Possible negligence with replaced struts (tire rod probs)???

Question

So I'd gotten my two front struts replaced on my '01 civic less than three months ago. Today I was driving and accelerating from a stop at a red light when my steering wheel jerks out my hand and I'm driven unintentionally to the curb on the side of the road. Thankfully I was barely moving, there were no cars next to me, or any people. I called a wrecker and was pulled out of the street where he took a quick look and saw the tire rod had slipped out of the joint. The nut had fallen out due to a missing pin. Upon inspecting the other front wheel, no pin was present and the nut was on it's way towards wiggling out there as well. So it was obvious they didn't just forget one pin, they didn't replace either.

So I'm not real into law suits, and only want to be compensated for my tow truck and replacement parts, but was this just gross negligence on the part of the company? It's a big chain with stores across the country, and while I have no real desire to sue it worries me that people could be driving with the same problems, and while I wasn't going fast, if I'd been traveling on the highway I could have been seriously injured or worse. Anyone have any thoughts?

Answer 1

I hate to break this to you but you have no case at all. You dont need to take either tie rod loose to replace the struts on Hondas. The only thing you need to do is take the 17mm bolt that goes through the lower control arm and wish bone out, the 14mm bolt that holds the strut to the wish bone, and the nuts on the upper mount. I have never in my life seen anyone take the tie rod off when changing struts on a Honda.

Answer 2

Find your repair invoices and reciept!!!!! Take pictures of the tie-rods and ball-joints of both wheels. First talk to a lawyer about what you can do about the situation. Then go to the shop where the work was done and talk with the manager about which of his mechanics did such faulty work that almost got you injured. Have them look at the tie-rods and see what he will do about it. Preferably for free or have your lawyer present a demand letter for the work.

Answer 3

It would be small claims court case at best, so no lawyers necessary. Give the shop a chance to admit blame and fix the problem. They'll probably deny everything. If it's a chain, like Goodyear, Firestone or Pep Boys, then name them in the lawsuit as well as the local shop. You'll need a sworn affidavit from the Tow Truck driver, pictures, all receipts. The Tow Truck driver can be a live witness which is even better than an affidavit. Good luck. One thing you'll learn about the law, you can sue for what happened, not what might have happened.