I rented a jet ski for 9 hours at the beginning of the month (September 2025) from a local renter (not a business), transaction was made through Apple Pay. We met up at his house and took the ski from there. Signed paperwork. Took videos of the rental and was on my way. Upon return, the owner did the post-inspection everything checked out good, returned my deposit and we called it good. 10 minutes later the owner sends me a picture of a “crack he had found on the jetski”. In the picture you can’t see if it’s the specific jet ski I rented. He tells me he will bill me for the repair. 13 days later he sends me an invoice of $1,500 that he expects me to pay or will take me to court. I have no recollection of me hitting anything in order for it to be damaged. He’s offering to accept $1,000 and not pursue the case. Should I blindly pay the money or seek to defend myself in court? Location: California, USA