# Can I Sue an Auto Repair Shop for Negligence? | Attorney Brian White ![Can I Sue a Mechanic / Auto Repair Shop for Negligence in Texas?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Can-I-Sue-a-Mechanic-Auto-Repair-Shop-for-Negligence-in-Texas-300x200.jpg) **DISCLAIMER:** Our law firm does not handle these types of cases. As we exclusively handle personal injury cases, we can only help if you have been injured in a [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/). The content in this blog post (“post”) is meant for general informational purposes only. Information found in the post does not constitute as formal legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship. Attorneys representing victims of negligent auto mechanics can be found through outside attorney databases like [this one](https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/automobile-mechanic-liability.html). --- The need to take your car to get serviced is something none of us enjoy doing. We often go into a mechanic shop with the mindset that the mechanic will attempt to upcharge you on work which could be done for half the cost. This idea of a scam has become rooted in our society to the extent that many motor vehicle drivers will take their vehicle to multiple mechanics before settling on one. Many individuals also have their “go-to” mechanic friend who will make the necessary adjustments to the vehicle. However, the majority of us have to take our car to the closest mechanic when something goes wrong. If your car ends up with more damage after a trip to the mechanic, you likely have questions regarding the mechanic’s skills, ability, and negligent behavior. A question on everyone’s mind when taking their car in for service is whether you can sue a mechanic or auto shop for negligence if the “fix” damages your car rather than repairs it. Claims against mechanics and auto repair shops are typically brought in small claims court. In [Texas](https://www.texas.gov/), a suit to recover an amount under $10,000 may be brought in small claims court. Given the fact that most vehicles cost less than $20,000, most repair jobs are less than this amount. However, if your claim for damages is greater than $10,000, you may be entitled to bring a claim for damages outside the small claims court. In unique circumstances, mechanics and auto repair shops may be held liable for a larger sum, if it can be proven that their negligent actions led to greater damage. For example, in some situations, a mechanic’s actions could render a car more susceptive to severe accidents, resulting in serious injuries to all passengers. A mechanic could therefore be held responsible for not only the cost of the repair (leading to the accident), but also the aftermath of the accident itself, including medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, and other damages. Texas is a comparative negligence state, which means that a person will be able to recover after an auto accident or other damage was caused, as long as they can prove the following: 1. Duty owed by the defendant to the plaintiff 2. Breach of the duty 3. But for the actions of the negligent party, the accident would not have occurred 4. Damages However, if a plaintiff is more than 51 percent at fault for the damage to their vehicle, they will be unable to bring a negligence claim against the mechanic. In any situation, a victim must be able to prove that the mechanic’s actions rose to the level of “negligent behavior.” Or, in other words, whether the accident or damage would have occurred without the mechanic’s actions. This can be a tough hurdle to cross, and sometimes it is helpful to bring in a neutral third party mechanic with an understanding of the facts and circumstances who can speak to the nature of the damages. It is important to keep in mind that you are not able to sue a mechanic for overcharging you. You have to be able to prove that a direct action performed by the mechanic resulted in injury to your or your vehicle, whether it be financial or physical damages. If that’s the case, a Houston injury attorney at our firm can help you recover damages for your injuries. ## Contact the Houston Car Accident Lawyers at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. 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Attorneys representing victims of negligent auto mechanics can be found through outside attorney databases like [this one](https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/automobile-mechanic-liability.html). Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![Commonly Forgotten Driving Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Commonly-Forgotten-Driving-Laws-in-Texas-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/commonly-forgotten-driving-laws-in-texas/) [Commonly Forgotten Driving Laws in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/commonly-forgotten-driving-laws-in-texas/) Most people count on their driver’s licenses for long-distance travel and short daily commutes. However, it is [![Houston car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/car-accident-houston-texas-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/seven-things-geico-doesnt-want-you-to-know-when-negotiating-a-car-accident-settlement/) [Seven Things GEICO Doesn't Want You to Know When Negotiating a Car Accident Settlement](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/seven-things-geico-doesnt-want-you-to-know-when-negotiating-a-car-accident-settlement/) If you watch television, you are likely familiar with the advertisements for Government Employees Insurance Company, [![The Effects of Airbag Deployment in Your Houston Car Accident Claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/The-Effects-of-Airbag-Deployment-in-Your-Houston-Car-Accident-Claim--300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-effects-of-airbag-deployment-in-your-houston-car-accident-claim/) [The Effects of Airbag Deployment in Your Houston Car Accident Claim](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-effects-of-airbag-deployment-in-your-houston-car-accident-claim/) Airbags are a life-saving device and now come standard in all new vehicles. If you’ve been involved in a car [![Houston Car Accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Who-is-Responsible-in-an-Accident-Involving-a-Rental-Car-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-you-should-and-should-not-do-after-a-car-accident-in-houston-tx/) [What You Should and Should Not Do After a Car Accident in Houston, TX](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/what-you-should-and-should-not-do-after-a-car-accident-in-houston-tx/) Do you know what to do after a car accident in Houston? Are you familiar with insurance laws and personal injury laws --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/can-i-sue-an-auto-repair-shop-for-negligence/