Used Car Dealer Liable? Wheel flew off...?

Carolynn Testani: Absolutely. Show them the bill then ask to be reimbursed. If they give you any issue tell them you're getting an attorney. Use words like safety issue, liability and road worthy when you're talking to the dealer. An attorney would be happy to take the case. But, he'll be interested in your injury instead of the car, that's where the money is.What? You didn't know you hurt your back in that accident? Don't worry, the attorney will find you a reputable chiropractor that will be happy to help with your treatment and diagnosis.Instead of a couple hundred bucks you'll be looking at a couple thousand.WHY DOESN'T ANYONE KNOW WHAT THE LEMON LAW IS?!!!!!It does not apply here, it's only for new cars. Even if this was a new car it wouldn't apply.The only thing I see almost as commonly as this is people that think there's a three day right of rescission on cars.This also isn't about warranty vs. as is. You've got a negligence issue. You're getting a few ! good answers peppered in with a bunch of junk....Show more

Logan Bero: This isn't a question of the vehicles mechanical condition, the freakin' wheel fell off. That means only one thing. Someone at the dealership took the wheel off and didn't put it back on properly.This isn't a warranty issue or an "AS-IS" question. It's not like the A/C quit working or the car wouldn't start. The dealership is 100% liable for faulty workmanship which this obviously is.

Idell Syed: Was a police report filed? Have you contacted the dealer? Does Washington require a safety inspection? Have you contacted the DMV or Highway Patrol (whichever administers safety inspections in your state)?

Angelyn Ducas: "As-Is"did you take a moment to look over the car. If not, you are just as liable for your damages as you think they are. There are mandatory inspections in some states... usually for emissions.You can sell a car in any shape at anytime -- and you can buy one in any shape! at any time too. BUYER BEWARE....Show more

Tawny Gross! kreutz: The shop is at fault. No question. The insurance company will make sure they pay. Make sure you have your receipt or some evidence showing the car was inspected a few days prior and also some evidence that they removed the wheels. The garage won't admit fault, but they don't have to admit it.. the judge at small claims court will realize what happened. Just sue for what you need, the stuff not covered by insurance. Get advice from your insurance agent.

Delmy Varano: The dealer is only liable if you can prove negligence. Did they have the front tire off of the vehicle at any time? Was the dealer the one that did the work on the vehicle, or was it another shop? Most likely they never had the tire off the car. It does not appear that the state of Washington has a vehicle safety inspection requirement. Unless you can prove that it was a dealer employee that left the lug nuts loose, it is going to be hard to prove negligence.It could be that someone tried to steal ! the wheel off of the car, and was interrupted before they could do so, leaving the lugs loose. It could be that the lugs needed to be re-torqued and it was not done by the previous owner. Did you have the vehicle inspected by your own mechanic prior to purchase? If you did, why did he not find the problem with the wheel. If you did not, why not?You bought the car AS-IS. Unless you can prove that the dealer is the one that left the lugs loose, you will have a hard time getting them to pay....Show more

Judie Kise: Lemon law does NOT apply to used vehicles so disregard that answer. This is called negligence. Regadless of the as-is warranty, the dealer is liable for negligence here. If they refuse to pay, sue them for treble damages (3 times your actual damage) plus another few million for pain and suffering. That will get there attention.

Ardath Templer: Lemon law applies on this issue first contact the Bureau of automotive affairs they should be able to help y! ou, second file suit in court for damages you should have no problem wi! nning. Good luck

Woodrow Neyman: If your state requires a safety inspection like mine then the dealer is liable because the inspection is supposed to be good for a year. Anything on the vehicle that is part of the states safety inspection requirements must be checked and good for a year if this is the case talk the department of motor vehicles.