what type of lawyer to sue mechanic

by Prof. Taurean Schmidt IV 7 min read

For those types of cases, you should speak to a car accident lawyer and make it clear you suspect a bad repair or negligent auto mechanic caused the problem. 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.

If you believe a mechanic made defective repairs on your car, you should contact a consumer lawyer. An experienced lawyer near you can review the facts of your case, advise you as to your rights and options, and can represent you in court.Mar 16, 2020

Full Answer

Why do I need a lawyer for a mechanic lawsuit?

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.

Can you sue a mechanic for negligence or malpractice?

Dec 01, 2011 · 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.

Can I sue a mechanic shop for bad work?

Feb 17, 2020 · Notice of Mechanics Lien – The next step is to file a Notice of Mechanic’s Lien. This must include a full list of provided services, parts, and labor, contact information for both parties (including the shop’s physical address), and a Proof of Service Affidavit. Furthermore, it must be filed and provided within 90 days of the original ...

Can you sue a mechanic for not honoring a warranty?

Jul 05, 2013 · Family law questions; Immigration questions; Landlord or tenant questions; Lawsuits and disputes questions; Personal injury questions; Real estate questions; Traffic tickets questions; Wills and estates questions; More legal topics

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What happens if a mechanic is 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.Oct 23, 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.

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 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 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.

Can a mechanic keep your car?

Can a garage keep your car? A garage that has repaired your car has what is known as a 'lien'. This is the right to keep the car until they've been paid for all work done. If you take your car away without authorisation you risk both civil proceedings and criminal prosecution.Nov 23, 2016

What is cap repair?

The Consumer Assistance Program's (CAP) repair assistance option offers eligible consumers whose vehicles fail a biennial Smog Check inspection financial assistance toward emissions-related repairs at a STAR test-and-repair station.

How do I register with the Bureau of Auto Repair?

How do I apply for an automotive repair dealer registration? To apply for an ARD registration, submit a completed ARD application and the applicable fee. Businesses wishing to apply for a Smog Check, lamp, and/or brake station license(s) must also apply for an ARD registration.

How much do mechanics earn?

How Much Does an Auto Mechanic Make? Auto Mechanics made a median salary of $44,050 in 2020. The best-paid 25 percent made $58,330 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $32,570.

What kind of lawyer do I need to sue a mechanic shop in Texas?

If you believe a mechanic made defective repairs on your car, you should contact a consumer lawyer. An experienced lawyer near you can review the facts of your case, advise you as to your rights and options, and can represent you in court.Mar 16, 2020

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.Apr 30, 2020

Is a mechanic liable for damages from repairs in Texas?

Auto repair facilities and dealerships are typically liable for damages caused by their negligence or the negligence of their employees. However, one of the most challenging aspects of recovering damages for mechanic negligence is proving that the mechanic or repair shop's actions are to blame for the accident.Aug 31, 2021

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...

Brian W. Erikson

First read your paperwork for the ball joint work. See if there is a warranty that covered the work. See if the repair shop excluded or disclaimed liability for the ball joint failure. Consult with another repair shop to see what they think caused the ball joint failure...

Dale R. Rose

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.

Steven Marc Gelfman

You best bet may be small claims court. I am not sure of the rules in your jurisdiction, but I would check on-line or call the county clerk in your area and see if this is a case that can be filed in small claims court. If so, you may want to just file against the mechanic shop and let them add any other party they believe may be responsible.

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.

Can a mechanic sue you without a lien?

They can, however, still sue you in the civil court without a lien. A lien is also not necessarily valid just because you haven’t yet paid your mechanic the full amount owed. Mechanics must meet certain timelines and include specific information in order to create a valid lien.

What is negligent mechanic?

A mechanic who promises to finish within a month, yet finishes in month three, is considered negligent for breach of contract. Lastly, you must have experienced some kind of damages or loss as a result of being without your vehicle. For example, if you lose your job due to lack of transportation, you may have a case.

Do mechanics have to provide an estimate in California?

In the state of California, mechanics must provide you with an accurate, updated estimate of all provided services before they begin working on your car. Furthermore, estimates are strictly regulated in that they must contain certain information. This usually includes a full list of all services to be provided, parts used, and costs associated with the repair.

Do you have to agree to an estimate before a mechanic can work on your car?

You must agree to the estimate before the mechanic can officially begin to work on your car.

Can a mechanic put a lien on your car?

