What can be done if an auto repair shop has been doing slow and incompetent work on my car?
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What can be done if an auto repair shop has been doing slow and incompetent work on my car?
I was in an auto accident and the other party’s insurance cut me a check to get my truck fixed. I selected this guy to do the work but it’s been 5 months and he still doesn’t have the truck finished. His quality of work is terrible and incomplete. Can I pick up the truck, take it to another shop, get it completed, then sue the original guy for the charges from the new shop, legal fees, and court costs?
Asked on May 30, 2015 under Business Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
If there was no written deadline for the repairs, first send the shop a letter, sent some way or ways you can prove delivery (such as certified mail; fed ex with tracking; etc.) laying out when you brought the car in, how long it's been, and giving them some reasonable time to complete the repairs (e.g. 10 or 15 business days) and stating that if it is not complete then, you will take it back.
If they don't let you get the car back at that point, then you can bring a lawsuit seeking recovery of the car and compensation for any negligent (careless) work. If you do get the car back, after you have a chance to really examine it, you an again sue for compensation for any damage done during the repairs or for negligent work.
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