What can I do if I just purchased used tires but my left front rim came off because the lug nuts were not tightened properly?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What can I do if I just purchased used tires but my left front rim came off because the lug nuts were not tightened properly?
The tires were mounted and balanced and put onto my truck. When I left I paid cash and completely forgot to ask for a receipt. On the way home my front left rim came completely off at 75 mph.
Asked on January 18, 2014 under Accident Law, California
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
If you suffered damage due to the negligence, or carelessness, of the store or service center, they should be liable, or financially responsible, for the damage--such as for any damge your truck suffered when the tire came off. Obviously, if they deny they did the work, it will be more difficult to prove in the absence of written proof or documentation, but that does not prevent you from suing them, if they won't pay--you would have to present your testimony that they did the work and therefore caused the rim to come off, and the court will evaluate who is more credible (you or them). Note that you can only recover actual damage or loss, so if, for example, there is no loss but for the loss of a rim or tire, it may not be economically worthwhile to sue.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.