Can a repair shop be held responsible for a Florida car crash? How do you prove it?

by Feb 11, 2021Auto Accident, Car Accidents

Can a repair shop be held responsible for a Florida car crash? How do you prove it?

by Feb 11, 2021Auto Accident, Car Accidents

Can a repair shop be held responsible for a Florida car crash?
Can a repair shop be held responsible for a Florida car crash?

How do you prove that a repair shop or a mechanic is responsible for a Florida car crash?

Yes, a repair shop can be held responsible for a Florida car crash. Whenever you have problems with your car, you need a mechanic’s expertise to diagnose and fix the problem. However, if you get into an accident as a result of the defects that a mechanic overlooked, the repair shop could be liable for a Florida car crash. Mechanics should adhere to specific conduct codes, and the repair shop should do its due diligence properly to avoid such incidents.

What Is Defective Mechanic Work?

If mechanics undertake repairs that result in accidents to people and destruction of property, you can sue them for defective mechanic work. A repair shop can be held responsible if it doesn’t ensure that vehicles are safe for driving after repair. It’s essential to replace, remove, or upgrade the worn-out parts skillfully. Mechanics shouldn’t make unnecessary repairs that a customer hasn’t authorized.

When Is a Mechanic Liable?

If a mechanic fails to provide reasonable care, it’s essential to highlight the misdemeanors that increased the odds of getting in an accident. A mechanic that commits to repair your car has the responsibility to do it professionally and guarantee safety. Mechanics can be liable for a Florida car crash if they install the wrong parts or fail to perform the right procedures for specific repairs.

According to the code of ethics for mechanics, the mechanic should exercise every reasonable precaution to prevent accidents after undertaking repairs. A Florida car crash attorney can highlight instances when a mechanic violated this code and sue the repair shop for negligence. A mechanic may be liable for the following defects:

Brake Failure

Brake failure causes hundreds of accidents each year. While many of these accidents are fatal, they can be avoided if the driver had noticed the signs of brake failure. However, if accidents happen after you’ve just had your brakes serviced, maybe the mechanic did a shoddy job. A mechanic should keep an eye on the following issues during brake repair:

  • Detect leaking brake fluid and check the levels
  • Pinpoint the worn-out brake pads
  • Identify the loss of hydraulic oil pressure
  • Replace the defective rotor discs

A defective brake cylinder can cause the braking system to lose power. Defective repairs are torts for which the law provides effective remedies. The plaintiff must demonstrate that a mechanic installed defective parts or failed to act reasonably to prevent the consequences that ensued.

A Florida car crash attorney can determine whether the accident was a result of negligence during the brake repair service. A mechanic that misdiagnosed a problem or ignored key red flags may be fined or jailed. The injured party should be compensated to cater for hospital bills, pain suffering, and damage to the vehicle.

Power Steering Failure

An effective power steering system allows you to maneuver and prevent collisions while on the road. However, for the system to work efficiently, it needs precise amounts of oil running through it. Such fluid is delivered under pressure, so leaks in the system can cause failure. Power steering problems can result from:

  • Improper fluid levels
  • Faulty power steering pump
  • Damaged seals and blocked valves
  • Broken steering belts

Wheel alignment problems can put enormous strain on the steering system and cause it to wear out faster. Since cars have hundreds of moving parts, something can fail when you least expect it and it’s tricky to determine if the mechanic is liable for a Florida car crash. A defective part can cause or worsen a car accident. If an airbag doesn’t deploy during an accident, the mechanic could have tampered with various parts that were working efficiently before the repair.

Unintended Acceleration

Sudden acceleration is the unintended acceleration of a vehicle that’s often accompanied by loss of braking power. Such problems result from mechanical errors that affect the application of pedals. If a mechanic tampers with the throttle, such problems are likely to occur. A vehicle can accelerate unexpectedly when the:

  • The gas pedal becomes attached to the brakes
  • Loose objects under the engine hood
  • Vacuum leaks in the engine
  • Gearbox malfunctions
  • Fuel pump malfunctions

While sudden acceleration can be the driver’s fault, it can also result from jammed accelerator linkages. Although an accident can result from the driver’s error, there are lots of situations where a mechanic may be culpable. If you suspect that a defect caused the accident, don’t rush to repair the car as it will hinder the success of your claim.

Fires

A mechanic’s negligence can lead to a combination of factors that can spark a blaze. Overheating catalytic converters are the main source of car fires as they work hard to burn off the exhaust pollutants. With modern diagnostic equipment, it’s easy to notice when the catalytic converter is in disrepair. Other causes of car fires include:

  • Electrical system defects
  • Mechanical defects
  • Petrol leaks
  • Oil leaks
  • Loose wiring

Failure to take the necessary precautions in the repair shop can put the motorist at risk by creating conditions in which a fire is inevitable. The mechanics should exercise quality controls on parts, products, and services.

By maintaining maintenance logs, mechanics can follow the warranty guidelines and inspect all parts before installation. The repair shop should adhere to the codes to ensure that customers get the best service available.

How Do You Prove the Mechanic’s Negligence?

Even if the customer has not authorized the repairs, a mechanic should identify the flaws that can compromise the safety. A mechanic that acts with reasonable care should highlight the needed repairs.

Without a thorough investigation, is difficult to establish responsibility for the Florida car crash. A mechanic that damages other parts of a vehicle during the repair can also be held responsible. You can prove the mechanic’s negligence in the following ways:

  • Misdiagnosis
  • A competent mechanic caused intentional or malicious damage
  • If the mechanic undertook unauthorized repairs
  • Failure to provide reasonable care to ensure safety
  • Establish a relationship between mechanics actions or inactions and the defect

Even though mechanics don’t need university degrees to do their jobs, some have certifications or credentials to verify their skillsets. Most mechanics obtain these certifications from vocational training colleges while others have years of experience after completing extensive on-the-job training.

The mechanics should have certifications in manual drivetrain and suspension, automatic transmissions, electrical systems, brakes, heating and air conditioning, and engine repair. A repair shop should verify these skills or train its workforce to guarantee the utmost professionalism and safety.

Consult A Personal Injury Lawyer

If you believe that a mechanic undertook defective repairs on your car, you need the help of a personal injury lawyer to file a complaint against the repair shop and establish responsibility for your Florida car crash. However, such cases are tricky since it’s difficult to establish a causal relationship between the defects and the accident.

At Bodden Bennett Law, we have been serving the Boynton Beach, Florida residents diligently. We can review the facts of the case, establish the mechanic’s negligence, and represent you in court. Contact us today.

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