Cars are a very important part of most people’s everyday life. When they have to be fixed, it can cause an inconvenience and be expensive, especially when a car is not repaired properly.
Typically, automobile mechanics are the ones who complete repairs or adjustments on cars. If these are not handled properly, it can interfere with an individual’s ability to care for themselves and loved ones and go to important places, such as their workplace.
Defective car repairs are repairs, adjustments, or upgrades that are not performed properly or have dangerous results. If vehicle repairs are not properly done, further damage can be caused to the car, or it may result in injuries to the driver or passengers or even automobile accidents.
Injuries may occur when the defective car repair causes the car to be unsafe to drive. Cars that are not safe to drive can result in damage to the car, which can make future repairs very difficult or even impossible.
Someone might have been injured in an automobile accident that resulted from a defective car repair. If so, it may cause the individual to have additional issues, such as debt from medical bills and lost wages from missed work days. In these cases, a local attorney in Oregon can help an individual determine how to resolve their issue and receive compensation for their losses.
Consulting with an auto repair lawyer can help an individual determine the claims that may be available to them as well as the possible remedies for their issue.
What Are Some Examples of Defective Car Repairs?
What is considered to be an example of a defective car repair can depend on the make and model of the car and the facts and circumstances of the case. Examples of what may be considered a defective car repair can include:
- Leaking hose or other replacement parts;
- Improper wiring jobs;
- Improper part replacement;
- Defective bodywork;
- Defective paint jobs;
- Defective mechanic work;
- Substandard repairs of cosmetic issues.
An individual may not be able to completely avoid defective car repairs, despite their best efforts. There are, however, some steps a customer can take to protect themselves and ensure they have the best experience they can with their car repair.
It is important to research the mechanic or shop that will be used before dropping off the car. This can be done by online research and research at the location, such as asking to see the shop’s licenses, certificates, and other business operating certificates.
These are often displayed in the waiting rooms of repair shops. By taking the time to research and verify the mechanic and shop they will be using, an individual can help ensure they will be using a qualified mechanic who is properly trained and capable of performing the repairs to their car properly.
What Is the Difference Between a Defective Car Repair and a Defective Product Recall?
There are differences between defective car repairs and defective product recalls for automobiles. A defective car repair is an adjustment, repair, or upgrade that is not properly or totally completed.
A defective product automobile recall is typically issued when there is a manufacturing defect in the vehicle that creates a safety hazard, which may result in injuries to the car’s driver or passengers.
Cosmetic issues are typically not reasons for a manufacturer to issue a recall. Issues that may be reasons for a manufacturer to issue a recall may include, but are not limited to:
- A misaligned steering mechanism;
- A defect in the brake pedal or gas pedal;
- A flaw in one of the car’s systems, such as the:
- Defects in the safety equipment in the car, such as the safety belts or airbags;
- A structural issue with the:
- Frame;
- Body;
- Transmission;
- Engine assembly; and
- Electrical issues or computer issues.
Federal motor vehicle safety standards in the United States provide minimum performance requirements for parts of cars that affect their operation, such as:
- Steering wheels;
- Tires;
- Brakes;
- Lighting;
- Other components included in the car for the protection and safety of the driver and passengers.
If one of the parts listed above does not comply with the federal standards or there is another safety-related defect in the vehicle, an automobile recall may be necessary. In some situations, a car may also be covered by the lemon laws in the state.
What Should I Do Regarding a Defective Car Repair?
A defective car repair might have been done on an individual’s car. In this case, they should consult with a lawyer for car issues who can help them determine if they will be able to recover damages for the defective repair. The first step an individual should take is to review the repair contract that was signed when they left their car for service.
This document will typically cover the terms of payment for the repair, the length of time the repair was expected to take, and other issues related to the repair. The individual should then contact the shop or mechanic who performed the work to see if they would be willing to review and resolve the issue. It may be helpful to consult with a shop supervisor or owner.
If these steps are not effective, an individual’s lawyer can contact the shop and request the repair be fixed to avoid litigation. Many businesses understand that lawsuits are costly and will be willing to fix the issue to avoid going to court.
What Documentation Do I Need When Dealing with a Defective Car Repair?
Claims for defective car repairs will require an individual to provide documentation, such as:
- Purchase and repair warranties;
- Repair receipts;
- Insurance documents;
- Written communications with the shop; and
- Any other documents related to the work done.
Because of this, it is important to keep any documents related to car service, even if an individual does not anticipate that there will be an issue.
How Do I Sue for Defective Car Repair Issues?
If a defective car repair is completed on an individual’s car, they may be able to file a claim to receive compensation for their losses. These types of claims are usually based on the negligence of the mechanic or shop.
Negligent repairs can result in damage to the car or injuries to drivers or passengers, especially in cases where a car accident occurs. In addition, more than one party may be held liable for the defective repair, including:
- The mechanic who performed the repair;
- The owner of the shop;
- The vehicle manufacturer, commonly named when company mechanics work under a warranty agreement.
Examples of defective car repairs that can result from negligent work on the vehicle include:
- Installation of the wrong part;
- Failure to perform the proper repair procedure;
- Causing damage to the vehicle while performing the repair;
- Failure to completely repair the damaged part;
- Failure to identify repairs that are needed that a mechanic who was acting with a reasonable standard of care would have noticed.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer for Help with a Defective Car Repair Claim?
Because your car is such an important part of your everyday life, it is essential to reach out to an Oregon liability lawyer if you received a defective car repair. Issues with your car can keep you from completing essential everyday tasks, such as running errands and going to work.
Claims based on a defective car repair can involve more than one defendant and be difficult to prove. Your attorney will review the facts of your case and help ensure you receive the damages you deserve. LegalMatch can connect you with a lawyer who can help you with your needs.
If you negotiate a settlement with one or more defendants, your attorney will represent you during those meetings as well as any time you appear in court. Having an attorney handle your defective car repair claim is the most effective way to ensure you receive compensation.
