Dangerous Driving

jamesl24

Wonder if anyone can help me with this:
Wwhen pressing my brakes in my car I noticed a crunching sound, I took it to a garage and was told that the rear bearings were lose and that this was causing the sound. Loose bearings I was further told could result in the wheel/s falling off. I was quoted £100 for the bearings to be replaced. The next day, I took the car into the garage and had the work done. About half an hour later, whilst driving on a busy dual carriage, the back wheel on the drivers side fell off. I managed to bring the car to a halt, but the wheel shot off up the road and was not recovered. I called out the AA, there was nothing they could do so I advised them to drop the car back at the garage. I spoke to the Garage, who claimed it was not their fault but they would try and help me by repairing the damage and replacing the lost wheel. The next day I was given the car back and assured that everything was now fine. I drove the car (carefully considering what happened before) for two hours (I was due to meet a friend in Rye), when there was a loud squealing from the rear wheel (passenger side), luckily I was near a lay-by so pulled over. Called out the AA again and was told that the bearings were loose. I had the AA take the car to a garage in Rye, where I was heading. After some investigation the garage in Rye have said that the bearing had burnt and that it had either been put on too tight or with no grease, it had also fused to the stub axle and a new one was required. The work for this was priced at £162.80. I phoned the initial garage and told them of this and asked whether they would pay this or at the very least reimburse me so that I could use this as part payment. They refused, saying that the only way to have this resolved is to have them fix it. I am loathe to do this as they have on two occassions left me to drive a dangerous car. Surely they at least have to give me my money back? If so, how do i go about getiing it?

Sorry it's a bit long, thanks

catflea

Tricky one.

Personally, I'd pay to have it done and then write to them, recorded delivery and give them a chance to "make good" by paying up. If not then theres the small claims....

Caveat: I am in no way an expert. This is only my opinion follow it at your own risk

anewman

https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/csmco2/index.jsp

jamesl24

Thanks for the answers so far guys. This on-line small claims thing is it any good? When I spoke to the garage they scoffed at me saying that it would take forever going thru smaill claims and that it would cost more than I could hope to recoup

Jamesl24

anewman

jamesl24 wrote: »

Thanks for the answers so far guys. This on-line small claims thing is it any good? When I spoke to the garage they scoffed at me saying that it would take forever going thru smaill claims and that it would cost more than I could hope to recoup

Jamesl24

It will only cost you more if the claim goes in their favour and not yours. Otherwise they have to pay your costs as well. They're just trying to be smart and put you off by the sounds of it.

catflea

I thought costs (other than the initial court fee) were not payable under the small claims track? Certainly what my solicitor told me last year (that was in relation to an alledged motor accident)

vaio

Solicitors costs can’t be recovered unless your opponent has acted “unreasonably” (and that means very unreasonably) but your out of pocket expenses (time off work to attend, travelling expenses etc) can be recovered as can the expenses of any witnesses you call

catflea

Very useful, thank you :beer:

choc_mouse

jamesl24 wrote: »

About half an hour later, whilst driving on a busy dual carriage, the back wheel on the drivers side fell off.

:eek:

You seem incredibly composed considering that you're wheel came off! I'd be upping the heat with the garage that did the work - you could have had a serious accident; risking not only your life but also other motorists with a loose wheel that's out of control.