what kind of lawyer deals with car problems

by Oswaldo Hodkiewicz 9 min read

If an individual is considering filing a defective car repair lawsuit, a vehicle attorney can help. It may be possible to recover damages for faulty repairs.Feb 23, 2021

Full Answer

When to hire an auto insurance lawyer?

  • Liability is not clear or is shared between parties, or there’s a dispute over who is at-fault
  • You have no idea how to evaluate your claim (say, if you have a previous injury or previous damage to your vehicle, or other things that could complicate your claim)
  • The insurance company’s adjuster is requesting medical records from before the accident

More items...

When to hire a lawyer after a car accident?

When should you hire a lawyer for a car accident?

  • Having a lawyer can increase your compensation. ...
  • A legal misstep will affect your compensation. ...
  • There are no drawbacks to talking to a lawyer. ...
  • You are up against the insurance company not the at-fault driver. ...
  • Timing is important in a car accident case. ...
  • Latest Posts

When do you need to hire a car accident lawyer?

When to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

  • FLORIDA. Retaining a competent and experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible is vital if you are injured in a wreck.
  • ALABAMA. When do you need to hire an auto accident lawyer? ...
  • ARIZONA. ...
  • CALIFORNIA. ...
  • GEORGIA. ...
  • ILLINOIS. ...
  • INDIANA. ...
  • LOUISIANA. ...
  • MASSACHUSETTS. ...
  • NORTH DAKOTA. ...

More items...

What is the best car accident lawyer?

  • The negligent driver’s employer
  • Municipalities if the road is in bad condition or street lights aren’t functional
  • Other drivers on the road
  • Auto manufacturers if a faulty part caused an accident
  • Your own insurance company (if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage)

image

What happens when a mechanic misdiagnosed?

PSA: If a shop misdiagnoses your car and makes a repair that fails to fix the problem, they're obligated to correct their mistake. Disclaimer: You HAVE to request and pay for diagnosis for this to be valid.

How do I sue a car dealership in Texas?

Filing a ComplaintFor the fastest processing of your complaint, go to the Motor Vehicle Dealer Online Complaint System.Following the directions, provide a copy of the sales contract and other documents you may have received from the dealer.More items...

Can I sue a car dealership for lying in NJ?

The answer to this scenario is relatively simple. Since the car dealership does business on a regular basis in New Jersey you can Sue them in New Jersey. Under these set of facts your residence or location is almost completely irrelevant and you would be permitted to sue this core dealership in the state of New Jersey.

How do I sue a mechanic in Texas?

You can contact the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org, for help negotiating with the repair shop. Or, bring a lawsuit under the DTPA in small claims court for up to $10,000* for the repairs and other damages such as tow costs, storage fees, and car rental.

Can you return a used car if it has problems?

âś“ A consumer who has bought a 2nd hand vehicle that exhibits defects within a period of 6 months of buying it, has a right in terms of the CPA to return the vehicle to the dealership for repair or replacement of faulty components or a refund of money paid for the vehicle. it.

Can I return a used car to a dealership in Texas?

Under Texas Law, you do not have 3 days to cancel the purchase like you may with some transactions the dealer is required to register and title the vehicle in your name within 30 days, regardless of if you owe money on the vehicle to the dealer or another financier.

What can I do if a car dealer ripped me off?

File an official complaintIf you have concerns about false advertising, you can report the dealership to the Federal Trade Commission.If there was a problem with your contract or your loan terms, report the dealer to the consumer protection office in your state.More items...•

What happens when a car salesman lies?

If your dealership outright lies to you, you may be able to sue for common law fraud. Although state law varies, you generally need to establish the following: The dealer made a false representation of a past or present material fact. The dealer knew their representation was false or was ignorant of its truth.

How do you know if a dealership is lying?

What kind of lies do dealers tell?The dealer tells you that you have to buy GAP or a Vehicle Service Contract or any other product to get financing. ... The dealer tells you that you have to use its financing. ... The dealer tells you “it doesn't matter” what you put down for your income when you apply for a loan.

What does the Bureau of Automotive Repair do?

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), serves Californians through effective regulation of the automotive repair and Smog Check industry.

Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?

You do not need a lawyer for small claims court, and some states don't even allow you to have one. Read an overview of your state's small claims court laws first. There are many advantages to seeking legal help from an attorney, but you would likely have to pay attorney's fees.

Who regulates auto repairs in Texas?

Auto Repair Shops: Compliance Resources - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.texas.gov.

What is the California car buyer's bill of rights?

Laws in California, like California Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights, are designed to protect innocent consumers and car buyers who think they are getting a good deal when they are actually being sold a car that was in a prior accident, or a vehicle that is defective, or a contract for more than the advertised price.

What happens if you buy a car?

Talk to Our Lawyers that Deal with Car Dealerships If This Happened to You 1 You bought a car and paid more than the advertised price, 2 You bought a car and it broke down soon after you drove off the lot, 3 You bought a car without being told that it has been in an accident or that it is defective or has frame damage, 4 You bought a car with a warranty that the dealer won’t honor, or you are being told that your repair is not covered due to exclusion, or 5 You bought a car and later found out that the car dealer has lied to you.

