What to do if my car caught on fire under the hood and was totally burned out within just a few days of me getting it back from an auto repair shop?

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What to do if my car caught on fire under the hood and was totally burned out within just a few days of me getting it back from an auto repair shop?

It was working on a part that took them 3 tries in less than 2 weeks of me getting the car back and having it towed it back to them. I feel that they may have done something wrong causing the fire. Additionally, he side and part they were working on is completely burned it looks like the was the place it took most of the heat. Of course the repair shop is saying they are not at fault. I have no full insurance. I need to no if I have a case and, if yes, how do I proceed?

Asked on April 3, 2013 under Accident Law, New York

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 10 years ago | Contributor

It is impossible to say for certain whether or not you have a case. From what you write, you may, since it seems likely that something the shop did led to the fire; that said, if it turns out the fire had an unrelated cause, they would not be liable for it. For them to be liable, it must be something they did which caused the fire. You could try suing them for the value of your car; to do so, you will need some expert testimony (e.g. testimony by another repair shop or accident reconstruction specialist) who has examind your car and determined that the repair shop caued the fire) in order to prove your case and (hopefully) prevail.


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