileage in order to attract a higher price from buyers. Josh Ingle from Atlanta Speedometer showed the Channel 2 investigator news team how the car’s odometer can be set back — even tens of thousands of miles — in a matter of seconds, and new buyers won’t even realize it. Studies indicate that Georgia ranks 7th in the country for odometer fraud, and Carfax estimates that the state has about 65,000 vehicles with rolled-back odometers.
As noted by a spokesperson from Carfax, the equipment needed to reprogram the computer to reflect lower mileage on the odometer cost around $10,000 a few years ago, but only costs a few hundred dollars now. Those committing odometer fraud receive an average of around $4,000 per car. Individuals buying used vehicles are encouraged not only to get a report on the vehicle from Carfax, but also to take it to a trusted mechanic for an inspection before purchasing in order to look for indications that the vehicle is a lot more worn than its mileage indicates it should be.
As Georgia does not have a lemon law to protect buyers from being out thousands of dollars due to a defective vehicle, buyers not only face expensive repairs but also safety hazards resulting from overly worn vehicle parts. Drivers who lose control of their vehicles and cause accidents as a result of improper maintenance can be liable for injuries and property damage caused to others.
If you were injured in an accident caused by another driver’s vehicle defects, our experienced accident attorney can help you understand the process of seeking compensation for the expenses and impacts of your injury. Contact Cambre & Associates for a free case evaluation.