Q: Mechanic performed work to my car I did not authorize. Why do all lawyers I contact say they can’t take my case?
On May 28th I purchased a vehicle for $15,900 (Including tax & tags) from a used dealership. Paid in full, no warranty. 6 days later on 6/6, the vehicle broke down. I had the vehicle towed back to the dealer, and told them to have their mechanic “look at it, and let’s figure out a way to make both parties happy”. They agreed.
Several days after, I started calling the dealer for an update, but they never had one. On 6/15 I contacted the mechanic myself and told him I was sending a tow truck there to pick up my car. I was then told that the mechanic has been working on my engine for the past week, and they are rebuilding the upper half of my engine. It should be done in a few days. I could no longer send a tow truck to get my vehicle because the engine was taken apart.
I told him I did not authorize this. The mechanic said the dealership authorized it. On 8/10 they contacted me said and they are charging me $4800 (parts only) in repairs that I DID NOT authorize!
A: There’s a clear violation of Florida law that requires auto ships to issue invoices and authorization in writing prior to work being performed. The problem is the amount in controversy is not so high for legal fees. Maybe you could get a later draft a complaint for you and you take it through small claims court.
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