what lawyer can i call for a business mechanic who damaged my vehicle and refuses to fix my car

by Antwan Runolfsson 5 min read

If you think that the mechanic intentionally damaged your vehicle as part of a scam, you may wish to contact the Office of the Attorney General in the state where the vehicle was repaired. This office is usually tasked with handling consumer concerns. Another option is to pursue the matter through small claims courts.

If the mechanic and/or repair shop refuses to or cannot fix the damage done, then the vehicle owner should consider taking legal action. In the event that the owner decides they want to sue, they should contact a local automotive lawyer for further assistance.Jan 11, 2021

Full Answer

What to do if a mechanic refuses to fix your car?

If you think that the mechanic intentionally damaged your vehicle as part of a scam, you may wish to contact the Office of the Attorney General in the state where the vehicle was repaired. This office is usually tasked with handling consumer concerns. Another option is to pursue the matter through small claims courts.

Can I sue a mechanic for defective car repairs?

An automotive lawyer can determine whether they have a viable claim, how much the individual will recover if they win the lawsuit, and can discuss other potential options that may be available for legal recourse. An automotive lawyer may also reach out to the repair shop and/or mechanic on a vehicle owner’s behalf before filing a claim.

How can an automotive lawyer help with a repair claim?

You can also consider contacting the Attorney General in your state who is tasked with consumer concerns if your problem is the result of a scam. For example, mechanics may convince customers that they need work done and then not actually complete the work.

Who is liable for defective car repairs?

Feb 23, 2021 · Defective car repairs occur when a repair is done poorly or with dangerous results. 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 ...

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.Jul 13, 2021

How do I file a complaint against an auto repair in NY?

Auto Repair ComplaintAgency: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.Division: Vehicle Safety Licensing Complaints.Phone Number: (518) 474-8943.Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM.Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours.

How do I handle a car repair dispute?

If you are unhappy with the repairs performed on your vehicle, complain to the shop or dealership's manager or owner. If you are not successful, contact a media action line for help and file a complaint with the BAR. Both can intervene on your behalf.Oct 14, 2018

Can you ask a mechanic for a refund?

You'll have the burden of proof if you do have to go to court and sue to get your money back or for other relief. You'll have to establish to a judge's satisfaction that the car mechanic didn't fix the problem due to issues of fraud or negligence.Apr 30, 2020

Can I sue a mechanic for taking too long?

Can I sue a mechanic for taking too long? It's possible to sue a mechanic if you have given them a down payment and they haven't fixed your vehicle for a long time. This is especially true if you can prove their negligence made your car worse.Dec 7, 2021

Is there an ombudsman for car repairs?

Welcome to The Motor Ombudsman Over 7500 businesses, are accredited to one or more of the Codes covering new cars, sales, vehicle warranties, and servicing and repair.

How does a car qualify for lemon law?

The Lemon Law rights may only be invoked within the 12 month period or within the first 20,000 kilometers of operation of the vehicle, and after at least four separate repair attempts by the same manufacturer, distributor, authorized dealer, or retailer for the same complaint, and the nonconformity issue remains ...Apr 20, 2019

Why is it called lemon law?

The kinds of goods lemon laws cover and how far consumers are protected depends on the jurisdiction of the law, but the term "lemon law" originally referred to defective automobiles that were called lemons. Lemon laws are generally used to legally hold manufacturers to reasonable implementation of their warranties.

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.

How do you know if your mechanic is ripping you off?

10 Ways Your Mechanic Is Ripping You OffScare Tactics.Fixing the Body Paint. ... Replacing the Air Filter. ... Offering a Free Inspection or Tire Rotation. ... Additives. ... Not Grouping Repairs When Calculating Labor. ... One Fix After Another. ... Charging Full Price for Remanufactured Parts. ... More items...

Do I have to pay a garage if they don't fix my car?

If you told the garage to do whatever needs to be done to fix the car, then you gave them the right to decide what work to do. You'll have to pay if the work was necessary and the price is reasonable.

Do mechanics have to give you the old parts?

As the owner of the vehicle, you are entitled to keep any parts that are removed from your car during a service or repair, regardless of their condition.

When Is The Mechanic Liable For Damages Resulting from Faulty Service?

A mechanic is liable for damages caused by his or her negligence. For example, suppose your mechanic rotates your tires, but fails to properly reat...

What About The Contents of My Car?

Always contact law enforcement if items are stolen from your vehicle. Law enforcement can investigate the theft—and may help you identify the culpr...

