Cars are a very important part of many individual’s lives, and when they have to be repaired, it can be a major inconvenience. It can be even more difficult if a car is not properly repaired.
Typically, most individuals will take their car to an automobile mechanic for repair. Defective car repairs arise when the repair is poorly performed or has a dangerous result.
A car repair that is not properly completed may end up causing more damage to the vehicle as well as endangering drivers and passengers. A defective car repair can cause a car to be unsafe to drive.
Car repairs that are incorrectly done can create risks for anyone in the car and other drivers on the road in addition to resulting in an automobile accident. If an accident happens as a result of a defective car repair in Minnesota, an individual should reach out to a local attorney in Minnesota.
An auto repair lawyer can provide advice regarding the available methods for taking action against the mechanic or shop that handled the repair. A lawyer for car issues can also provide advice regarding whether an individual’s car may fall under the state’s lemon laws.
What Are Some Examples of Defective Car Repairs?
What type of repair will be considered a defective car repair depends on the circumstances of each unique situation as well as the type of vehicle. Defective mechanic work may include issues such as:
- A leaking hose or other replacement parts;
- A defective paint job;
- An improper part replacement;
- An improper wiring job;
- Faulty mechanical work;
- Defective bodywork;
- A substandard repair of a cosmetic issue.
What Is the Difference Between a Defective Car Repair and a Defective Product Recall?
Defective vehicle repairs and defective vehicle product recalls are different issues. Defective car product recalls, or automobile recalls, involve safety hazards in the vehicle that can result in injury to drivers or passengers.
Automobile recalls may be issued based on a:
- Flaw in the car’s:
- Fuel;
- Exhaust;
- Cooling system;
- Defect in the gas pedal or brake pedal such as jamming or getting stuck;
- Misaligned steering mechanism;
- Defect in the vehicle’s safety equipment, for example, airbags or safety belts;
- Structural issue with the vehicle’s:
- Transmission;
- Body;
- Frame;
- Engine assembly; and
- Computer issue or an electrical issue.
The United States federal government also provides minimum standards for the operation of components of the vehicle that affect its operation. If these are not met because of a defect in the equipment in the car, a recall may be issued.
What Should I Do Regarding a Defective Car Repair?
If an individual suspects that they may have received a defective car repair, they can consult with an attorney who can help them determine if they have a claim and what they may be able to recover. Usually, when an individual takes their car in for service or repair, the shop or mechanic will have them sign a contract that covers:
- The terms of payment for the repair;
- How long the repair is estimated to take;
- Other important issues related to the work.
If an individual suspects there may be an issue with their repair, they should begin by reviewing their contract or having a lawyer review it. Then, they can reach out to the service provider and see if they will fix the issue.
If the shop or mechanic does not fix the problem, an attorney can correspond with them and determine if they would be willing to fix the issue instead of facing litigation. Usually, a business will want to protect its reputation in the area and will be willing to fix any issue they caused.
What Documentation Do I Need When Dealing with a Defective Car Repair?
An individual’s claim for a defective car repair will be based on the documents that are related to the work done on the car. Because of this, any time an individual takes their vehicle in for a service or repair, they should keep any and all documentation related to it in case an issue arises in the future.
Examples of documents that an individual should keep related to their vehicle service or repair may include:
- The service or repair receipt;
- Purchase and repair warranties;
- Any insurance documents for the vehicle;
- Communication between the car’s owner and the mechanic or shop;
- Other documents or legal instruments related to the upgrade, service, or repair.
How Do I Sue for Defective Car Repair Issues?
A repair shop or a car mechanic may make a repair that is defective due to negligence, especially in cases where the vehicle was damaged or individuals in the vehicle were injured. In that case, the shop or mechanic may face liability. In some cases, more than one defendant may be named in a lawsuit, including:
- The shop mechanic;
- The owners of the repair shop;
- The vehicle manufacturer, which is commonly named in a lawsuit when a company mechanic was working under a warranty agreement.
Repairs that can be considered negligently performed by the mechanic can include, but may not be limited to:
- Installation of the wrong part or parts;
- Failure to perform the correct repair procedure;
- Failure to completely repair a damaged part;
- Causing damage to the vehicle while completing the repair.
There are numerous different issues that may arise between a customer and a mechanic or shop that may result in a lawsuit. One issue is the mechanic claiming that an issue or part was fixed when it was not completely or properly fixed.
Receiving a bad estimate is another issue an individual may have. Consumer laws in every state require that customers be provided details regarding the repair before completion as well as an honest and accurate quote for the work.
Breach of warranty is another type of issue that may come up related to a car repair. Many vehicles have warranties, which function like contracts, meaning that, if the mechanic fails to honor that warranty because they refuse to do the work or cover the cost, the customer may have a claim.
If an individual encounters these or any other types of issues related to their car service or repair, a lawyer can provide guidance and advice. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an issue arises, as there may be a statute of limitations or time limit for filing a claim.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer for Help with a Defective Car Repair Claim?
If your car was improperly repaired in Minnesota, you should reach out to a Minnesota liability lawyer as soon as you can. Defective car repair claims are difficult to prove and may include more than one defendant.
The more time your attorney has to work on your claim, the better chance they will have at obtaining the necessary evidence to show causation, or that the mechanic or shop did cause the issue. Your attorney will file your claim in court as well as represent you during any negotiations with defendants or appearances in court.
You can find a lawyer to handle your defective car repair claim on LegalMatch by simply submitting your issue on the website for free. You will get responses from member attorneys who are ready to begin helping you resolve your issue.
