Legal Question in Consumer Law in Oregon

The dealership wrecked my car

My 2001 Jetta was at the dealership getting some warranty work done on it when the technician and an individual were involved in a collision. My car has only 37000 miles on it. The collision caused over 7000 dollars worth of damage to my car. The dealer claims that it is their responsibility to repair my car, not to replace it. Currently it is in the body shop being repaired. This collision could void my extended warranty under certain circumstances, and decreases the value of the car because the collision is now on the cars history report. I beleive that they should have replaced, not repaired my car, or at the leaste reimburse for loss of value and cost of extended warranty. The dealership has been rude and evasive about the accident. They would not agree to a rental car for me until I agreed to let them start the collision repairs. Do I have any legal grounds for my complaint?


Asked on 3/22/05, 1:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Roy Hoffman Law Offices of Roy A. Hoffman

Re: The dealership wrecked my car

The dealership's responsibility is to put you in the same position you were before the collission. If the car can be repaired and the dealership can repair it, they can do so.

As for the decrease in value, if you can prove that the collission affects its value, you can always sue them for that amount. Similarly, if the extended warranty is voided, you can also sue them for the reasonable value of the warranty. If the warranty is not voided, however, you'll have a tough time convincing a court that you are entitled to those damages.

You MUST also be careful not to sign any documents which restrict your right to sue the dealership. Thoroughly read everything you are asked to sign before signing.

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Answered on 3/22/05, 3:22 pm


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