Individuals rely on their cars for many things in their everyday lives. When an individual has to have their car repaired, it can be costly and inconvenient.
An individual will often take their car to an automobile mechanic for repair. In some cases, they will receive it back without being prepared properly.
Defective car repairs occur when a repair is performed poorly or has a dangerous result. If car repairs are not properly done, it can result in further damages to a car or injuries to the passengers.
A defective car repair may render a vehicle unsafe to operate. A vehicle that is not safe to drive can result in damage to the vehicle that makes additional repairs difficult or impossible.
A defective car repair can create risks for anyone in the vehicle, other motorists, and may cause automobile accidents. If an individual was involved in a car accident resulting from a defective car repair, additional issues may arise such as lost wages from missing work and medical bills.
In a case that involves an automobile accident, it is essential to consult with a local attorney in New Jersey. An auto repair lawyer can help determine what claims may be available based on defective car repairs and the remedies they can obtain.
What Are Some Examples of Defective Car Repairs?
There are many different examples of what may constitute a defective car repair, including:
- Improper wiring jobs;
- Defective mechanic work;
- Defective bodywork;
- Improper part replacement;
- Leaking hoses or other replacement parts;
- Substandard repairs of cosmetic issues, for example, on bumpers or fenders;
- Defective paint jobs.
Even though it is likely impossible to avoid defective car repairs, there are steps that can be taken to protect an individual who is considering a repair. Car mechanics must meet certain industry standards when they make repairs, upgrades, or adjustments to a vehicle.
An individual should research the mechanic or shop that they will be using to complete the repairs. A potential customer can request to see a shop’s certificates, licenses, or any other operating certificates.
This can help ensure that the individual will be using a qualified mechanic who is properly trained and is capable of performing the vehicle repair properly.
What Is the Difference Between a Defective Car Repair and a Defective Product Recall?
A defective vehicle repair is a repair that is not completed property. A defective product recall may be the result of a manufacturing defect in the vehicle.
Automobile recalls will usually only involve flaws that create safety hazards and can result in injuries to the driver of the vehicle or the passengers. Cosmetic issues are usually not reasons for recalls.
Vehicle issues that can be the subject of automobile recalls include:
- Defects in the brakes or gas pedals, such as when they get stuck or jammed;
- Misaligned steering mechanisms;
- Flaws in the exhaust, fuel, or cooling systems;
- Defects in the safety equipment, which includes safety belts and airbags;
- Structural issues with the frame of the vehicle, the body, the transmission, or the engine assembly; and
- Electrical or computer issues, such as defective keyless fobs.
Federal motor vehicle safety standards outline the minimum performance requirements for vehicle parts that affect how a vehicle operates, including:
- Steering wheels;
- Brakes;
- Tires;
- Lighting;
- Other components in the vehicle for the protection and safety of the driver and passengers.
A recall may be necessary if a part does not comply with these standards or if there is a safety-related defect in the vehicle’s equipment. A defective vehicle may also be covered by lemon laws.
What Should I Do Regarding a Defective Car Repair?
A common consumer complaint is car repair fraud. If these faulty repairs result in a car accident, the complaints are even more important.
A lawyer for car issues will help an individual determine if they have a defective car repair claim as well as what damages they may be able to recover. Mechanic work is usually completed based on a contract between the mechanic and the customer.
These types of contracts will typically include the expected length of time the repair will take, the terms of payment, and any other important issues related to the repair. If issues do arise related to a repair, it is important to review the contract.
What Documentation Do I Need When Dealing with a Defective Car Repair?
There are certain documents that are related to a vehicle repair that form the foundation of defective repair claims, such as:
- Purchase and repair warranties;
- Insurance documents;
- Repair receipts;
- Copies of any written communications the individual had with the shop; and
- Copies of any other documents related to the repair.
What Issues Arise When You Need to Sue a Mechanic?
Being involved in any type of lawsuit can be frustrating. One of the most common issues is incorrect repair.
In these cases, negligence occurred on the part of the mechanic, who failed to properly fix the issue. This can create a dangerous hazard for drivers and passengers in the vehicle.
A bad estimate is another issue that may occur. There are laws in states across the nation that require transparency regarding the details of repairs before they are completed.
An automobile repair shop is required to provide an honest and accurate quote for the costs of the repairs before they are completed. Another issue that may arise is a breach of warranty.
New and used cars have warranties attached to them that outlines the repairs that will be covered. If a mechanic fails to honor a warranty, either to repair the vehicle or to cover the cost of the repair, an individual may be able to sue.
Another issue that may arise is the illegal use of a mechanic’s lien. It is important to note that these types of liens can also be used by:
- Plumbers;
- Painters;
- Carpenters;
- Construction contractors;
- Subcontractors; or
- Any individual who provides a service that improves a customer’s property.
How Do I Sue for Defective Car Repair Issues?
The basis of a lawsuit for a defective car repair issue is typically negligence when the repair results in damage to the vehicle or injuries to the individuals in the vehicle.
There are multiple individuals that may be held responsible for defective repair losses, including:
- The shop mechanic;
- The owner of a repair shop;
- The vehicle manufacturer, especially when a company mechanic worked under a warranty agreement.
The legal theory of negligence allows an individual to recover damages when another individual is careless based on the circumstances of a situation. Faulty work issues that may result from negligence may include, but are not limited to:
- Failing to perform the correct repair procedure;
- Installing the wrong parts;
- Failing to completely repair damaged parts;
- Failing to identify repairs that are needed that a mechanic who was acting with a reasonable standard of care would have noticed;
- Causing damage to one or more parts of the vehicle while performing repairs.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer for Help with a Defective Car Repair Claim?
If you believe a defective car repair has been made to your vehicle, it is essential to consult with a New Jersey liability lawyer. Cases that involve defective vehicle repair can be complicated and involve more than one defendant.
Your lawyer will review the facts of your case and advise you on how you can proceed to obtain damages. Your lawyer will handle documents and court filings related to your claim and will represent you during negotiations and in the courtroom.
LegalMatch can assist you in finding a car repair defect lawyer in your area who will be able to file a lawsuit on your behalf. Having a lawyer handle your defective car repair claim is the best way to ensure you receive compensation for your losses.
