Can I Sue the Auto Shop for Negligence?

You did everything right. You brought your car in for service and likely paid a high price to ensure your vehicle was safe to drive. Suddenly, your brakes fail, resulting in a devastating car accident. South Carolina auto mechanics owe their clients a duty of care in line with professional standards. However, these claims can be hard to prove. If you were injured due to suspected repair shop negligence in Conway, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Morgan Martin, P.A.

Auto Mechanic Negligence Claims in South Carolina

To hold a garage liable for a car accident, claimants must show that the mechanic was legally negligent. This means a car accident attorney must present evidence proving the following:

• Duty: The mechanic had a duty to repair the vehicle under the terms agreed on by the parties.
• Breach: The auto mechanic failed to properly repair the vehicle in accordance with professional standards or made a dangerous mistake during the repair process.
• Causation: The faulty repair or mistake caused or significantly contributed to the car accident.
• Damages: The accident resulted in actual injuries or property damage.

Proving auto mechanic negligence claims often requires another qualified mechanic to inspect the vehicle and identify the faulty repair. In such cases, both the driver of the damaged vehicle and those injured by that vehicle might have a claim against the mechanic. If the car mechanic worked for a repair shop, including a national chain, an experienced Conway personal injury lawyer might hold the company vicariously liable for the accident and negligent hiring.

Types of Faulty Car Repairs Causing Accidents

Car accidents caused by an auto shop’s negligence might include the following:

• Brake failure
• Improper tire balancing and alignment
• Forgetting to replace or tighten caps after oil changes
• Not tightening lug nuts and tire bolts
• Using the incorrect parts
• Failing to properly diagnose the issue
• Making unlawful modifications

In addition to repair shop negligence, some cases may involve product liability claims against a parts or vehicle manufacturer. An attorney with experience handling car accident claims will also investigate whether another driver contributed to the crash, such as stopping short before your brakes failed.

Damages Available to Victims of Repair Shop Negligence

Claimants injured due to negligent auto mechanic work might obtain money damages from the mechanic, repair shop, car parts manufacturer, vehicle manufacturer, and negligent drivers. These damages might include compensation for medical costs, lost wages and benefits, and your pain and suffering. Dedicated car accident lawyers will generally file a claim for damages with all eligible insurers and settle viable claims with liable carriers. If an insurer refuses to settle, they may sue the auto shop to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Conway Auto Shop Negligence Attorneys

Most national and local repair shops carry high-value commercial insurance policies protected by a team of lawyers. Do not let these insurers intimidate you. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident caused by a Conway mechanic’s negligence, contact the Law Offices of L. Morgan Martin, P.A. to discuss your potential right to compensation. Call (843) 248-3177 or contact us online to schedule your free case consultation.