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According to a ConsumerAffairs survey, only about 4 in 10 Americans have enough savings to cover a $1,000 car repair without borrowing or falling behind on other bills. After a car accident, repairing your vehicle is often one of the first things on your mind. You need it to get to work, attend medical appointments, and take care of your family. But what happens if you can’t afford the repair bill? Can the mechanic legally keep your car until you pay?
Surprisingly, this situation is more common than people think, especially for accident victims who are facing financial hardship and waiting on a personal injury settlement. If your car is stuck at the auto repair shop and you don’t have the money to get it back, you may feel helpless. In this article, we’ll explain your rights, how mechanic’s liens work, and how risk-free lawsuit loans from High Rise Financial can help you cover urgent repair costs while your case is still ongoing.
What Is a Mechanic’s Lien and How Does It Work?
A mechanic’s lien is a legal tool that allows auto repair shops to hold your car until you pay for the work they’ve done. It’s a way for mechanics to protect themselves from unpaid bills. If you drop off your car for repairs and agree to the service, the shop can keep the vehicle until the balance is paid.
In most states, this lien is automatic. The mechanic doesn’t need to file paperwork or go to court. As long as they performed the work and you haven’t paid, they can legally hold your car under a possessory lien. In some cases, they may even be allowed to sell the vehicle to recover the cost. However, this may require a formal process and notice.
Can a Mechanic Legally Keep Your Car If You Don’t Pay?
Yes, in most states, mechanics can legally hold your car if you don’t pay for repairs. This is true even if you need the car for work, medical care, or daily life. The law gives repair shops the right to protect their business. Unfortunately, this can leave you in a tough spot.
If you’re unable to pay, the shop may charge storage fees or threaten to sell the car. That’s why it’s important to understand your rights and act quickly. You may be able to negotiate a payment plan, dispute the charges, or find outside help, such as applying for pre-settlement funding, to cover the cost.
What Are Your Rights If a Mechanic Holds Your Car?
Even though mechanics have the legal power to hold your car, you still have rights as a customer. Here are some of your rights:
- You have the right to a written estimate: Before the work begins, the shop should give you a clear breakdown of costs. If they didn’t, you may have grounds to dispute the bill.
- You have the right to ask for an itemized invoice: Also, you can request a list of the parts used and services provided. This shows exactly what parts and labor were used. If something looks off, you can ask questions or dispute it.
- You have the right to challenge unfair charges: If you believe the auto repair shop overcharged or did work you didn’t approve, you can file a complaint with your state’s consumer protection agency.
- You have the right to take legal action: In some cases, you can go to small claims court to fight the charges or recover your vehicle.
- You can seek financial help: If you’re waiting on a personal injury settlement, you may qualify for a car accident lawsuit loan to pay the mechanic and get your car back.
How Can This Affect You and Your Personal Injury Claim?
Unfortunately, not having access to your car can cause serious problems, especially if you’re recovering from an accident. This is because:
- You need your car to get to medical appointments and continue treatment.
- You may rely on your vehicle to earn income or care for your family.
- Without transportation, your recovery and legal case may suffer.
- The longer your car sits at the shop, the higher the fees may grow
- You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your car.
What’s more, the insurance carrier may argue that your injuries aren’t serious if you skip treatment. They may also question your need for compensation if you’re not actively working or attending rehab. That’s why it’s so important to stay on track, and having your car is crucial to make this possible.
Why Do You Need a Lawsuit Loan When the Mechanic Keeps Your Car?
As mentioned earlier, without transportation, you may miss medical appointments, struggle to get to work, or fall behind on daily responsibilities. These delays can hurt your health and weaken your legal case. Therefore, if your car is being held by a mechanic and you can’t afford to pay the bill, applying for a lawsuit loan may be right for you.
Pre-settlement funding helps you cover the repair bill and get your car back, without waiting for your case to settle. It also provides you with the much-needed lawsuit cash advance to cover other living expenses like rent, food, groceries, mortgage, and utilities.
Can You Use Pre-Settlement Funding to Pay for Car Repairs?
Yes, you can use a pre-settlement loan to pay for car repairs. Many accident victims use lawsuit loans to cover urgent car repairs. Our financial specialists at High Rise Financial will work with your attorney to review your case and determine how much support we can offer. If approved, you’ll receive a settlement advance as quickly as possible. You can use the money to pay the mechanic, retrieve your car, and get back to your routine. Above all, the car accident lawsuit loan is non-recourse, and you only have to repay it if you win your case and receive financial compensation.
Are You Finding It Difficult to Pay the Mechanic after a Car Accident? Apply for Lawsuit Funding Today
If the repair shop is holding your car and you’re waiting on a personal injury settlement, High Rise Financial can help. We offer non-recourse lawsuit loans to support accident victims who need urgent financial relief. Call us at (866) 407-6404 or apply online today. With our car accident settlement loans, you can get your car back, stay on track, and ultimately achieve financial relief before your case resolves.