4 Steps To Take If You Think Your Car Has A Defect 


August 20, 2021
Advice, Automotive
Editorial


A car is both an investment and a necessity. You’ve put your hard-earned money into buying it, and you expect it to serve its purpose well. You’ll be using the vehicle as your transportation every day, going to work or school, and everything in between. As such, it has to be in its tiptop condition. 

However, some circumstances may prevent you from achieving such an ideal goal. Although it doesn’t usually happen, your car may have a defect despite its brand-new or almost-new condition. If you suspect your newly-purchased vehicle has any sort of defect, do you know what steps to take? If not, read on to find out more about it. 

Knowing Your Rights

If you bought your car from a dealer, you might be entitled to more consumer rights than if you purchased it privately. It greatly helps if you’re aware of these rights so you can better assess your situation. Talking to a product liability lawyer is also recommended, especially if you deal with large auto dealers that may be difficult to negotiate with.  

Law firms, like the law offices of Sadaka Associates, have specialized expertise in handling product liability cases. They can also help you educate yourself about the legal steps you may take when necessary.

Additionally, there are more steps you can take if you think your car has a defect: 

  • Don’t Take Your Car To A Mechanic Or Repair Shop

If you suspect your vehicle is defective in any way, it may be tempting to take it immediately to a mechanic or auto repair shop to have it checked. But before you do, think of what could happen first. Acting impulsively could affect your rights to due process.  

Instead, get in touch with your dealer and warranty insurer before doing anything. After that, the dealer should schedule an inspection to write a report on what the defect is all about. Make sure you’re there when they inspect the car. Demand for a thorough checkup and ensure even the most minor details are examined. 

  • Discuss The Findings With The Dealer

Once the inspection is done, it’s time to move forward with the findings and know the dealer’s position. How do they plan on dealing with the situation? Do you agree with the results they have on your vehicle? 

If you’re not satisfied with the findings, you can also ask for a second opinion or a diagnostic check from an independent provider to ensure the results are credible. Before you do so, check with your lawyer first if that won’t cause any problem later on. 

  • Find Out The Dealer’s Offer

Suppose it’s established that the car is faulty. The next step that’ll most probably happen is the dealer offering you a solution to the issue. They may offer to repair the vehicle at first. While that may sound like a viable option, don’t immediately agree to it. Ask first how they plan on fixing the car and where they plan on taking it.  

If you’re not comfortable agreeing to a repair, you have the right to demand a replacement. If the dealer disagrees, that might be the time to speak to your lawyer and ask for further steps to take should you decide to pursue the case. 

  • Consider Filing For A Product Liability Suit

In an ideal setting, you’d hope that the dealer would be accommodating and try their best to help you with your concern. However, one can only hope. When it doesn’t turn out as you’d expect it to be, you need to be prepared for the succeeding steps to take.  

If you think that the issue has already escalated enough for you to feel overwhelmed about everything, consider filing for a product liability suit. Such complaints and situations can be pretty complex. That’s why if you don’t know enough about laws and your rights as a consumer, the dealer might see through you and take advantage of your vulnerability.  

A product liability suit could strengthen your claim. Hence, be sure to hire an experienced attorney to handle your case

Conclusion

It’s your right as a consumer to get what you paid for, especially if the purchase involves a considerable amount of money. In this case, a defective car isn’t just a waste of hard-earned money, but more importantly, could potentially expose you and your family to car accidents and injuries. That being said, you need to act on it swiftly and accordingly.  

Consider speaking with a product liability lawyer to assist you with your predicament. A lawyer by your side can increase your chance of getting the correct findings and decisions. Ultimately, you’ll get what you deserve as a customer, allowing you to get on with your life as initially planned.