Vehicles are important for people’s everyday lives. If they have to be repaired, it can be costly and inconvenient for an owner.
An individual may take their car to be fixed at an automobile mechanic, but it may not come back properly repaired. This may cause numerous issues in many different aspects of an individual’s life, such as getting to their job, caring for their families, and other tasks.
Defective car repairs can cause dangerous results, including additional damage to the car and injuries to the passengers. Defective car repairs can cause a vehicle to be dangerous to drive and result in physical damage to the car, making future repairs very difficult.
These types of repairs can even result in automobile accidents. If an individual has been injured in a vehicle accident that occurred because of a defective car repair, they may also incur other damages, such as medical bills and lost wages.
If this has occurred, an individual should consult with a local attorney in Indiana as soon as they can. Auto repair lawyers can help determine the claims that an individual may be able to make as well as the compensation they may be able to receive for their losses.
What Are Some Examples of Defective Car Repairs?
There are many different examples of what may be considered a defective car repair, such as:
- An improper wiring job;
- Defective bodywork;
- A leaking replacement part;
- Defective mechanic work;
- Improper replacement of a part;
- Repairs of cosmetic issues that are substandard;
- Defective paint jobs.
Individuals may not always be able to totally avoid defective car repairs, but they can take steps to protect themselves by researching the shop or mechanic they plan to use for their repair work. They can also ask employees or supervisors at the shop to show their licenses, certificates, and other business operating certificates.
Mechanics are required to meet specific industry standards when they are making upgrades, adjustments, or repairs on a car. By verifying the shop’s license and certifications, they can help ensure they will be using a mechanic and shop that will meet these standards and perform their repairs properly and completely.
What Is the Difference Between a Defective Car Repair and a Defective Product Recall?
Defective vehicle repairs are repairs performed on a car that is not done completely or properly. Defective vehicle recalls result from a defect in a car during its manufacturing.
Automobile recalls usually are only created when a flaw in the vehicle creates a safety hazard that can cause injuries to the passengers or driver. They are not usually created for cosmetic issues.
Issues that can be included in automobile defect product recalls may include:
- Misaligned steering mechanisms;
- Defective gas or brake pedals that jam or get stuck;
- Issues with the exhaust, fuel, or cooling systems;
- Defects in the safety equipment in the vehicle, such as airbags and safety belts;
- Structural issues in the car’s:
- Body;
- Frame;
- Transmission;
- Engine assembly; and
- Electrical issues, such as defective keyless fobs.
In addition, the federal government provides safety standards that set the minimum performance requirements for parts that affect the operation of a car, such as the:
- Steering wheel;
- Brakes;
- Tires;
- Lighting;
- Other parts included for the protection and safety of the driver and passengers.
If a part of a car does not comply with these federal standards or if there is another type of safety related defect, an automobile recall may be issued. An individual should also consult with a lawyer for car issues in Indiana to determine if their vehicle may be covered by the state’s lemon laws.
What Should I Do Regarding a Defective Car Repair?
If an individual is concerned that they received a defective car repair, they should consult with an attorney, especially if they were involved in a car accident. An attorney can help determine what the best way to reach a resolution would be.
In most situations, car repairs are completed based on contracts between car owners and mechanics or repair shops. These contracts usually govern the terms of payment for the repair, the length of time the repair is expected to take, and any other important issues related to the work on the vehicle.
If an individual has an issue with their repair, they should first review this contract. They should then reach out to the mechanic or shop and advise them of the issue and ask whether they would be willing to fix it.
What Documentation Do I Need When Dealing with a Defective Car Repair?
An individual should keep any documents they receive related to their car repair, as these will serve as the foundation for any defective repair claim, including:
- The repair receipt;
- Any insurance documents;
- Purchase warranties and repair warranties;
- Copies of written communications the customer had with the mechanic or shop;
- Copies of any other documents related to the repair.
How Do I Sue for Defective Car Repair Issues?
If an individual receives a defective car repair, they may need to file a lawsuit to recover damages. These types of lawsuits are usually based on the legal theory of negligence, which allows for the recovery of damages when another individual is careless given the circumstances of a situation.
Examples of faulty mechanic or car repair work that may have resulted from negligence includes:
- Failure to utilize the correct repair procedure;
- Installation of the wrong part;
- Failure to repair damaged parts completely;
- Failure to identify repairs that are needed that any other mechanic who was acting with a reasonable standard of care would have detected;
- Causing additional damage to one or more parts of the car during the repair process.
Can You Sue a Mechanic in Indiana?
There are several common issues that occur related to car repairs that an individual may be able to sue a mechanic for, including:
- Incorrect repairs;
- These occur when the mechanic claims something was fixed when, in fact, it was not completely or accurately remedied;
- Bad estimates;
- There are laws in place to protect consumers that require transparency on the details of repairs as well as providing accurate quotes;
- Breaches of warranty;
- Most vehicles come with some type of warranty, and if a mechanic fails to honor or cover the cost under the warranty, it may be considered a breach;
- Fraud;
- This typically arises when mechanics charge for services or parts that they did not actually provide; and
- Illegal use of a mechanic’s lien;
- A mechanic’s lien guarantees payment to the mechanic before any other creditors should liquidation occur.
If an individual has any of these issues with their car repair, they should consult with an attorney as soon as they can about filing a lawsuit. This is because there will likely be a time limitation on filing the claim, referred to as the statute of limitations, after which an individual will be barred from recovery.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer for Help with a Defective Car Repair Claim?
If you own a car, it is most likely a very important aspect of your everyday life. If you have received a defective car repair in Indiana, it is essential to consult with an Indiana liability lawyer. LegalMatch can place you in touch with the right lawyer for your needs.
If you have an issue related to your vehicle, it can prevent you from getting to your job, taking care of your loved ones, and completing the everyday tasks that are required.
A defective car repair case can be difficult to prove, making it complicated. Your attorney will be able to effectively present your defective repair case in court and work to obtain the damages you deserve.
