What to do about damage caused by a dealership?
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What to do about damage caused by a dealership?
I took my 1 year old vehicle to the dealership for an oil change. While they performed the oil change they also fixed a recall that I was unaware of. The recall had to do with the safety belt attached to the roof of the car. While doing the recall they damaged the headliner pretty bad. They deny any responsibility and at first refused to fix it. the service manager and the general manager both called me an asshole. My wife spoke to them and although they still refuse to take responsibility they agreed to fix it. My question is, do I have the right to take my car to another dealership to get my headliner fixed and make the one original dealership pay for it since I no longer trust their work
Asked on November 18, 2012 under General Practice, Pennsylvania
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
I suggest that you first let the car dealerhsip that damaged the car make an attempt to fix the car and if not satisfied take it to another dealership for repairs. By making the repairs "gratis" the dealership is essentially admitting liability for the damage caused to the vehicle.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
A dealership, garage, mechanic, etc. is responsible for any damage they do while working on a vehicle; they can be held liable for the cost of fixing the damage. However, bear in mind that if the dealership refuses to voluntarily honor it's obligations, you would have to sue them to recover the money; depending on how much is at stake, that may or may not be worth it.
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