Introduction
Working in garages and motor repair workshops involves regular exposure to heavy machinery, hazardous substances, and moving vehicles. These environments carry significant risks, and accidents can result in serious injury.
If you were injured while working in a garage or motor repair setting and your employer failed to keep you safe, you may be entitled to claim compensation. This page explains common garage accidents, employer duties, evidence that supports your case, and how much compensation you could claim.
At a glance
- Garage accidents often involve lifting equipment, moving vehicles, chemicals, or faulty tools.
- Employers must comply with PUWER, COSHH, and Health and Safety at Work regulations.
- Compensation can include pain, suffering, medical treatment, lost wages and future care costs.
- You usually have three years from the accident or diagnosis to start a claim.
Report your injury. Photograph the bay, lift or tools involved. Note training, permits, fume extraction and any lockout-tagout used. Keep treatment notes and time off details to support your claim.
John Kushnick
Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law
What is a garage or motor repair accident?
Garage and motor repair injuries occur when safety measures are inadequate in workshops and service areas. Workers are exposed to mechanical, electrical and chemical hazards. Common accidents include:
- Vehicle lift failures – causing cars to fall and crush mechanics.
- Slip and trip accidents – from oil, coolant or tools left on the floor.
- Chemical exposure – to brake fluid, solvents, or exhaust fumes without protection.
- Machinery accidents – involving grinders, presses, or diagnostic equipment.
- Manual handling injuries – from moving tyres, engines or other heavy parts.
Examples of garage and motor repair accidents and injuries
| Accident type | Cause | Possible injury |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle lift collapse | Poor maintenance or overloading | Crush injuries, fractures, fatalities |
| Slip on oil spill | No cleaning system or warning signs | Sprains, broken bones, back injuries |
| Chemical exposure | Inadequate COSHH procedures | Burns, dermatitis, respiratory illness |
| Faulty grinder | Poor maintenance or missing guard | Lacerations, eye injuries, amputations |
| Manual handling accident | Lifting heavy car parts without training | Back strain, hernia, musculoskeletal disorder |
Am I eligible to claim?
You may be able to claim if:
- Your garage or motor repair accident happened in the last three years, and
- Your employer failed to provide safe equipment, PPE, training, or risk assessments, and
- Medical evidence confirms your injury and its link to the accident.
If you are unsure, see Do I have a claim and The claim process.
How much compensation can I claim?
The value of a garage or motor repair accident claim depends on your individual circumstances. Compensation is made up of two parts:
- General damages: for the pain, suffering and impact on your quality of life.
- Special damages: for financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment, rehabilitation and travel expenses.
Our compensation calculator uses the latest Judicial College Guidelines to estimate how much you could claim. It considers the type and seriousness of your injuries, multiple injuries where relevant, and any additional financial losses.
When is my employer responsible?
Employers are responsible under the Health and Safety at Work Act, PUWER regulations, and COSHH regulations. They must:
- Maintain vehicle lifts and garage machinery safely.
- Provide PPE such as gloves, safety glasses and overalls.
- Train staff in safe working practices and manual handling.
- Ensure safe handling and storage of chemicals and substances.
- Keep floors clean and free of oil, water and obstructions.
Failure to meet these duties may make them liable for your injury. See also Health and safety breach injury claims.
Employment status and garage & motor repair injury claims
You can usually claim if negligence was a factor, whatever your contract type. See how employment status affects your claim:
Evidence that strengthens a garage accident claim
- Medical records describing your injury and treatment.
- Accident book entries and investigation reports.
- Maintenance and inspection records for equipment.
- PPE provision records and training documents.
- Witness statements and photographs of the accident site.
Time limits for garage accident claims
The standard time limit is three years from the accident date or from when you realised your injury was linked to unsafe working conditions (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply for children and people lacking capacity. Learn more in time limits for claims.
FAQs
New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.
Can apprentices or trainees make a claim?
Yes. Employers must protect all staff, including apprentices. If negligence caused your injury, you may have a claim.
Can I claim if I was injured by exposure to fumes?
Yes. Employers must provide adequate ventilation and PPE. Claims can cover respiratory illness caused by poor safety measures.
Do I need a medical assessment?
Yes. An independent medical expert will confirm your injury and its impact. See What happens at a medical appointment.
Call now for free specialist advice
We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:
- Advice that's right for your case
- Check if you can claim
- No Win, No Fee explained clearly
If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.
Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.
About the author
Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.
Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon
External references
- HSE: Motor vehicle repair safety - provides guidance on health and safety practices in motor vehicle repair workplaces to prevent accidents.
- HSE: PUWER regulations - outlines the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, ensuring safe use of machinery in garage settings.
- HSE: COSHH regulations - details the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, relevant to handling chemicals in motor repair environments.
- GOV.UK: Compensation after an accident or injury - explains the process for claiming compensation for injuries sustained in garage or motor repair accidents.