People rely on their vehicles for some of the most important aspects of their everyday lives. When a car has to be repaired, it can be both inconvenient and costly for the owner.
In most situations, an individual will take their vehicle to an automobile mechanic for repair. Sometimes, their car will not be properly repaired.
A defective car repair is a repair that has a dangerous result or is poorly performed. Car repairs that are improperly done may result in additional damage to the car or injuries to operators and passengers.
If an individual receives a defective car repair, it may cause their vehicle to be unsafe to operate. Defective car repairs can create risks for anyone who is in the vehicle, as well as other motorists, as they can result in automobile accidents.
If an individual has an accident they believe resulted from a defective car repair in Washington, they should consult with a local attorney in Washington. Auto repair lawyers can determine what claims an individual may be able to make as well as the remedies they can request.
What Are Some Examples of Defective Car Repairs?
Defective car repairs may occur in many different ways, as there are numerous different components required to have an operational vehicle. Common examples of defective car repairs include, but may not be limited to:
- Improper replacement of a part;
- Improper wiring;
- Defective mechanic work;
- Defective bodywork;
- Leaking hoses or other types of replacement parts;
- Repairs of cosmetic issues that are substandard, for example, on bumpers or fenders;
- Defective paint jobs.
An individual can take steps to protect themselves from having a defective repair on their vehicle. Automobile mechanics have to meet certain industry standards when they are performing repairs, adjustments, and upgrades to cars.
Researching the shop or mechanic before taking the vehicle is one of the best steps an individual can take to protect themselves. They can request to see the certificates, licenses, and any other operating certificates the shop holds.
This will help the potential customer make sure that they will be using a qualified mechanic or shop that is capable of performing proper work on their car.
What Is the Difference Between a Defective Car Repair and a Defective Product Recall?
Defective car repairs are repairs that are not completed correctly. Defective product recalls on automobiles are based on manufacturing defects.
Car recalls, or defective product recalls, are typically based on issues that create a safety hazard and may result in injuries to the driver or passengers. Minor cosmetic issues typically do not create recalls.
Issues that may cause a vehicle or part to be recalled include, but are not limited to:
- Flaws in the vehicle’s:
- Exhaust;
- Fuel;
- Cooling systems;
- Defects in the brakes or gas pedals, such as when they get stuck or jammed;
- Misaligned steering mechanisms;
- Defects in safety equipment, such as airbags or safety belts;
- Structural issues with:
- The frame of the vehicle;
- The body;
- The transmission;
- The engine assembly; and
- Vehicle electrical or computer issues, for example, defective keyless fobs.
It is important to be aware that the federal government provides standards for minimum performance requirements for the parts of the vehicle that affect how it operates, including:
- Steering wheels;
- Tires;
- Brakes;
- Lighting; and
- Other components present for the protection and safety of the vehicle’s driver and passengers.
If there is a part that does not comply with these minimum standards or if a safety-related defect arises in the equipment in the vehicle, a recall may be issued. In addition, defective vehicles may be covered by the state’s lemon laws.
What Should I Do Regarding a Defective Car Repair?
If an individual has a defective car repair, they should consult with a lawyer for car issues. A lawyer can help determine if they have a claim and what damages may be available.
In many cases, car repairs are based on contracts between car owners and mechanics that outline:
- The terms of payment for the repair
- How long the repair should take
- Other important issues related to the transaction
If an individual does have an issue with a repair, they should review their repair contract. A lawyer can also review the contract.
What Documentation Do I Need When Dealing with a Defective Car Repair?
There may be many different documents related to a repair that is completed on a vehicle. Important documents for an individual to keep related to their repair include:
- Insurance documents;
- Repair receipts;
- Purchase and repair warranties;
- Copies of any written communications between the vehicle owner and the shop or mechanic; and
- Copies of any other documents related to the transaction.
What Can I Do if a Mechanic Damages My Car While It is Being Repaired?
If a mechanic damages an individual’s vehicle while it is being repaired, they may be able to sue the repair shop or the mechanic. If the shop has an insurance policy, the individual’s damages will likely be covered by that insurance.
An individual can begin by asking the shop to fix the damage or perform an improper repair. Most businesses will have an interest in keeping customers as well as their reputation in the area.
If the mechanic or shop will not fix the issue, a lawyer may still be able to help resolve the problem without going to court. An individual’s attorney can contact the mechanic or shop and ask for the issue to be fixed so that a lawsuit does not become necessary.
Many businesses will recognize this as an opportunity to save money they would spend on litigation and will comply. Communication from a lawyer will show the shop that the customer is serious about having their issue resolved and is not going to stop requesting it until it is fixed.
How Do I Sue for Defective Car Repair Issues?
Lawsuits for defective car repair issues are typically based on the legal theory of negligence, which allows a customer to recover damages if the mechanic was negligent based on the circumstances. Parties that may be liable for defective repair losses include, but may not be limited to:
- The mechanic who performed the repair;
- The owner of the shop;
- The manufacturer of the vehicle, especially in a situation where a company mechanic performed the repair under a warranty agreement.
Faulty repair issues that may result from a mechanic’s negligence may include, but are not limited to:
- Not installing the correct parts;
- Not performing the correct repair procedure;
- Not completely repairing the damaged parts;
- Not identifying repairs that should be completed that a mechanic acting with a reasonable standard of care would have identified;
- Damaging one or more parts of the car while performing the repairs.
Should I Talk to a Lawyer for Help with a Defective Car Repair Claim?
If a defective car repair was made on your vehicle, it is important to consult with a Washington liability lawyer as soon as possible. These types of cases can be complex to prove and involve multiple defendants. LegalMatch’s system can put you in touch with a lawyer who can help you with your case.
The sooner your lawyer can begin working on your case, the easier it will be for them to obtain relevant evidence to show causation or that the mechanic was the one who caused the issues. Your lawyer will file your claim on your behalf and represent you in negotiations with the shop and in court.
