A Metro Vancouver Tesla owner has lost his bid for $5,000 reimbursement after he claimed the brand-new electric vehicle was damaged driving over an allegedly loose drain cover.
Mehmet Yapman told B.C. Civil Resolution Tribunal vice-chair Andrea Ritchie the EV was damaged after driving over an allegedly loose drain cover on property undisputedly owned by small claim suit respondent Third Estates Ltd.
He sought $3,500 for vehicle repairs, $500 as a refund for his insurance deductible and $1,000 in gas for having to drive a gas rental vehicle instead of using his EV.
Third Estates denies any issue with the drain cover and said Yapman drove on its property at his own risk. It denies owing Yapman any money.
Yapman said that on Aug. 4, 2021, he was dropping off a family member at their residence on property owned by Third Estates.
It was then that he drove over a loose drain cover that caused damaged to the car’s undercarriage.
“The problem for Mr. Mehmet is that he provided no documentary evidence in support of his claimed damages,” Ritchie said.
“I find Mr. Mehmet has not proven he is entitled to any compensation as a result of the vehicle’s damage,” Ritchie said in dismissing the claim. “Therefore, I find I do not need to consider whether Third Estates is legally responsible for the vehicle damage.”