What happens if you buy a car and it breaks down?

You bought a car and it broke down soon after you drove off the lot, You bought a car without being told that it has been in an accident or that it is defective or has frame damage, You bought a car with a warranty that the dealer won’t honor , or you are being told that your repair is not covered due to exclusion, or.

Can you talk to a car dealership lawyer?

You can talk to our car dealership lawyers if you have any suspicion of being a victim of auto fraud. If you have any car dealership problems, here are some of the remedies that our attorneys can get for you.

Can you return a car if you don't want to?

In some cases, if you don’t want to return your car and still have issues with the vehicle, our car dealership attorneys can help you keep your car and make the dealer pay for the repairs. These pre-existing damages that were not previously mentioned when buying the vehicle have a potential case for the dealer to repair at no cost to you.

Who pays legal fees in California?

Under the consumer laws in California, legal fees are usually paid by the dealership that breaks the law. Typically, when a case goes to trial, the legal fees are awarded by the court. If the case is dismissed or dropped, the client does not have to pay anything.

Do used cars have problems?

A salesman at the car dealership often tries to make buyers believe they got a deal, but in reality, used cars often have problems that buyers don’t know about. Many used car dealers sell cars with frame damage and defective engines. Laws in California, like California Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights, are designed to protect innocent consumers ...

Who is liable for a defective car repair?

Some parties that may be liable for defective car repairs include: A shop mechanic; The owner of a repair shop; and/or. Vehicle manufacturers, especially in cases where a company mechanic is working under a warranty agreement. In most cases, car repair lawsuits are based on the theory of negligence.

What does a lawyer do in a lawsuit?

Should a lawsuit be necessary, a lawyer can ensure your rights are protected, claims are properly filed and represent you during court proceedings if necessary. A lawyer will work to provide the best possible outcome for your case.

What is a defective repair?

A defective car repair is a repair that is improperly done on a vehicle, as discussed above. A defective product recall is different and may be caused by a car defect which is the result of the vehicle’s manufacturer.

What happens if a car is not repaired properly?

If a repair is not properly completed, it can result in further damage or even injury to the passengers. A defective car repair can render a vehicle unsafe to drive. A vehicle that is unsafe to drive can result in physical damage to the vehicle itself, making further repairs difficult or impossible. It can also present risks to a driver, passenger, ...

How to protect yourself as an auto mechanic?

One important step an individual can take to protect themselves is research the mechanic or repair shop they plan to use.

Why is it important to have a consumer lawyer?

Since vehicles play such important roles in our everyday lives, it is important to have the help of a consumer lawyer in defective car repair situations. Car repair issues can inhibit your ability to work, take care of children and complete everyday tasks.

What is mechanic work?

In most cases, mechanic work is done in accordance with a contract between the shop mechanic and the customer. There will be terms of payment, the length of time the repair is expected to take, and any other concerns prior to the mechanic beginning work.

What can a corporate lawyer do for you?

A corporate lawyer will be able to help you with issues related to the formation of your corporation, general corporate governance issues and corporate compliance issues.

What is a disability attorney?

The Social Security Disability system can be a particularly complex system in which to navigate. An attorney who specializes in Social Security Disability issues can help you with any step in the Social Security Disability process, including assisting you with eligibility issues, launching an appeal of a decision to deny you benefits and dealing with the reduction or termination of your benefits.

What is an estate planning lawyer?

The estate planning lawyer specializes in wills and trusts, and can help you to draw up a will to pass on your assets. Among other estate planning legal services, this type of lawyer can help you set up a trust which will help take care of your children’s financial needs.

What is a worker's compensation lawyer?

If you’ve been injured while on the job, or have had to face the death of a loved one as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease, a lawyer who specializes in workers compensation law can help you navigate the issues you face, such as the extent of the employer’s fault and the amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

What is an IP lawyer?

Also known as an IP attorney, an intellectual property lawyer can advise you with regard to issues relating to intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial design and trade secrets.

What is an employment lawyer?

Employment Lawyer. Whether you’re a company that’s having a problem with an employee, or an individual who’s having problems with the company you work for, an employment lawyer can generally provide advice about legal issues which arise from an employment contract or within an employment relationship.

Do lawyers specialize in a particular area of law?

The legal field is vast and complex, and you’ll find that many lawyers specialize in a particular area of law. If you find yourself in need of a lawyer, make sure they have the expertise to handle your unique situation. Because there are so many different types of lawyers, you'll want to match your legal concern with the appropriate attorney.

What can an auto lawyer do?

An automotive lawyer may also reach out to the repair shop and/or mechanic on a vehicle owner’s behalf before filing a claim. By opening communication lines, the lawyer may be able to persuade the repair shop to either fix the damage or to settle out of court, so no one has to experience the added stress of a trial.

Why are auto repair laws enacted?