Essentially, a valid lien grants the shop the right to seize your vehicle as payment against an owed debt.

Can a mechanic place a lien on a contractor?

Secondly, not every mechanic can place a legal lien. Unlicensed contractors, for example (amateur mechanics) cannot place a lien for amounts larger than $500; there is simply no legal jurisdiction for this to be permitted. They can, however, still sue you in the civil court without a lien. A lien is also not necessarily valid just ...

Can an unlicensed contractor sue you without a lien?

They can, however, still sue you in the civil court without a lien.

Can you sue a mechanic for a breach of warranty?

Breach of warranty – You may sue a mechanic if he/she fails to honor the warranty in the car repair or the costs. Fraud – If you discover that the mechanic charged you for parts that were not replaced or a service that was not provided, you may sue for damages.

Can you file a lawsuit for a car repair?

You may file a lawsuit if the repair shop refuses to give you a quote or honor the estimate.

What to worry about when repairing a car?

Aside from the car, there are other things you need to worry about: the cost of the repair, the delays it will cause, and whether the mechanic can salvage the car. There are mechanics out there who are professional and honest in their work.

What happens if a car repair shop ineffectively installs a car part?

If the car repair shop ineffectively installs a car part, mangles a safety feature, or makes the correct repairs, you have a case. Lack of or erroneous estimates – In most states, car repair shops are required by law to provide accurate estimates before working on a car.

What is bad repair work?

Bad repair work – A poorly fixed vehicle is a danger to you and other drivers on the road. If the car repair shop ineffectively installs a car part, mangles a safety feature, or makes the correct repairs, you have a case.

What happens if a mechanic charges you for a service that was not provided?

Fraud – If you discover that the mechanic charged you for parts that were not replaced or a service that was not provided, you may sue for damages. Illegal use of mechanic’s lien – If the car shop failed to follow the rules in filing a mechanic’s lien, you may sue the car repair shop or repossess your vehicle.

Which states have the Right to Repair Act?

Requires manufacturers to allow consumers to repair their vehicle at any car repair shop and not only at the dealership. New Jersey. Delaware. Florida. Massachusetts. Maryland. Montana (separate bills for farm equipment and all electronic equipment) Nebraska.

Can you avoid a car repair?

It will likely not be possible to completely avoid defective car repairs. There are a few steps an individual can take to protect themselves. Automobile mechanics are held to specific industry standards regarding any repairs, upgrades, or adjustments made to a vehicle.

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 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, ...

What are some examples of defective car repairs?

Some common examples of defective car repairs may include: Improper wiring jobs; Faulty mechanical work; Improper part replacement; Leaking hose or other replacement part; Defective body work;

What is automotive mechanic?

Automobile mechanics are held to specific industry standards regarding any repairs, upgrades, or adjustments made to a vehicle. 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.

Can you recover damages for a faulty repair?

It may be possible to recover damages for faulty repairs. These may be even more important if the faulty repair resulted in an automobile accident. An attorney will be able to review the facts of the case and determine what damages may be recoverable.

2 attorney answers

I agree with Attorney Paz. As long as you have some sort of written record putting the causation on the original repair shop from the new repair shop, you probably have a case. You should look for an aggressive civil litigator who has experience with consumer law.

Max L Rosenberg

Any general practice that practices civil litigation Plaintiff's work would be able to help you. There are a number of excellent ones on this site.

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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. Defective mechanic work 2. Incorrect cost of repairs and written estimates 3. Breach of contract or warranty 4. Fraud for scams, charging for unneeded parts of the vehicle or claiming unneeded further repairs...
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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. Not to mention you shouldn't be charged for non-existent or ineffective auto repairs. If a mechanic improperly installs a part, disables a safety device, otherwise fails to make adequate repairs to your vehicle, you may …
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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. Under these statutes, mechanics and other service providers must give you a detailed estimate of all work to be done, disclose whether used or rebuilt parts are being installed, and give you a quote for the costs. If your mechanic fails to give you an esti…
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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. If the mechanics don't honor the warranty, either to repair the car or in covering the cost, you may need to sue.
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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. But how do you know if your mechanic is taking you for a ride? Actually discovering fraud may be difficult, but if you discover your mechanic has …
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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. This is called a mechanic's lien, and it is available not just to car mechanics, but to plumbers, painters, carpenters, and construction contractors, and subcontractors -- anyone who provides a service that improves a customer's pr…
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