Legal Question in Consumer Law in Texas

Car theft from repair shop

The repair shop left my car outside on the street for two weeks before starting any work. When they were ready to start the work, they realized the car had been stolen. They filed a police report and the car was recovered 2 weeks later. They promised to fix all of the damage from the theft. I received my car back a month after the theft (2 months after I dropped it off at the shop). The car was shaking violently on my way home and would not pass inspection without 4 new tires. The second mechanic said that the car had been driven ''very hard'' and that it was obvious the emergency brake had been pulled up at a very high speed. More problems have been popping up in the months after the additional repairs by my mechanic. I have no confidence left in this car. I do not want to keep sinking money into the car and I am scared to drive it out of fear that it will break down. The dealer was negligent in allowing my car to be stolen and in putting me back into a car that was not repaired and dangerous to drive. What are they legally obligated to do to fix this situation?


Asked on 3/16/04, 5:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Peter Bradie Bradie, Bradie & Bradie

Re: Car theft from repair shop

They are obligated to return your car to you in the same condition (save for any repairs you authorized) as when you left it. They have to either do the repairs to the damages caused by the thief, or pay someone else to do the repairs.

Contact an attorney promptly, since you may be looking at a two-year statute of limitations.

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Answered on 3/16/04, 6:31 pm


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