Each state has its own set of auto repair laws that go by various names, but are primarily enacted for the purposes of protecting the average consumer. For instance, many states have laws that address unfair and deceptive practices in car repairs.

What is a mechanic repair lawsuit?

Mechanic repair lawsuits refer to a large umbrella of cases that involve issues regarding vehicle repairs and mechanics or automobile repair shops. For example, a car owner may sue a mechanic for performing unauthorized or unnecessary repairs, providing false or misleading payment estimates, or for breach of warranty.

What can a car owner do for a garage?

One thing a vehicle owner can do for a car damaged by garage during service is to sue either the repair shop and/or the individual mechanic. For example, if a mechanic caused damage to a car while they were repairing it, then the owner can hold them liable for those damages. Alternatively, if the repair shop has an insurance policy, ...

What is garage keeper liability?

The majority of states also have regulations (known as “garage keeper liability laws”) that protect both the vehicle and the items that are attached to the vehicle. For instance, a mechanic may be held liable if a vehicle’s tires, stereo system, or other car parts are stolen.

What does a car owner have to prove to the mechanic?

The vehicle owner will also have to prove that the misdiagnosis was foreseeable, the mechanic’s carelessness caused the property damage, and that the damage done to the car is quantifiable.

Can a mechanic fix a problem for free?

Savvy businesses strive to keep their customers happy, so oftentimes a mechanic will repair the problem that they caused for free. If the mechanic and/or repair shop refuses to or cannot fix the damage done, then the vehicle owner should consider taking legal action.

What do lawyers do?

Different types of lawyers specialize in different areas of law. Some lawyers mostly do the work outside of the courtroom, such as drafting contracts and wills, preparing documents to comply with a process, negotiating deals, and advising clients on a legal problem. There are also lawyers who present cases in court or litigations ...

Why do we need malpractice lawyers?

Since these are professions that ascribe to a set of standards , they have greater professional responsibilities that may be challenged in the courtroom or in litigation.

What is a family lawyer?

Family Lawyers. These are lawyers who handle all kinds of domestic cases, such as divorce, legal separation, child custody, adoption, paternity, alimony, prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and emancipation. But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law.

What is a real estate lawyer?

Real estate lawyers provide legal guidance for individuals or companies seeking to buy or sell a property. They work with their clients and the real estate agents to draft documents and ensure that the paperwork is legally binding. They may also negotiate for the buyer or seller, or represent a property owner during a foreclosure dispute.

What kind of lawyer handles reproductive rights?

But family attorneys may also handle reproductive rights cases, and their work may intersect with other areas of the law. For instance, if there’s a criminal investigation of child abuse or a domestic violence case, or if there’s a juvenile delinquency case, a family lawyer may also work with a criminal lawyer. 3. Estate Planning Lawyers.

What do IP lawyers need to know?

They need to have expert knowledge in both business and innovation trends. IP lawyers may also negotiate settlements on behalf of the creator or inventor if someone has infringed on their work, such as in cases where branded goods are faked and sold for a lower price in the market.

What is a criminal defense lawyer?

Last but not least, a criminal defense lawyer is skilled in handling all stages of a criminal lawsuit. They provide valuable counsel to their clients from the time they are arrested, through the investigation, charging, arraignment and sentencing. Their work isn't quite done if their clients wish to appeal their case. A good criminal defense attorney knows how to navigate the nuances of the law, which allows them to keep their clients out of prison.

1 attorney answer

You may do well to consult with a criminal defense attorney in your area, to inquire whether the police department has the right to require you to turn over your property (was a warrant required, etc.?). With respect to your ownership of the vehicle, you will need to research the chain of title of the vehicle, to look for any gaps in the records.

Christopher Stephen Tobin

You may do well to consult with a criminal defense attorney in your area, to inquire whether the police department has the right to require you to turn over your property (was a warrant required, etc.?). With respect to your ownership of the vehicle, you will need to research the chain of title of the vehicle, to look for any gaps in the records.

What is the automotive consumer action program?

Many states have programs designed to help consumers with automotive issues. In Ohio, for example, the Automotive Consumer Action Program provides mediation assistance for dealer disputes, and in California, the Consumer Mediation Services Program helps new car owners resolve dealer disputes at no cost.

What happens if you can't resolve a car warranty?

Vehicle warranty. When you buy a car (especially a new car), the dealer or manufacturer promises to repair any defects within a specified period. This pledge is a “warranty” that is a part of the purchase price. For instance, a warranty might cover repairs or defects ...

What to do if warranty denies claim?

For example, if the warranty or service plan denies your claim because you didn’t properly maintain the vehicle, you can provide copies of documents such as timely oil changes and routine maintenance. Keep in mind that you can also propose a compromise, such as splitting the cost of the repair.

Can you finance a car when you buy it?

It’s common to finance the coverage (roll it into your loan) when you buy the car, but it’s possible to purchase it from another company at a later date, too. If your vehicle is under warranty when you buy the service plan, it usually takes effect after the warranty expires.

image