Legal Question in Consumer Law in Utah

Car Repairs

I recently won in a small claims court against a local repair shop. They have appealed. I was summoned to produce my vehicle for their inspection. Their attorney stated that it would be done by an independant mechanic. The independant mechanic and the defendant tried to get me to leave my car with them, but I stayed. The defendant brought one of their own mechanics into the independant's shop to perform the evaluation. After the evaluation, my car broke down 5 miles from the shop. The mechanic did not plug in my alternator, causing my battery to fail and an o-ring slipped off while he was replacing the valve cover causing oil to leak all over my engine. The independant made the necessary repairs. What recourse do I have? The defendant's mechanics have damaged my vehicle twice now. Do I get a true independant opinion? Since the appeal process has moved this to civil court, can I recoup the price of an independant evaluation? The original judgement was for $1800. I have talked with 3 different attorneys, but they all stated that what I would win, I would pay them in legal fees. Do I need an attorney?


Asked on 7/05/09, 8:08 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alvin Lundgren Alvin R. Lundgren, L.C.

Re: Car Repairs

An attorney is always good, but they are expensive. If you set forth your case clearly and logically you should still win. Add the costs you incurred from their mechanic as part of your claims. These errors will also discredit their mechanic.

Write out everything you want to say, make sure you have copies of all documents, and make sure your witnesses show up.

Good luck.

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Answered on 7/06/09, 10:01 am


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