What If My Car Is Stolen from The Repair Shop?

While it has your car, the mechanic shop must take reasonable care to protect it. If the mechanic leaves your keys in your unlocked car, he or she...

Should I Contact A Lawyer?

Claims involving auto mechanics can involve a wide variety of legal issues— including bailments, garage keepers laws, negligence, and products liab...

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.

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 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 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.

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 happens if you take your car to a mechanic?

If you have taken your vehicle into the mechanic’s shop and he or she has done more damage than repair work on the vehicle, you may have a legal cause of action. However, a lawyer familiar with property damage cases may be able to advise whether it is worth the time and expense of litigation or if an alternative would better serve your interests.

What happens if a mechanic does not complete the work?

If the mechanic did not complete the work correctly, he or she may have breached his or her obligations under the contract. If the mechanic’s work was part of a warranty, a claim for a breach of that warranty may also be a cognizable cause of action against the mechanic.

What is a cause of action for a mechanic?

Legal Causes of Action. If you believe that the mechanic lacked the requisite knowledge and skill and these factors caused the mechanic to make faulty repairs, you may have a negligence claim. This type of claim is based on the mechanic having the duty to safely and correctly repair your vehicle based on his or her role as a mechanic.

Can a plaintiff get a windfall?

The plaintiff is not entitled to a windfall if someone caused him or her injury. For example, if a mechanic already installed new parts on a vehicle and a second mechanic has to replace other parts, the plaintiff is not entitled to the first set of services free of charge in most cases.

Can you sue a mechanic shop?

An alternative is to hire a lawyer who can sue the mechanic or the mechanic shop where you received the repairs. However, litigation can often be expensive and the cost to bring the case forward may be more expensive than the actual recovery of the repairs.

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.

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.

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, ...

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.

When is a recall necessary?

An automobile recall may become necessary when a vehicle part does not comply with the federal motor vehicle safety standards and/or there is a safety related defect in the equipment in the vehicle.

How much can you sue a mechanic in Texas?

Claims against mechanics and auto repair shops are typically brought in small claims court. In Texas, a suit to recover an amount under $10,000 may be brought in small claims court. Given the fact that most vehicles cost less than $20,000, most repair jobs are less than this amount.

What is a breach of duty?

Duty owed by the defendant to the plaintiff. Breach of the duty. But for the actions of the negligent party, the accident would not have occurred. Damages. However, if a plaintiff is more than 51 percent at fault for the damage to their vehicle, they will be unable to bring a negligence claim against the mechanic.

What is the definition of negligent behavior?

In any situation, a victim must be able to prove that the mechanic’s actions rose to the level of “negligent behavior.”. Or, in other words, whether the accident or damage would have occurred without the mechanic’s actions.

Can you sue a mechanic for overcharging?

It is important to keep in mind that you are not able to sue a mechanic for overcharging you. You have to be able to prove that a direct action performed by the mechanic resulted in injury to your or your vehicle, whether it be financial or physical damages.

What does negligence mean in a car?

At its core, negligence means failing to provide a certain level of care or not taking action that would prevent the injuries of someone else. For example, let’s say you took your car to a mechanic to fix the brake lines in your car. Soon after, you were involved in an accident.

Why is it important to know your rights in a car accident?

Because determining liability in a car accident can be tricky, it pays to be aware of your rights to get the justice and compensation you deserve . While small claims court handles most claims for car repair issues, you could bring a claim for much more damages if you suffer an injury because of the negligence.

What is negligence in insurance?

This includes mechanics and auto repair shops. At its core, negligence means failing to provide a certain level of care or not taking action ...

Can you do a repair without authorization?

No work can legally be done without your authorization. If you give your approval verbally, there must be a record of it on the final invoice. All replaced parts. If you make a written or verbal request, the mechanic or auto repair shop is required to make any replaced parts available to you. Records of repairs.

Can a faulty brake line be a personal injury claim?

If you and your personal injury lawyer are able to prove that faulty brake line repair caused the accident, you could have a legitimate personal injury claim. The four basic elements that must be proven in a successful personal injury claim are the same. The other person owed you a certain level of care (in this case, ...

Do repair shops have to guarantee work?

Keep in mind that a shop doesn’t have to guarantee its work. If they do give you a guarantee or warranty, however, the invoice should outline its terms and limits. The Repair Shop Act of New York outlines all of these rights. It’s through this act that thousands of dollars are returned each year for faulty repair work.