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When a motor vehicle accident occurs, those involved typically contact their insurance company, particularly if their automobile has sustained damage. Filing an insurance claim is a normal part of the accident process; however, many individuals do not know that insurers are always searching for way to cut costs -- some of which may be detrimental to the consumer.

Some of those cost-cutting methods could end up costing you and your loved ones in more ways than one. In fact, a lawsuit filed by several car repair shops claims that the practices of some insurance companies are putting drivers at risk.

Some of the Claims Made by the Repair Companies

Ft. Myers personal injury attorney Randall Spivey has handled many auto accident cases stemming from various types of incidents, and he and his team are prepared to assist you if you or someone you love has been hurt due to a shoddy car part or other accident-related issue.

Mr. Spivey knows that for years, insurance companies have been searching for ways to cut costs where possible.  One way some of those companies lower costs is by requiring car repair shops to use recycled or aftermarket parts instead of using manufacturer replacements to make repairs.

The lawsuit, which was filed in the US District Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, alleges that, more often than not, the cheaper parts that insurance companies demand repair shops use are substandard parts that ultimately put consumers at risk of injury if they fail.

Many claims were made by the hundreds of repair shops that brought the suit against dozens of insurance companies. For example, the shops allege some of the insurers illegally force consumers to take their automobiles to a different shop for repairs if the shop refuses to use parts from the insurer's selected supplier or if the shop will not fix the automobile in the manner the insurer sees fit.

Keeping Drivers as Safe as Possible

The auto repair shops note that there may be a number of situations in which using used parts to fix cars may be acceptable or even preferred by vehicle owners. This is particularly true when auto owners wish to save money and keep their own out-of-pocket costs low. Still, the shops say that they need to be properly advised and made aware if the used parts are substandard in any way.

Shop owners say the insurers are not sharing such information -- in fact, some of the insurance companies make it very clear that they will only pay for recycled or used parts. This typically occurs without the customer's knowledge, consent or input.

According to the insurers, they are not in the wrong with respect to their practices.  They say they are attempting to lower costs as much as possible because that will then lower premiums for the consumer. However, the lawsuit cites some of the tests done by one large automaker that showed when off-brand parts were used to repair automobiles, they did not resist collision forces as well as manufacturer or original parts.

If you have concerns about the safety of recent repairs made to your vehicle, or if you have been involved in a collision that may have occurred due to faulty car parts, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. as soon as possible.