Vehicles are an integral part of the everyday lives of most individuals. If their car has to be repaired, it may be a great inconvenience in addition to causing a good amount of money.
In some cases, an individual’s car will come back to them from the automobile mechanic without being properly repaired. Defective mechanic work can make the individual’s vehicle unsafe to operate.
If a vehicle is driven when it is not actually safe to operate, it can cause damage to the vehicle, which can make repairs in the future very difficult or even impossible. Additionally, vehicles that are not safely or properly repaired can result in automobile accidents.
An individual in Massachusetts may have been in an accident that was caused by a defective vehicle repair. In that case, they should reach out to a local attorney in Massachusetts as soon as possible.
A lawyer for car issues can provide advice regarding what type of claim an individual may have as well as how they may be able to obtain compensation for their medical bills, lost sages, or any other issues or expenses they incurred related to the accident. A lawyer can also advise the individual whether or not their vehicle may be covered by the state’s lemon laws.
What Are Some Examples of Defective Car Repairs?
What will be deemed a defective car repair will depend on the facts of each unique situation and the make and model of the vehicle. Examples of defective car repairs often include, but are not limited to:
- Leaking hose or other replacement parts;
- Faulty mechanical work;
- An improper wiring job;
- A defective paint job;
- Improper part replacement;
- Defective bodywork;
- Substandard repair of a cosmetic issue.
What Is the Difference Between a Defective Car Repair and a Defective Product Recall?
Defective car repairs, such as those listed above, may include work that is not completed properly. Defective automobile recalls are typically issued if there was a defect caused during the manufacturing of the car.
Automobile recalls, or defect recalls, usually include a safety hazard that can result in injury to the driver of the car or the passengers. Automobile product recalls may be issued for many reasons, such as:
- Misaligned steering mechanisms;
- Flaws in the vehicle’s:
- Exhaust;
- Fuel;
- Cooling system;
- A defect in the vehicle’s safety equipment, for example, airbags or safety belts;
- A defect in the gas pedal or brake pedal or gas pedal, such as jamming or getting stuck;
- Structural problems with the vehicle’s:
- Transmission;
- Body;
- Frame;
- Engine assembly; and
- Computer or electrical issues.
There are motor vehicle safety standards issued by the federal government that provide minimum performance requirements for vehicle parts that affect operation, such as:
- Tires;
- Brakes;
- Steering wheel;
- Lighting; and
- Any car part that is in place for the protection and safety of drivers and passengers.
Recalls may be issued if any part of the vehicle does not comply with the federal safety standards or if there is a defect in the equipment on the var that causes a safety issue.
What Should I Do Regarding a Defective Car Repair?
If an individual believes they received a defective car repair, they should consult with an auto repair lawyer. A lawyer can provide advice regarding ways to resolve the issue, such as contacting the repair mechanic or shop and requesting the issue be fixed or filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Vehicle repairs and upgrades are typically completed based on contracts between the shop or mechanic performing the repair and the owner of the vehicle, which usually address:
- The payment terms for the upgrade or repair
- The estimated time needed to complete the repair
- Any other issues related to the repair
What Documentation Do I Need When Dealing with a Defective Car Repair?
Claims involving defective vehicle repairs will usually be based on the documents related to the repair. This means that any time an individual takes their car in for an upgrade or repair, they should save any documents they have related to the repair, even if they do not foresee any issues occurring.
Documents that may related to a car repair or upgrade may include, but are not limited to:
- Purchase and repair warranties;
- The repair receipt;
- Insurance documents;
- Written communications between the owner and the mechanic or shop;
- Other legal instruments or documents that are related to the upgrade or repair.
Can You Sue a Mechanic in Massachusetts?
There are many different defective car repair scenarios and issues that may result in a lawsuit. For example, the mechanic may say that an issue was fixed when, in fact, it was not accurately or completely remedied.
Bad estimates are another issue that an individual may encounter. There are consumer laws in each state requiring transparency about the details of vehicle repairs before they are completed, which includes disclosing the details and providing an accurate and honest quote.
A breach of warranty is another issue that an individual may face related to their repair, as many vehicles have warranties that outline what repairs will be covered as well as the length of the warranty. If the mechanic fails to honor or follow the warranty, by refusing to complete the repair or to cover the cost, an individual may have a claim.
There are also other issues an individual may encounter that an attorney can provide further guidance on. It is essential to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after an issue arises, as there may be a time limitation on filing the claim, called the statute of limitations.
How Do I Sue for Defective Car Repair Issues?
If a car mechanic or shop defectively repairs a vehicle because of their negligence, especially if damage to the vehicle or injuries to the individuals operating or riding in the vehicle results, the mechanic or shop may face liability. There may be multiple parties who can be held liable for issues related to vehicle repair, for example:
- A shop mechanic;
- The owner of the repair shop;
- The vehicle manufacturer, particularly when a company mechanic works under a warranty agreement.
Examples of repairs that may be deemed negligently completed may include:
- Failure to completely repair a damaged part;
- Causing damage to the car while performing a repair;
- Installation of the wrong part or parts;
- Failure to perform the correct repair procedure;
- Failure to identify a repair that other mechanics working with a reasonable standard of care would have identified.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer for Help with a Defective Car Repair Claim?
Because your vehicle likely plays such an important role in your everyday life, if you have any car repair issues in Massachusetts, it is essential to consult with a Massachusetts liability lawyer. Issues with your car repairs can keep you from getting to your job, caring for your loved ones, and completing your daily tasks.
Cases involving defective car repairs can be difficult to prove and can involve more than one defendant. A lawyer can help an individual determine the best method for resolving their issue. You can use LegalMatch to connect with the right lawyer for your needs.
If a lawsuit becomes necessary, your lawyer will protect your rights during the process and appear with you during all court appearances. Your lawyer will help ensure that you are fairly compensated for the losses you suffered.
