Sueing garage for poor workmanship

[Tuberider]

Hi,

I am hoping to sue a garage for poor workmanship which has nearly resulted in causing an accident.

While traveling on the M4 westbound across the Severn bridge into Wales, there was a sudden bang from the front of the car followed by a repetitive thudding sound. After moving onto the hard shoulder, a quick inspection revealed that the inner panel on the wheel arch had come loose – half had been dragging on the ground while the remainder had pushed against the wheel causing the panel to melt.

Before looking at the car, I had guided my wife under the barrier into the pedestrian area, not the easiest thing for her to do while 9 months pregnant. I was aware that the circumstances (high wind, coaches whizzing past only yards away, and a vertigo-inducing view of the severn river below) were unnerving her more and more as each minute passed.

After getting my wife back into the car, I managed to drive along the hard shoulder (with the panel still dragging) at 20 mph to safety in the Severn bridge toll booth car park. When breakdown assistance arrived, the evaluation raised serious doubts over the integrity of the car bumper.

An inspection of the panel on the opposite side revealed that:

· the plastic pin attaching it to the font bumper had not been tightened and was only a matter of time before being shook from the hole

· the screw holding the panel to the wheel arch was missing

· several attachments holding the paneling along the underside of the bumper were missing

· the padded engine shield covering the compete underside of the car was missing

This required him to re-attach everything with half a dozen cable ties. I explained the car had received body work repair to the front bumper recently. He confirmed it was likely that the missing fixtures resulted from this work.

The mechanic then inspected under the bonnet which revealed:

· The entire air filter been allowed to sit in place without being reattached

· The accelerator cable housing had not been bolted to the side of the air filter unit. This had allowed it to ride forward into the radiator causing significant damage to the radiator vanes

These details have all been reported in the diagnostic report by the mechanic. It is clear now that my car was not returned to me in the state as when it arrived at the garage.

As a result, I am now faced with costs of:

· replacing the radiator

· replacing the paneling

· replacing all the attachments

· purchasing a new engine underside shield

What also prays on my mind is that we were lucky not to be involved in the accident. If the whole front had broken free, the situation could have been much worse.

If you have had a similar experience (success or failure) in dealing with garages, your experiences will be really helpful.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

[BankFodder]

Why wait. You have been pretty thorough. Got all of your evidence. Photos too, I hope.

 

Give the garage 7 days to respond satisfactorily and then sue without any further notce.

 

This kind of dangerous work should also be reported to TS. You really have a social duty to this