When Vehicle Repairs Lead to Serious Injuries

When Vehicle Repairs Lead to Serious Injuries

When you bring your car into the shop for repair, you have the reasonable expectation that your mechanic or repair shop will complete your work on time – and with careful attention to detail. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Auto shops sometimes cut corners, which can lead to your injury. Auto repair negligence is a serious, but not uncommon, occurrence – learn about your legal options.
 

What Is Auto Repair Negligence?

Maintenance and repair are an inevitable part of car ownership. Even if you drive a new vehicle, you’re bound to end up in a repair shop eventually. Most of the time, you’re back on the road without a second thought. However, there are certain times when negligent mechanics can cause serious accidents in which they are liable for your injuries. Improper repair work that leads to injury is a sign that both the repair shop and the mechanic may be responsible.
 
Civil law holds mechanics responsible for several breaches of duty, which may include:
 

• Creating false estimates for repair work
• Breaching a warranty
• Failing to disclose what work they performed, or falsely disclosing the work performed
• Failing to fulfill a work request
• Fraud
• Performing unnecessary work
• Product liability (i.e., installing a part that was defective or subject to recall at the time of the repair)

A mechanic is often liable for the damages that arise from their negligence. Here’s an example: You brought your car in because the lights in your dash were flickering, and the mechanics determined that both the battery and alternator needed replacement. You agreed to the work order, but they only replaced the battery. A couple of days later, your battery dies on the side of the highway because your alternator is still faulty. A car strikes your disabled vehicle, causing serious injury. Here, both the at-fault driver and the repair shop may be liable for your injuries.
If you believe that your recent car accident was the result of auto repair negligence, it’s essential to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. He or she can help you protect your right to compensation under the law.
 

Other Examples of Auto Repair Negligence

There are several other common reasons why an auto repair shop may be liable for injuries sustained in a car accident. Some of the most common include:
 

• Failing to identify and repair worn parts
• Forgetting to reattach components after repair
• Failing to identify dangerous problems during inspection
• Causing damage to your vehicle’s other systems during repair.

Auto repair negligence can lead to internal organ damage, injuries from the seatbelt or airbags deploying, traumatic brain injury, whiplash, broken bones, and more. If you or a loved one sustained an injury in a car accident, and you believe your repair shop may be responsible, talk to an attorney about your legal options. Even if another driver was at fault for an accident, you may be able to file separate claims against the driver and the mechanic who was negligent. For more help, discuss your case with an attorney.