You can sue a mechanic or auto repair shop for negligence if its actions caused you harm. More particularly, you may sue automotive professionals if they contributed to an accident resulting in injury or death.
Mechanics and auto repair professionals have a duty of care. When these parties’ actions fall short of the duty of care, they could be liable for resulting damages.
Reasons to Sue a Mechanic or Auto Repair Shop
The main reasons to sue a mechanic or auto repair shop are when these parties’ negligent actions:
- Cause a single-vehicle accident resulting in injuries
- Cause a multi-vehicle accident resulting in injuries
- Cause an accident that led to your loved one’s death
Personal injury lawyers deal with these primary circumstances of their clients’ cases. If you have questions about whether you can file a lawsuit, our team will answer those questions for you.
Accidents can result from several possible failures by automotive professionals, including:
Failing to Diagnose Problems with a Vehicle
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) explains that mechanics’ primary duty is to “identify problems” in the vehicles they encounter. When a mechanic accepts a vehicle and returns it to the customer, there’s an expectation the mechanic will:
- Fix every issue that poses a danger to the customer.
- Inform the customer of all potential problems with the vehicle, allowing the customer to make an informed decision about how to proceed.
If a mechanic does not fix the problem or inform the customer of the problem, they leave the customer with the impression that their vehicle is safe. If the vehicle is unsafe, the mechanic risks the customer’s safety.
Failing to Make Promised Repairs
A mechanic must complete every service they purport to complete. If an auto repair shop tells a customer it replaced brake pads or serviced an engine but does not perform these services, it commits negligence.
If an accident occurs because of an issue a mechanic told the customer was fixed, the repair shop may be responsible for accident-related damages.
Installing Faulty Vehicle Components
Repair shops may attempt to save money by using secondhand, defective, or otherwise faulty components in repairs. When these defective components contribute to accidents, the repair shop that installed the components may face legal responsibility for the collision.
Especially dangerous components may include defective:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Steering components
- Belts
- Auto glass
- Hoses
Because motor vehicles are complex machines requiring every component to operate properly, a single defective component can increase the risk of an accident.
Causing Damage to a Vehicle That Leads to an Accident
Some mechanics damage vehicles while working. To avoid paying out-of-pocket to repair the damage, the auto repair shop may simply not tell the customer about the damage. This is highly unethical, dangerous behavior that can qualify as negligence.
Selling an Unsafe Vehicle
If someone buys a vehicle from a mechanic or auto repair shop, the seller has a duty of care to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy. While a buyer should also do their due diligence before acquiring a vehicle, the seller may be liable for any defects they knew about but failed to inform the buyer.
If you have other problems with a mechanic, such as a breach of contract, you can speak with our firm. If we cannot assist you with the problem, we may refer you to a firm that can.
For a free legal consultation, call 877-239-4878
Recoverable Damages You May Seek from a Negligent Mechanic or Auto Repair Shop
When a mechanic or auto repair shop contributes to an accident, these parties may be financially responsible for the accident victim’s:
- Property damage, including damage to the victim’s vehicle
- Pain and suffering, including psychological distress and emotional anguish
- Professional damages, including lost income, diminished earning capacity, lost bonuses, and other harm
- Medical expenses for all accident-related medical services
- Any other damages from a non-fatal motor vehicle accident
An attorney from our team will determine if a negligent repair shop is wholly or partially liable for accident-related damages. For instance, if a motorist ran a red light and struck your vehicle, but a faulty airbag installed by a repair shop failed to deploy, the at-fault motorist and repair shop may share liability for your damages.
Recoverable Damages in a Mechanic-Related Wrongful Death Case
Unfortunately, negligent mechanics can be responsible for wrongful death. If you have lost a loved one because of an automotive professional’s failure, your recoverable damages may include:
- Any pain and suffering the decedent felt before their death
- Surviving loved ones’ pain and suffering
- Lost companionship
- Loss of a parent’s guidance
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost financial support
- Loss of the decedent’s household contributions
- The cost of medications, grief counseling, and other mental health treatment surviving loved ones require
Each plaintiff in a personal injury case suffers unique damages. Our team will identify your damages, assess a fair settlement value, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Hold a Negligent Mechanic or Auto Repair Shop Accountable?
We encourage you to hire a personal injury lawyer from our team. Our firm will fight for your financial recovery by:
- Hiring experts who can pinpoint negligence by the mechanic or repair shop
- Showing proof of the services you supposedly received from liable parties
- Securing all available evidence from your accident
- Documenting your accident-related damages
- Assessing the value of a fair settlement
- Leading settlement negotiations
- Taking your case to trial if needed
Our team serves clients throughout Texas, and we never back down from stubborn defendants or insurance companies acting in bad faith. Call in the Strong Arm to fight for you.
Contact our personal injury lawyers today
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins Today for a Free Consultation About a Mechanic or Auto Repair Shop Lawsuit
When a professional automotive shop brands itself as a reliable business, it owes its customers a duty of care. If one or more mechanics failed you and contributed to a motor vehicle accident, our attorneys will hold them accountable.
Call Loncar Lyon Jenkins today for a free consultation. We will explain all your legal options and fight for a favorable outcome to your case.
Call or text 877-239-4878 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
