Legal Question in Consumer Law in California

Re: kragen sold wrong part

Because you told the employee what you needed, and because the employee represented to you that the part he sold you was the proper part, and because that part caused the damage, the store is liable. This is a breach of warranty case. The question is, how much is the store liable for?

They are probably liable for the injury to your motorhome (the $1200), but maybe not for the cost to tow it ($200). You should politely call the store, ask to speak to the manager of the store. Explain what happened and request that they cover your damages. Maybe they'll write a check for the whole thing. If not, you might have to take a shot at small claims court (or pay a lawyer to draft a demand letter).

Re: kragen sold wrong part

It depends. Did they look it up in the computer? All of the auto parts stores I go to ask you for the make and model, look it up in the computer and then get the part. If they did that, they are probably not responsible. If they deviated from their policy, then they may be on the hook. But you have to prove it was the part that caused the problem and not your installation of the part!