If my car was being tuned and the repair shop blew my engine in the process, do I have any legal recourse?
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If my car was being tuned and the repair shop blew my engine in the process, do I have any legal recourse?
It was being dyno tuned.
Asked on January 27, 2011 under General Practice, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
You can sue them for the cost to repair your car or replace the engine, as applicable. A repair shop owes a duty of care to its customers. If it causes damage to their vehicles, whether negligently (or carelessly) or intentionally, it is liable for the costs and damage it caused. If the engine blew because it was greatly defective or previously damaged in some way, so that the shop was not at fault--i.e. they did everything right, their equipment was in good shape, etc.--then they would not be liable; but if the engine blowing was due to their reving it to high or too long or otherwise doing something wrong, then they would be liable. If you believe they were liable and they don't voluntarily pay, you'll need to sue to try to prove liability and recover compensation.
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