Legal Question in Business Law in Georgia

auto repair

i own an auto repair shop , a customer came to get their car fixed after a colission . the job took a few weeks to finish . i loaned the customer 3 of my cars during this period and all 3 came back to me in very poor conditon ( broken windshield , 3 flat tires , tore the fendor off ) . the customer came to get the car before it was ready . We told them that all the repairs weren't finished and they instisted on takin the car . Am i liable for any damages resulting form them taking the vehicle before the work was finished ??


Asked on 10/04/07, 12:34 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Paula McGill Attorney at Law

Re: auto repair

This is something a business like yours should foresee. A standard release form would provide substantial protection.

The issue is one of negligence. If there is a suit, the customer could possibly argue, among other things, that you did not inform him of all the dangers relating to taking the car's early release. Of course, your defense would be that the customer insisted on taking the car (assumption of the risk).

You should think about consulting with an attorney to draft forms relating foreseeable situations like this one. I practice in Georgia, and would be happy to discuss the basic forms with you.

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Answered on 10/04/07, 12:52 pm
Glenn M. Lyon, Esq. MacGREGOR LYON, LLC, Business Attorneys

Re: auto repair

I would recommend that all costumers taking their automobiles before the work is completed sign a release stating that you have advised them that the work is not complete and that the car may not function properly, among other things. You also have a potential issue regarding the loaned cars and damage to them.

If you would like to discuss any issues further, please feel free to contact my office. My contact information is below. Thank you.

The foregoing is general information only, not specific legal advice. No attorney/client relation has been created or should be implied.

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Answered on 10/04/07, 4:09 pm


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