World · North America · 2 hrs ago
Customer must pay Hope dealership CA$17,182 after Corvette test-drive crash
Kirby Sewell must pay a Hope, British Columbia, dealership CA$17,182.23 after a court dismissed his appeal.
The dispute began on June 12, 2024, when Sewell crashed a Corvette during a test drive from Gardner Chevrolet Buick GMC.
He struck a concrete barrier at a truck stop, and the dealership spent about CA$10,000 on repairs before selling the car for CA$115,000.
A 2025 judgment held Sewell responsible for repair costs, the car’s reduced value and interest.
Sewell argued that the law treated him as a dealership employee because the dealership had allowed him to drive the car.
The judge rejected that argument, saying the law was intended to protect third parties, not drivers from their own negligence.
The appeal’s dismissal leaves the original payment order in place.
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge dismissed Kirby Sewell’s appeal over a Corvette he damaged during a test drive.
Sewell remains liable to Gardner Chevrolet Buick GMC in Hope for CA$17,182.23 under a 2025 ruling.
The incident happened on June 12, 2024, when Sewell struck a concrete barrier at a Flying J truck stop.
The dealership spent about CA$10,000 repairing the car and later sold it for CA$115,000 after disclosing the damage.
The judge rejected Sewell’s argument that he should be treated as a dealership employee under Section 86 of British Columbia’s Motor Vehicle Act.
- Who
- Kirby Sewell and Gardner Chevrolet Buick GMC, a dealership in Hope, British Columbia.
- What
- Sewell’s appeal of a ruling requiring him to pay the dealership CA$17,182.23 was dismissed.
- When
- The crash occurred on June 12, 2024; the appeal was dismissed on October 8, 2026.
- Where
- At a Flying J truck stop during a test drive near Hope, British Columbia.
- Why
- The court upheld the finding that Sewell was responsible for the dealership’s losses after damaging the Corvette.
Kirby Sewell
Gardner Chevrolet Buick GMC and the court
Liability
Kirby Sewell
Sewell argued he had driven with the dealership’s consent and should be treated as its employee under Section 86 of the Motor Vehicle Act.
Gardner Chevrolet Buick GMC and the court
The court found Sewell personally responsible for the damage and the dealership’s financial losses.
Legal interpretation
Kirby Sewell
Sewell argued the law meant he was not personally liable as a driver authorized by the dealership.
Gardner Chevrolet Buick GMC and the court
Justice Caldwell rejected that interpretation, saying the provision was intended to protect innocent third parties, not a negligent driver.
Sewell took the Corvette for a test drive and struck a concrete barrier at a Flying J truck stop.
A trial judge found Sewell responsible for the dealership’s financial losses and ordered him to pay CA$17,182.23.
The British Columbia Supreme Court dismissed Sewell’s appeal.
- Amount owed
- CA$17,182.23
- Dealership
- Gardner Chevrolet Buick GMC, Hope, British Columbia
- Vehicle’s anticipated price
- CA$121,000
- Repair cost
- Approximately CA$10,000
- Resale price
- CA$115,000
3 sources
What people are saying
The intent of the legislation is to protect innocent third parties in necessary situations. It is not intended to protect a negligent driver from their own negligence.
Counsel for the appellant was unable to provide any case authority for his suggested interpretation of this section of the MVA,