Cars are an essential part of the everyday lives of many individuals. When an individual has to have a car repaired, especially in cases where the repair ends up being defective, it can be a great expense and inconvenience.
An automobile mechanic is usually the one who performs an individual’s repair on their car. In some situations, however, an individual’s vehicle will be returned with a defective repair.
Defective vehicle repairs are done when the mechanic performs the repair poorly, or the repair has a dangerous result. If a car repair is not properly completed, it can result in additional damage to the car or injuries to individuals in the car.
A defective car repair can make an individual’s vehicle unsafe to drive. Vehicles that have been defectively repaired may also incur other or additional damage, making it very difficult or even impossible to make repairs in the future.
A defective vehicle repair may create a risk for all individuals inside the car, other drivers, and may even cause automobile accidents. If an accident occurs because of a defective repair, an individual may also run into other issues, such as losing money from missing work or medical bills from their injuries.
If an individual’s car was defectively repaired in Connecticut, they should consult with a local attorney in Connecticut, especially if an accident occurred. An individual’s auto repair lawyer can review the facts of their case and tell them what steps they can take to resolve their issue.
What Are Some Examples of Defective Car Repairs?
There are numerous different examples of what may be considered a defective car repair, including, but not limited to:
- Defective mechanic work;
- Defective bodywork;
- Improper part replacement;
- Leaking hoses or other replacement parts;
- Improper wiring jobs;
- Substandard repairs of vehicle cosmetic issues;
- Defective paint jobs.
Completely avoiding a defective car repair may not be possible, but there are steps a potential customer can take to protect themselves when they are looking for a repair shop or mechanic. There are industry standards that a mechanic must follow if they are making upgrades, repairs, or adjustments to a vehicle.
An individual should research any shop or mechanic they are considering using for their repair. This can be done online or by going to the shop and asking to see their certificates, licenses, or any other operating certificates.
What Is the Difference Between a Defective Car Repair and a Defective Product Recall?
A defective vehicle product recall is different from a defective car repair. Defective product automobile recalls are issued when there is a manufacturing defect in a vehicle that creates a safety hazard and can result in injury to the driver or passengers in the vehicle.
Problems with a car that may result in an automobile issue may include:
- Defects in the car’s safety equipment, for example, safety belts and airbags;
- Misaligned steering mechanisms;
- Flaws in the vehicle’s cooling, exhaust, or fuel system;
- A defect in the gas pedal or brake pedal, for example, if it gets stuck or jammed;
- A structural issue with the transmission, the body, the frame of the vehicle, or the engine assembly;
- An electrical issue or a computer issue, for example, defective keyless fobs.
A recall may be issued if the parts that affect how a vehicle operates do not comply with the federal minimum performance requirements. In certain situations, a defective vehicle may be covered by the state lemon laws.
A defective vehicle repair, on the other hand, arises when a repair is not properly completed.
What Should I Do Regarding a Defective Car Repair?
If a car is defectively repaired, there are steps an individual can take to try and resolve the issue. If an individual is unsure where to start, a lawyer for car issues can help them determine if their car was defectively repaired.
Vehicle repairs are usually completed using a contract between the consumer and the mechanic as a basis for the transaction and typically cover:
- The terms of the customer’s payment;
- The length of time the repair should take;
- Other important issues that are related to the car repair.
An individual should review this contract first if they have an issue. Then, they can reach out to the mechanic or shop and see if they are willing to review or resolve the issue.
If an individual cannot get a response or cooperation from the mechanic or shop, an attorney may be able to help. An attorney can send correspondence to the mechanic or shop stating that the issue should be fixed, or they may face litigation.
What Documentation Do I Need When Dealing with a Defective Car Repair?
When having a vehicle repaired or serviced, it is important to keep any documents that are related to the work on the car, including:
- Repair receipts;
- Insurance documents;
- Copies of written communications the customer had with the shop;
- Purchase and repair warranties; and
- Copies of other documents related to the car service or repair.
It is always important to keep copies of documents related to any type of car repairs or service in case an issue arises related to the repair in the future.
How Do I Sue for Defective Car Repair Issues?
When an individual files a lawsuit for a defective car repair, it will usually be based on the legal theory of negligence. Negligence gives an individual the opportunity to recover damages if a mechanic or shop is careless based on the situation.
It is important to note that there may be more than one defendant who can be named in a lawsuit, for example:
- The owner of the business;
- The mechanic who performed the work;
- The vehicle manufacturer, specifically in situations where a company mechanic was working under a warranty agreement.
Faulty repair issues may arise from a negligent mechanic, such as:
- Installing the wrong parts;
- Failing to completely repair damaged parts;
- Failing to perform the correct repair procedure;
- Causing damage to the car when they performed the repair;
- Failing to identify repairs that are necessary that a mechanic who was acting with a reasonable standard of care would have recognized.
A lawyer in an individual’s area can advise them on the proper process for filing a lawsuit in their jurisdiction.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer for Help with a Defective Car Repair Claim?
If you think you may have a defectively repaired car in Connecticut, it is important to consult with a Connecticut liability lawyer as soon as you can. This is because cases involving defective car repairs can be complicated and involve multiple defendants, as noted above.
Your lawyer will review the repair and the facts of the case and inform you of the best possibilities for obtaining compensation for your losses. If you enter into a negotiation with the defendants or are required to appear in court, your lawyer will appear with you.
Having a Connecticut lawyer handle your case will help to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for the losses you suffered related to the defective repair on your car. LegalMatch lawyers can help you with your issue, simply submit your issue on the website and you will receive responses from member lawyers in around 24 hours.
