If you’ve been injured in a car accident as a result of faulty parts or shoddy mechanical repairs, you may be able to hold manufacturers and repair shops responsible. We rely on mechanics to do the appropriate work to keep vehicles in running condition. They have a duty to do their work according to accepted industry standards, and avoid causing harm to others.

Common negligent repairs

Negligent repairs can cause vehicle damage and harm to drivers and passengers. Common negligent repairs include:

• • Failing to diagnose and complete necessary repairs

• • Damaging the vehicle

• • Performing unnecessary repairs

• • Using the incorrect parts

• • Illegally modifying vehicles

• • Allowing unqualified mechanics to perform repairs

Proving negligence

To prove that a repair shop was negligent, plaintiffs must show:

• • The repair shop owed them a duty of care;

• • The repair shop breached their duty;

• • The breach caused the accident; and

• • As a result, the plaintiff suffered actual harm.

In the case of negligent repairs, the duty is usually satisfied by the auto shop/client relationship, and any injuries or damage is evidence of actual harm. Most cases hinge on whether the repair shop actually breached their duty, and whether that breach caused the accident.

Proving liability can be challenging, depending on the individual circumstances of your case. The repair shop will likely argue that the repairs were performed correctly, and the accident had another cause. It’s important to hire an attorney. A seasoned personal injury lawyer will perform their own investigation, and work with experts like accident reconstructionists.

If you believe a mechanic was responsible for your car accident, seek legal help as soon as possible. Call the experienced Sarasota, FL accident lawyers at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh today.