Chris Hammons | October 11, 2023 | Car Accidents
NOTE: Our law firm does not handle auto mechanic’s negligence cases. This article is for informational purposes only. Information found in the article does not constitute formal legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship.
A mechanic is our friendly neighborhood garage owner who is always ready to help us with our car troubles. We take our cars to him for repair work, and we trust that he will do a good job.
What happens when something goes wrong? Can the mechanic shop be held liable for negligence if, for example, his repair work causes a car crash or truck accident?
The answer is that it depends. If the mechanic failed or did not do an excellent job in the car repairs, he can be held liable. But if the accident were caused by factors beyond the mechanic’s control, such as a sudden mechanical failure, he would not be held responsible.
Let’s deep dive and explore this topic further.
How Can You Prove That a Repair Shop Was Negligent?
The first step shows that the mechanic had a duty to care for your truck. Generally, auto mechanics have a “duty of care” to their customers. This means that they must exercise reasonable skill and care when repairing vehicles.
If you can prove that the mechanic breached this duty of care- meaning they did not exercise a reasonable level of skill or care you can hold them liable for any resulting accidents and property damage.
There are a few ways to show that a mechanic breached their duty of care. First, you can look at the repair work itself. If it was done poorly or negligently, that might be enough to show that the mechanic was negligent.
You can also look at the mechanic’s behavior leading up to the accident. For example, if the mechanic failed to inspect your car or truck correctly or spot an obvious problem, that may be enough to show the mechanics’ negligence.
Finally, you can look at the circumstances surrounding the accident. If, for example, the accident occurred shortly after you picked up your car or truck from the mechanic’s shop, that may be enough to show that the mechanic was negligent.
What Is a Mechanic’s Duty of Care?
Auto mechanics have a “duty of care” to their customers, as we mentioned above. This means that they must exercise reasonable skill and care when repairing vehicles. The mechanic also must warn you about any potential dangers associated with the repair work.
For example, if the mechanic knows that your brakes are in poor condition and are likely to fail, they must warn you about the danger and recommend that you get the brakes repaired or replaced immediately.
If the mechanic fails to exercise a reasonable level of care or fails to warn you about a potential danger, and you are injured, then the mechanic can be held liable for negligence.
The following are other cases of mechanic negligence:
Wrongful Repair
If the mechanic repairs your car to make the problem worse, they can be held liable for any resulting damage.
Improper Diagnosis
If the mechanic misdiagnoses your problem and recommends unnecessary repairs, they can be held liable for the cost of those unnecessary repairs.
Fraudulent Repair
If the mechanic charges you for repairs that were never performed, they can be held liable for fraud.
What Is Garage Liability Insurance?
If you are considering suing an auto mechanic for negligence, it’s essential to know that most mechanics carry “garage liability insurance.” This type of insurance protects the mechanic from being held liable for damages arising from their repair work.
So, even if you can prove that the mechanic was negligent, you may not be able to recover any damages if the mechanic has garage liability insurance.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if proving that the mechanic committed fraud or intentional misconduct, the insurance company may refuse to pay the claim. In that case, you would be able to sue the mechanic directly.
The bottom line is that suing the mechanic or repair shop for auto mechanic negligence can be complicated. If you have been injured in an accident, you must speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney To Discuss Your Mechanic Liability Claim
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash or accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your claim. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and investigate the accident to determine who is liable.
The Laird Hammons Laird law firm attorneys have represented many victims of personal injury car accidents, and we are here to help. Call us today at (405) 497-0480 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City and other nearby areas.
In Conclusion
Auto mechanics can be held liable for negligence if their repair work caused or contributed to a car or truck accident. However, it is essential to note that not all accidents involving trucks can be attributed to negligence on the part of the mechanic. To hold the mechanic liable, it must be shown that the repair work was performed negligently and that this negligence was a direct cause of the accident. If you have been involved in a car accident, you must speak with an experienced car accident attorney to determine if you have a case against the mechanic.
Contact Our OKC Car Accident Lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
For more information, please contact an experienced Oklahoma City car accident lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 497-0480