In some cases, there is a warranty on car repairs. Some garages and mechanics offer warranties on their work. However, if you were in an accident because of faulty repairs or poor maintenance, you will not want to return to the shop for additional repairs. We suggest speaking with a legal team instead.
If you suffered injuries in a traffic accident related to an improper repair of your car, the Morris Bart law firm may be able to help. We may be able to build a faulty vehicle repairs case and hold the company responsible for your injuries and other damages.
Mechanics Owe You a Duty of Care to Repair Your Vehicle
When a mechanic or garage agrees to repair your car, they also agree to provide you with a certain quality of work. They assume a duty of care that should ensure your vehicle receives adequate repairs.
The mechanic or company working on your car has an obligation to provide the quality of repairs a reasonable mechanic would provide:
- Under the same conditions
- With the same issues or symptoms
- In the same geographic area
Negligence occurs when a garage assumes this duty of care but does not provide reasonable and expected repairs, leading to an accident and injuries.
For example, imagine you went to a local dealership with a brake problem, but the mechanics did not take reasonable care when servicing your brakes. Both you and any other accident victims may be able to pursue a case against the dealership for faulty repairs if your brakes later failed and caused a collision.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Proving a Negligent Repairs Car Accident Case
Even when there is a warranty on car repairs, it will likely not provide you with the compensation you need for your losses following a collision. A warranty offered by a dealership or garage generally covers only the additional work necessary to get your car back in functioning order.
To file a claim or defective repairs lawsuit, you will need to prove the garage provided you with defective work. This requires showing:
- The mechanic agreed to repair your vehicle.
- The mechanic did not provide you a reasonable standard of repair.
- This poor repair job resulted in an accident.
- You suffered injuries and financial damages due to the accident.
It is important to note that there must be a connection between the defective repair and the accident. The mechanic’s negligent repair must have contributed in some way to your collision for you to hold their employer accountable and seek compensation.
Take Action to Learn More About Your Legal Options
If you suffered injuries in a traffic collision and you believe a negligent repair was to blame, you should take steps as soon as possible to explore your options for legal action.
It is also important to take steps to protect your right to pursue a case. You should not speak to the mechanic, auto shop manager, or other representatives or make any agreements with anyone from the garage.
Gather the repair estimates, receipts, and other documentation from the mechanic. Most importantly, do not repair your vehicle until your attorney approves it. Other mechanics may need to evaluate the vehicle to help prove the initial repairs were negligent. This could be key to establishing your case.
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Building a Case for Compensation After a Negligent Repair
Recoverable damages in a negligent repair accident case could include:
- Treatment of your injuries
- Related medical expenses
- Lost income and benefits
- Diminished ability to earn due to lasting injuries
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering damages
- Other non-economic damages
Each state has its own time limits for taking legal action in a defective repairs case. These tend to vary from one to four years, depending on the state. Contact us as soon as possible to ensure you adhere to these timelines.
Speak with a Team Member from Morris Bart, LLC Today for Free
The Morris Bart law firm is a contingency fee firm. We provide complimentary case reviews for accident victims in Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Our team will assess your case and explain your rights and options.
Call (800) 537-8185 now to get started.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.