Please be advised that the following topic is for informational purposes only and not a legal matter currently handled by our firm. If you have a serious injury claim and need legal representation, please contact us, but if need more information regarding this particular topic, you can contact your local Bar Association for a referral to an attorney who may be able to address your inquiry in more detail.
When Might a Mechanic Be Liable for a Car Accident?
As drivers, we trust our mechanics to do repairs properly and help keep us safe on the road. A bad repair puts you at risk of being injured in an accident.
Imagine driving your car away from the mechanic’s shop and getting into a car accident on the way home. If the accident was due to a faulty repair, wouldn’t you want to hold the mechanic liable for your car accident?
About 7% of all auto accidents involve mechanical failures. While that’s a small number, your crash could be due to a mechanical issue that’s not your fault and can be traced back to an auto shop. These legal cases can be tricky, but it’s possible to hold a California mechanic liable for your accident.
Many Sources of Mechanical Failures in Accidents
To make a strong case, and prove the mechanic is liable for a car accident, you’ll need to locate evidence that shows the source of the mechanical failure that set off the accident. This evidence could come from many sources: another auto shop that examines your car, an insurance investigator, a police report, or even a video that captured what happened.
As you track down the cause of the accident, look for common causes of mechanical failures. According to the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA), the top four vehicle-related crash causes are:
- Degraded/failing wheels/tires
- Failing brakes
- Steering, suspension, engine, and transmission failures
- Other equipment failures and mechanical causes
Your accident could also be the result of:
- Faulty wiring
- Incorrect tire inflation
- Mismatched and misaligned tires
- Broken tail lights and turn signals
- Missing windshield wipers
- Damage to brake lines
- Steering wheel/system problems
- Loose and missing lug nuts
Maybe an auto shop employee was rushing, distracted, or poorly-trained and made a critical mistake while working. Do any of these situations sound like your accident?
- A repair wasn’t completed as you requested or expected
- While repairing something, the mechanic caused other damage
- Defective parts were installed
- Parts were unnecessarily removed or altered
- Your vehicle was illegally modified
- A foreign object, like a tool, was left in your car
- The mechanic or shop failed to identify a safety hazard
- Workers were unqualified or untrained to perform the work
How to Hold a Mechanic/Shop Responsible
A successful liability claim has several elements that come together to make it clear that the mechanic or auto shop holds liability for your accident. Work with your lawyer to gather proof that shows:
- The auto professionals owed you a duty of care because you were their customer.
- They failed to meet their duty of care by acting negligently.
- Your accident was a direct result of this negligence.
- You have damages from the accident.
In terms of the “duty of care,” here’s what you need to know. Here in California, automotive professionals are expected to work with skill, caution, and professionalism. A mechanic should have a standard level of knowledge for their profession and should always inspect and test your car to make sure it can be safely driven. Plus, they’re forbidden from doing unnecessary, dangerous, or illegal repairs.
You Deserve Compensation for Your Damages
You’ll need to prove the full worth of your damages and present evidence that clarifies the amount you’re due. Gather all possible documentation, including your medical bills, pay stubs that show your lost wages, and calculations of your lost earning capacity.
Don’t undervalue the pain and suffering you’ve experienced as a result of the accident. Were your children with you in the car when you crashed? Do you have scars or disfigurements due to the impact? This kind of traumatic event can lead to significant physical and emotional suffering.
At Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped clients hold mechanics responsible for the negligence that led to accidents. Share your story with us and let us sort through the legal details. We’ll ease your stress and let you rest and heal from the crash!
We Handle Your Accident Claim So You Can Focus On Your Life
After your accident, contact the attorney team at Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers. We handle many areas of personal injury law, including injuries from car accidents. We believe you should be able to focus on recovering from your accident while we handle the legal details. Call 877-380-8852 today for a free case evaluation.
