Month: December 2016

MGM successfully defended an area car dealer.  Webb sued the dealer over his trade in of a vehicle that was more than 10 years old when he traded it in, and he had originally purchased it used.  Webb sued the car dealer alleging fraudulent misrepresentation based on statements during the negotiations of the trade in as to whether the vehicle had a “salvage” title.  He also sued under the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act (“CPA”). Upon an immediate motion to dismiss the case, the trial court dismissed Webb’s claims ruling that Webb could not show both “that the defendant made a false statement and did so knowingly or recklessly.” The Court of Appeals affirmed.  Opinion, p. 6. “On the contrary, all evidence in the record indicates that the [car dealer’s] representation was truthful.” Id. The Court of Appeals further held that any purported “reliance” could not have been “reasonable” because the CarFax report presented to Webb during the negotiations, a “public service” concerning Webb’s own vehicle, revealed the salvage title brand. “While there may be no duty to investigate public records, one entering into a contract must exercise ordinary care for his protection.” Id. at p. 8. Moreover, the car dealer’s statement as to the value of the trade-in was an opinion and was therefore not actionable as fraud. Id. at 8-9. Finally, the Court of Appeals held that there were no unfair, false, misleading or deceptive acts in the negotiations between the parties and therefore the claim under the CPA was properly dismissed. Id. at p. 9.  See the December 16, 2016 Opinion here.