Beware of insurance company using junkyard parts to repair your car after accident – West Virginia judge rules insurance company, body shop can’t put junkyard parts on new vehicles
A Kanawha County judge has granted ex-Attorney General McGraw’s request for a permanent injunction against the Liberty Mutual insurance company and a St. Albans body shop owner who illegally installed junkyard parts on new vehicles involved in auto accidents.
The judge ruled that Liberty Mutual and Greg Chandler — owner of Greg Chandler’s Frame and Body — cannot install used parts on vehicles built within three years of the date of the crash.
The judge’s decision was apparently based on Liberty Mutual’s admission that it had repaired nearly 200 vehicles using junkyard and aftermarket parts, which was in “blatant disregard of the law.”
The court has not yet decided the amount of compensation Liberty Mutual will have to pay its customers or the amount of any penalties it will be assessed.
This ruling is a victory for residents of West Virginia and will hopefully deter other unscrupulous insurance companies and auto repair shops from installing junkyard parts on new cars.
If you have been involved in an auto collision in West Virginia and suspect your insurance company is attempting to repair your car with used or junkyard parts, please feel free to call West Law Offices to speak with a WV car accident attorney.
Brooks West is a West Virginia personal injury lawyer who helps people who have been injured by negligence or wrongful conduct. He is the President and founder of West Law Firm and has been an attorney since 2005. Brooks is a Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum member and has been awarded the AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.