Can I Sue the Auto Shop for Negligence?
Between worrying about the cost of a repair, or if the repair will be done right, you may be less than eager to bring your car to a mechanic. While many mechanics are reputable, others do overcharge or may even perform unnecessary repairs. If a mechanic acts carelessly while performing repairs or overlooks potential issues, you may be able to bring a negligence suit against the mechanic or auto shop. You may be able to incur significant damages if their negligence caused your vehicle to crash.
If a mechanic’s subpar work on your vehicle caused injuries, do not hesitate to contact our Plano auto accident attorneys.
How Can I Prove that a Mechanic or Auto Shop Was Negligent?
Any person who acts with less than reasonable care in performing a task is considered negligent. Negligence, as it relates to a mechanic or auto shop, will involve proving the following:
- Duty of care: A mechanic must perform repairs utilizing their skills, diagnosing any potential issues, and using the appropriate parts to complete repairs.
- Breach of duty: A breach of duty occurs if a mechanic fails to diagnose or replace damaged parts, installs the wrong vehicle parts, or violates the standard of care expected of their profession. In short, a mechanic must perform each repair in line with industry standards.
- Causation: The mechanic’s negligence or the auto shop’s oversight caused you to suffer injuries.
- Damages: As a result of your injuries, you suffered compensable losses in the form of lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Bringing a Lawsuit Under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA)
If you have been the subject of a defective car repair in Plano, Texas, you can file a lawsuit against the auto mechanic under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). Successful recovery will involve proving that the shop relied on false, misleading, and deceptive acts, resulting in a faulty repair or a failure to diagnose critical issues. Under the DTPA, you may be able to recoup economic damages, or any losses that cost you money, as well as additional costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
Potential Compensation for Negligent Auto Repairs
If you have experienced a motor vehicle accident caused by a mechanic’s negligence, you may be eligible to recoup economic and non-economic damages. While economic damages are financial losses, non-economic damages are intangible losses that affect your quality of life.
Damages in a faulty auto repair lawsuit may entail:
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Ambulatory services
- Emergency room care
- Physical therapy
- Home modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship and society
- Scarring and/or disfigurement
- Permanent disability
Reach Out to Our Plano Auto Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been impacted by a mechanic’s or auto shop’s shoddy work, our Plano auto accident attorneys would like to speak with you. Having a mechanic work on your car is placing your life and trust in their hands. At The Law Office of Joel Vecchio, P.C., we advocate tirelessly for individuals who have been injured due to another’s oversight. If you would like to discuss your case, contact us online or by phone at (972) 381-4610 to schedule your free consultation.