what type of lawyer do i need to sue pep boys for messing up my car

by Prof. Meggie Simonis 5 min read

I suggest you contact a general practicioner attorney in your area for information and advice on how to proceed. If you want to do it on your own, the Justice of the Peace or Small Claims court has a maximum jurisdiction of $10,000.00 that you can sue for and is very inexpensive to file the lawsuit yourself.

Full Answer

Can I sue a mechanic for performing unauthorized repairs?

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. 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.

Can I sue for a bad vehicle repair job?

There are five main reasons to sue over a bad vehicle repair job: Fraud for scams, charging for unneeded parts of the vehicle or claiming unneeded further repairs These reasons don't include personal injury claims, like a faulty car causing an auto accident, other injuries, or wrongful death.

How can an automotive lawyer help with a repair claim?

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.

Are there laws against unfair and deceptive practices in car repairs?

For instance, many states have laws that address unfair and deceptive practices in car repairs. Such laws typically provide guidelines for repair shops to abide by like correcting improper repair work without charging a car owner an extra fee or conspicuously posting the prices of car parts where consumers can see them.

What to do if you lose a mechanic complaint?

Since I don’t know just what damage was done the best thing you can do is to either contract an attorney to see if you have a case which will either cost you if you lose your complaint or you may end up in court and then it will be up to the judge.

Can you leave a car at a mechanic's shop?

There is no “limit” as you are under no obligation to leave your vehicle at a mechanic’s shop if they aren’t performing any work upon it. If they cannot get to it, then you can retrieve it at any time and simply take it to another shop.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

When To Sue a Mechanic or Car Repair Shop

So when can you sue a mechanic if they don't take good care of your car? There are five main reasons to sue over a bad vehicle repair job:

1. Bad Repairs

First and foremost, mechanics must do good work. You're there to get a problem fixed, and if it is not fixed properly that could be dangerous for you and other drivers.

2. False Estimates or No Estimates

Most states have consumer protection laws that require auto repair shops to disclose details about repairs before they are done.

3. Breach of Warranty

Often we purchase new and used cars with warranties that cover certain services to the vehicle. These warranties generally come with stipulations regarding what repairs are covered, for how long, and may require you to use specific mechanics.

4. Fraud

Most of us have our guard up when we take our cars to a mechanic. The amount of stories we've heard about auto repair scams, coupled with our general unfamiliarity with the inner workings of our automobiles, means we're already suspicious.

5. Invalid Use of a Mechanic's Lien

There are times when a repair person or company can place a lien on a customer's property to pay for service or improvements done to the property.

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