Auto Accident Negligence: Is Your Mechanic Responsible?

haYou’ve been in an accident. The other driver is at fault, and your car is damaged. But who is ultimately responsible for the accident? Is it your mechanic? Do mechanics have any auto accident negligence?

It’s a common question and one that doesn’t have a clear answer. In most cases, mechanics are not responsible for accidents caused by mechanical failures.

However, there are some circumstances in which a mechanic could be held liable. To bring a successful lawsuit, you must establish a causal connection between negligent work and the harm it caused. This can be difficult to establish.

If a mechanic fails to properly maintain your vehicle or repair a known issue, they could be held responsible if that failure leads to an accident.

For example, if a mechanic neglects to fix a faulty brake light and you get into an accident because the other driver didn’t see your brake light, the mechanic could be held liable.

Similarly, if a mechanic installs a part incorrectly and it leads to an accident, they could be held responsible. This is more likely to happen if the mechanic was not certified to work on your particular make and model of car.

Establishing Damages

In addition to showing a link between what your auto mechanic did or did not do and how it affected you, you’ll also need to demonstrate damages in your case.

There are a few different ways to establish damages.

First, you’ll need to gather evidence of your damages. This can include medical bills, repair estimates, lost wages, and other documentation. You’ll also want to keep a record of any out-of-pocket expenses you incur as a result of the accident.

Once you have this documentation, you’ll need to present it to the insurance company or the court. You may need to negotiate for a fair settlement or you may need to file a lawsuit. In either case, it’s important to have strong evidence of your damages. Without it, you may not be able to recover the compensation for auto accident negligence.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit If My Mechanic’s Error Caused an Accident?

The statute of limitations on car accident lawsuits in Maryland is three years from the date of the accident. This means that you have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you are barred from doing so and will not be able to recover any damages.

There are some exceptions to this rule. If the:

• Victim is a minor, the statute of limitations is extended
• Victim dies as a result of the accident, the estate has two years from the date of death to file a lawsuit
• at-fault party is intoxicated at the time of the accident, the law extends the statute of limitations

Should I Speak to an Attorney about Filing a Lawsuit Against My Mechanic for Auto Accident Negligence?

Generally speaking, mechanics are not responsible for accidents caused by mechanical failures. However, there are some circumstances in which a mechanic could have liability. If you’ve been in an accident and you’re not sure who is responsible, it’s important to speak to an experienced attorney who can help you determine liability.

For more information or to discuss your situation and auto accident negligence with a legal expert, contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.