[GA] What type of lawyer do I need for a claim against a mechanic shop for faulty vehicle repairs?

GA Consumer Protection

Charlie

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I am sorry to hear of this issue. Here is some information to help, general information only, not legal advice:

What type of lawyer you need:

You are looking for a consumer protection attorney or a civil litigation attorney, general practice, who handles property damage cases. Ideally, one with auto repair/mechanic fraud experience. Any of those can handle:

Negligent repair
Property damage, your truck and transmission
Recovery of costs, repairs, rental, etc.

What your legal claim likely is: Based on what you described, your case falls under negligent repair, auto negligence, and possibly violation of the Georgia Fair Business Practices Act if they misled you or acted unfairly. Key facts in your favor:

They installed a radiator incorrectly. That caused transmission failure, major damage
They’ve held your truck for 4 months
You’ve paid out of pocket for transportation

The immediate legal steps you should take:

Get your vehicle out of that shop. Do not wait longer.
Arrange to have your truck towed to a dealership or another trusted mechanic. You are not required to leave it there indefinitely.
Important: Take photos/video before moving it. Get all paperwork they have.
Get an independent inspection. Take it to a dealership or certified mechanic and ask for a written diagnostic report specifically stating the cause of transmission failure and whether improper radiator install caused it. This is your key evidence.
Gather your documentation. Collect receipts for original repair, rental car receipts, text messages, and a timeline of events. Write this out now while fresh.
Send a formal demand letter. Before suing, you or your lawyer should demand they pay for full transmission replacement, rental costs, towing, and diagnostic fees. Give a deadline, usually 10–14 days. Do not rely on their promise to fix it. After 4 months, verbal promises are not enough. Continuing to wait weakens your position. (GA Code § 10-1-399)
File suit if they don’t resolve it. Depending on total damages, if under about $15,000, Georgia Magistrate Court, small claims. If higher, State or Superior Court. You can claim cost of proper repair, rental expenses, and possibly loss of use. (GA Code § 15-10-2)
Consider filing complaints. This adds pressure: Georgia Attorney General and Better Business Bureau.

Important legal point:
A mechanic is responsible for damage caused by their own improper work. If you can prove radiator installed incorrectly caused transmission failure, they can be liable for the entire transmission replacement, not just the original repair. (GA Code § 51-1-2)

I hope that helps!

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What type of lawyer would I need? If I had issues with a mechanic shop, the work that was done on my vehicle was improper and caused vehicle failure.

Lexi, Chatbot

I’m sorry to hear about the issues you’ve faced with your mechanic; that can be really frustrating. Can you tell me if you have already attempted to resolve this issue directly with the mechanic shop?

I have. They say they’re going to fix the problem, but every time I go there, they keep telling me it’s going to take more time. It’s been four months now.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you documented any communications or agreements regarding the work that was done on your vehicle?

Everything has been mostly verbal, with a few text messages.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the Consumer Protection Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they’ll be able to help with your mechanic dispute.

Yes.

Charlie

Hello, my name is Charlie, and I am a licensed attorney. I apologize that you are experiencing these issues, but I will be happy to assist you with your questions today. Which state do you live in?

George.

Charlie

Understood. When was the work done on your vehicle?

A radiator was installed, but it was installed incorrectly, causing me to blow a line, lose all transmission fluid, and burn out the transmission.

Charlie

Did the shop make the repairs on the vehicle?

Yes.

Charlie

Did they give you a loaner vehicle during this time?

No, I was paying for a rental for almost two months. I just recently was able to borrow a family member's vehicle.

Charlie

Got it. Did you want to sue the mechanic, or what outcome did you want?

Yes, and I would like to have my truck taken to the dealership and get fixed. I just would like to know the proper legal procedure to have all that done right now. The truck is still sitting at the shop.

Charlie

Do you know why it has not been repaired fully yet?

When I first spoke with them, and they figured out that the transmission was ruined, they said they had to actually figure out everything that was wrong with what I've been going up there for. Now they're saying that they have to replace the transmission, and it's gonna take another week to get to the problem. This has been going on for 4 months now. Thank you so much.

Charlie

Understood. Let me provide some information to help.

And I also would like to add that the transmission is the main issue, but there has also been damage done to the exterior of the vehicle while it has been in their possession, and also an extra oil leak that I didn't have before.

Charlie

I am sorry to hear of this issue. Here is some information to help, general information only, not legal advice:

What type of lawyer you need:

Negligent repair
Property damage, your truck and transmission
Recovery of costs, repairs, rental, etc.

They installed a radiator incorrectly. That caused transmission failure, major damage
They’ve held your truck for 4 months
You’ve paid out of pocket for transportation

The immediate legal steps you should take:

Get your vehicle out of that shop. Do not wait longer.
Arrange to have your truck towed to a dealership or another trusted mechanic. You are not required to leave it there indefinitely.
Important: Take photos/video before moving it. Get all paperwork they have.
Get an independent inspection. Take it to a dealership or certified mechanic and ask for a written diagnostic report specifically stating the cause of transmission failure and whether improper radiator install caused it. This is your key evidence.
Gather your documentation. Collect receipts for original repair, rental car receipts, text messages, and a timeline of events. Write this out now while fresh.
Send a formal demand letter. Before suing, you or your lawyer should demand they pay for full transmission replacement, rental costs, towing, and diagnostic fees. Give a deadline, usually 10–14 days. Do not rely on their promise to fix it. After 4 months, verbal promises are not enough. Continuing to wait weakens your position. (GA Code § 10-1-399)
File suit if they don’t resolve it. Depending on total damages, if under about $15,000, Georgia Magistrate Court, small claims. If higher, State or Superior Court. You can claim cost of proper repair, rental expenses, and possibly loss of use. (GA Code § 15-10-2)
Consider filing complaints. This adds pressure: Georgia Attorney General and Better Business Bureau.

I hope that helps!

Thanks, I will let you know if I have further questions.

Charlie

You are welcome.

Charlie

23,758 satisfied customers

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