Taking action against a garage

[juneybean]

Who would I speak to, what would I have to do in order to take action against a garage if I feel they have done something wrong.

Winn Solicitors don't deal with it.

try trading standards

Or if you want to make a claim, the small claims court?

I'd like to make a claim, as I was on a busy motorway when I broke down due to their negligence.

Try the CAB. Below is their advice on the scc:

www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_rights/legal_system/small_claims.htm

If you are a member of RAC or AA, they have legal departments, although they tend to act only when there has been personal injury.

Bit they would at least point you in right direction as far as 'industry standard' and how your mechanic fell below that standard.

You would need some evidence that it was their fault iyswim. Was the car repaired by someone different, who would be prepared to stand up and say it was the garage's fault?

I don't know if I have evidence as such, a service was done on my diesel and as such they replaced the fuel filter, and when I broke down a connection to the fuel filter was loose (which I'm not sure can just 'fall off')

CAB says to write a letter to them first.

Yes it depends what you want - an apology and admission of negligence, and of inconvenience/danger caused to you would go a long way if it were me.

Also perhaps a discount on future service.
You might get something like that if you do it the right way and stay on good terms with them.

Could I possibly reclaim any costs i.e. for my diesel being all over the motorway lol or the fact I had to sign up to an emergency breakdown service?

I would think that would go without saying, but the garage might well dispute it so be prepared for legal stuff. You might need to do it through a solicitor iyswim.

Be clear with the garage what you are hoping for, otherwise they might think 'Oh gawd she wants to close us down' and deny everything.

If you say you believe it was their fault and you would be grateful if your costs could be reimbursed, say how much, and so on, they might jsut think 'yeah we'll pay that as long as she goes away!!'

Did you have a good relationship with them prior to this or were you a new customer?

I was a new customer, they were very nice but obviously I've only been driving a year and the whole thing was a big shock.

I don't want to sound trite but I do feel I've suffered emotionally lol but yeah if they reimburse my costs it would be good I think.

I have drafted a letter, I hope it's ok.

Keep forgetting to say thank you too, I really appreciate the replies

Oh no worries JB

I don't know a lot, am not a legal person - but I can undertsand how terrifying it must have been for you and that you'd like some recognition of that.

I hope you get a good response. Maybe run the letter past the CAB first. xx