Meineke Car Care Bray Auto Damaged Car, tried to cover-up Harrison, Ohio
While my car was having it's oil changed, the mechanic turned the key to check the mileage but turned the key too far causing the engine to start. The mechanic had left the car in gear, without engaging the E-brake while it was on the lift so when he started the engine the car drove off the lift and into the wall causing damage to the front bumper, hood and headlights.
The company proceeded to move the car before pictures could be taken or before my insurance agent could arrive. They were in such a hurry to move the car, they actually began lifting it while I was inside the car gathering my work documents. The said that it will be paid for by their insurance but that their agent wouldn't be there until the following day. Then, while I was still waiting in the parking lot for more information, I saw one of the mechanics working on the car, removing bolts to make the broken headlights fit in, in a clear attempt to minimize the appearance of damage.
It's been over 24 hours since the incident and the car has been moved multiple times and the company's insurance agent has not come out to assess the damage, among other thing, causing me to miss work.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
k bray
harrison,Ohio,
United States of America
uncovered story
#3REBUTTAL Owner of company
Sun, January 13, 2013
i am glad first of all that no one was hurt or injured during this unfortunate accident . mr reeds 2005 saturn vue was in for an oil change service for the third time since he had traded his buick in . his saturn vue has a manual or (stick shift ) transmission . it all started at the conclusion of the basic oil change service. mr reed and i were there during occurence. mr reed was watching outside. the tech was standing on the rack outside the vehicle , reached inside to cycle the key forward to read the mileage for the next service sticker. at that time the vehicle started and at idle rolled forward and ran over the 10 inch stops on front of rack . then pushed our exhaust pipe bending machine against the wall and then all cam to a stop. the tech was walking along with the vehicle the try and stop it . and luckily no one was in front of it. the tech was ok besides being shook up of course . i then started to talk to mr reed about what had happend . i had taken pictures right after our dicussion while mr reed was on his cell phone. the car was pinned between the rack at the rear wheels and the front bumper against the pipe machine.after pictures were taken i then called the insurence about the accident . unfortunatly it was on a holiday . labor day , 2012 . so banks and insurence places are closed . mr reed was off work that day and had arranged for a rental car . i offered our curtesy car and he declined . the vehicle had to stay at shop untill the adjuster had arrived . i was instructed by insurence company that i can move the vehicle if pictures were taken and documented . we put the head lites back in place so they wouldnt hang by the wires and shut the hood. thats it... there was only cosmetic damage to the bumper and the head light brackets . in all , i dont think mr reed was even aware the the condition of the vehicle he purchased , but i hope for him and his family that they are aware of the condition that the starting system has been somehow bypassed . which is very unsafe . we had test started the vehicle and its was confirmed that the starting system was disabled . i apologize the reed family for the inconvenience but again im glad no one was hurt and the starting sytem problem was brought to light . and correct safty precautions can be taken in the future for the vehicles starting system .
Bubba Lee
REd Deer,Alberta,
Canada
Becareful about the hole in your story
#3General Comment
Tue, October 09, 2012
The hole in your story is that there is a "Clutch Safety Switch" or "Neutral Safety Switch" on all cars sold in North America since the late 1960s.
You will have to point out that it works and he must have stepped on the clutch to get it started for the insurance to pay.
Also point out it was the persons who put the car on the lift to set the brake.
By the way, they are very likely to check that both work, so if one doesn't be ready for a fight.
Good Luck