Vehicle owners rely on mechanics to keep their cars in good working order. When a mechanic fails to repair your car and ensure it is safe for driving, you can sue the mechanic of an auto repair shop for negligence. On your own, it might be difficult to define negligence and to prove the mechanic’s liability. A personal injury lawyer can help you build a case that leads to financial recovery.
You might find yourself in this position if the mechanic who serviced your car failed to make the repairs you paid for or failed to use safe vehicle components like tires, brakes, and windshield wipers. To prove the mechanic’s liability, you must demonstrate the four elements of negligence. Your lawyer can explore the mechanic’s responsibilities and your rights.
Proving Negligence on the Part of the Mechanic
You might be able to sue the mechanic of an auto repair shop for negligence if they installed faulty, defective, or wrong parts on your car that caused it to fail to perform properly. You can also sue if the mechanic:
- Did not properly perform a needed repair
- Did not perform a complete repair
- Did not notice or point out a necessary repair
- Damaged vehicle or repair parts and components
A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the parameters of negligence and the evidence that will substantiate it. Your lawyer will also help you prove the elements of negligence.
The Four Legal Elements of Negligence
Negligence is a legal construct that must be proven to hold a negligent party liable for monetary damages. The legal elements that constitute negligence include the following:
- Duty: The mechanic or shop owed you a duty of care to repair your vehicle to a safe degree and ensure its roadworthiness.
- Breach: The mechanic or shop breached their responsibility if they failed to properly repair or reassemble your car or any of its parts.
- Cause: The mechanic’s or shop’s breach led to your injuries or caused your vehicle to malfunction and injure someone else.
- Damages: Your accident caused injuries and losses.
Establishing these elements of negligence on your own can be complicated and difficult. A personal injury or defective product lawyer can help you build a strong case file that leads to financial recovery.
Collect Solid Evidence File Against the Mechanic or Shop
Pinpointing the exact damage to your vehicle or its faulty repairs may require knowledge and expertise. It might be hard to identify the experts who can attest to the mechanic’s failure and the current condition of your vehicle. A lawyer can help you:
- Compile repair receipts and invoices
- Consult automotive experts
- Examine your car or its remaining parts
- Prove the value of your injuries
- Prove the value of another party’s injuries
These elements can be proven with evidence, such as witness testimony, receipts, and surveillance cameras. Your case must prove two points—the repair was faulty, and that mechanic was negligent. A lawyer can help you gather evidence and consult experts to bolster your case.
Damages You Can Recover for Auto Repair Negligence
Identifying recoverable damages in a negligence case can be more difficult than in typical personal injury cases like car accidents or accidental falls. You may be able to recoup the cost of:
- Previous repairs that were not performed properly
- Future required repairs or the vehicle’s replacement value
- Transportation costs for the time you are without your vehicle
- Personal injury damages including medical care and lost wages
- Wrongful death damages, where applicable
This list is not exhaustive, and you may have additional damages related to your case. defining your recoverable damages can be complicated if you are the defendant in a personal injury case that is the result of an accident. A lawyer can help you understand your role as a defendant in that case and as a plaintiff in the case against the mechanic.
Do Not Wait to Seek Financial Recovery
Like all civil cases, yours has a time limit. Called the statute of limitations, it determines how much time you have to file your lawsuit. Understanding the statute of limitations is a complex legal matter. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand the timeline and how it affects your case. He can also negotiate with the at-fault party to help you reach a monetary settlement that avoids a lengthy trial.
Contact One of Our Team Member’s Today
Was your car was involved in a single-vehicle accident or in an accident with another car because of faulty repairs?
If so, our law firm can help you sue the mechanic of an auto repair shop for negligence. Find out how you can pursue damages by calling our D. Miller & Associates, PLLC™ team today.
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