Can an Auto Repair Shop Be Held Liable for a Vehicle Accident?

When you take your vehicle to a repair shop, you trust the mechanics to fix your car safely and correctly. However, what happens when faulty repair work leads to a serious accident? The sobering reality is that negligent auto repair work can turn your vehicle into a dangerous weapon on the road, putting you and other drivers at significant risk.

The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm understand the devastating impact that faulty auto repairs can have on accident victims and their families. With 55 years of experience handling complex injury cases, our legal team helps you determine if a repair shop’s negligence contributed to your accident and pursue the compensation you deserve.

When Auto Repair Shops Can Be Held Liable

Auto repair shops have a legal duty to perform work competently and safely. When it fails to meet this standard of care, the business or mechanic may be liable for accidents that result from their negligence. Several circumstances can make a repair shop responsible for your vehicle accident.

Faulty Brake Repairs

Brake system failures represent one of the most dangerous types of repair shop negligence. When mechanics improperly install brake pads, fail to replace worn rotors, or make errors in brake fluid systems, the results can be catastrophic. If you recently had brake work done and experienced brake failure that led to an accident, the repair shop may bear responsibility for your injuries and damages.

Defective Tire Installation

Improper tire installation or maintenance can cause blowouts, loss of vehicle control, and serious accidents. Repair shops must properly mount tires, ensure correct air pressure, and check for potential defects. When they fail to follow proper procedures, they may be liable for accidents caused by tire failures.

Steering and Suspension Problems

Faulty work on steering systems, suspension components, or wheel alignments can make vehicles difficult or impossible to control. These mechanical failures often occur at high speeds, leading to severe accidents. If your accident resulted from steering or suspension problems after recent repair work, the shop may be liable for your damages.

Proving Auto Repair Shop Liability

Establishing that an auto repair shop caused your accident requires demonstrating several key elements. You must show that the shop owed you a duty of care, breached it through providing negligent work, and that this breach directly caused your accident and injuries.

Repair receipts, work orders, and warranty information help establish what work was performed and when. Having your vehicle inspected by qualified mechanics can reveal whether the repair work meets industry standards. Additionally, maintenance records and manufacturer specifications provide important evidence about proper repair procedures.

Expert testimony often proves essential in auto repair liability cases. Qualified automotive professionals can examine the failed components, review the repair work, and explain how the shop’s negligence led to the mechanical failure that caused your accident.

Types of Damages Available

When an auto repair shop’s negligence causes an accident, you may be eligible to obtain economic and non-economic damages. Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care, can be substantial after serious accidents. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity also create significant financial hardship for accident victims and their families.

Property damage extends beyond just your vehicle. You may recover compensation for the full value of your car, rental vehicle expenses, and personal property damaged in the crash. Pain and suffering compensate for the physical discomfort, reduced quality of life, and other losses resulting from your injuries.

Contact Knowles Law Firm Today

Auto repair shop liability cases require thorough investigation and experienced legal representation to achieve successful outcomes. The lawyers at Knowles Law Firm have obtained multi-million dollar settlements for accident victims and understand how to build strong cases against negligent repair shops. We work diligently to move cases forward quickly, enabling clients to focus on recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

Time is essential in these cases, as evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories can fade. If you believe faulty auto repair work contributed to your accident, contact our experienced legal team immediately. Call Knowles Law Firm at (402) 431-9000 or use our contact form to schedule your consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.