If a negligent mechanic led to damaged property or injuries that resulted from a car accident in Georgia, you might qualify for compensation. You have a right to file a lawsuit if the mechanic refuses to fix the issues that arose from the original repair.
When you bring your car into an auto shop for a repair, you expect the mechanic to address the issue, not make it worse or cause additional damage. If their negligence causes you to have an accident, you may be facing even worse consequences, like medical bills and lost wages.
Examples of Negligence During Auto Repairs
Auto repairs are expensive, but negligent repairs can lead to even more damage that needs to be addressed. Some examples of negligent repairs include:
- Failing to address the original issue
- Improperly inflating, replacing, or balancing a tire
- Disabling airbags or electrical warning systems
- Improperly adjusting the suspension
- Faulty brake replacements or repairs
- Installing damaged or used parts during the repair
- Damaging other parts of the vehicle during the repair
- Performing unnecessary repairs
Mechanics understand that people usually look around for the best quote, but that does not excuse them from following safety procedures when working on your vehicle. They should be honest when assessing your needs and giving you an estimate of the repair.
When they work on your car, they need to ensure they are correcting the issues to protect your safety on the road.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
When a Negligent Repair Leads to Car Trouble?
If you discover that the mechanic did not address your original issue after a repair or a new issue arose, your first step would be to address the mechanic or repair shop directly. Sometimes, a mechanic will admit their mistake and correct the problem at no additional cost to you.
If they argue that they did not cause the problem, they may quote you an additional estimate to continue working on your vehicle. When this happens, you can turn to one of our lawyers to see how they can help deal with the mechanic or repair shop.
Assessing Your Case
The first thing a lawyer can do is call in an expert to assess whether negligence played a role in the damage to your vehicle. They may find that the original repair was not necessary or was not properly performed. They may also be able to connect a new issue that arose afterward with the original repair performed.
Writing a Demand Letter
From there, a lawyer with our firm can write a demand letter to the mechanic or repair shop asking them to fix the issues. They will include the evidence of negligence found by expert witnesses. If the liable party fails to heed this letter, we can move forward with a lawsuit.
When a Negligent Repair Leads to a Car Accident?
In the worst-case scenario, a negligent auto repair leads to a car accident involving injuries. For example, suppose you brought in your car to have its brakes fixed, and the mechanic neglected to do this, causing you to get into an accident.
A collision will usually cause property damage and injuries that require medical treatment. You may even have to take time off of work to heal. In this case, a lawyer from our firm may suggest filing a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation.
Potential Forms of Compensation After an Accident
In the case of an accident, you may have to take legal action to recoup your losses, as these can add up to a substantial amount. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be able to seek financial recovery for:
- Current medical expenses, such as emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, and medication
- Future medical expenses, if your injuries require ongoing treatment, such as rehabilitative therapy
- Lost wages, if your injuries kept you from working
- Reduced earning capacity, if you cannot return to work or work in the same capacity
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
A lawyer from our firm can calculate both your economic and non-economic damages.
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Insurance May not Cover Negligent Repairs
If your damages resulted from a negligent repair, your own auto insurance policy usually would not cover these losses. Furthermore, it may not cover your losses if the investigation reveals a negligent repair led to the collision.
Even worse, the mechanic or auto repair shop that worked on your car may not carry any insurance coverage. They would need a policy that covers damages to your property or your accident-related injuries. In this instance, you may need to file a civil lawsuit to seek damages.
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Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
There are strict deadlines for filing a lawsuit in Georgia. According to OCGA §9-3-33, you only have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action.
If you miss this deadline, you risk having your case dismissed from court. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can begin working on your case and abide by the statute of limitations.
Work with Kaine Law After a Negligent Auto Repair in Georgia
If you suffered car damage or injuries after a negligent mechanic in Georgia worked on your vehicle, we could help you determine your legal options. During a consultation, we can discuss your potential case and get an idea of how much it may be worth.
Call us as soon as possible.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
