A WOMAN has won her court case after waiting several months for a refund on a botched car repair.
A judge has ordered David Moberly of Moberly’s Car Repair in Baton Rouge to pay Olivia Hayes $4,500 in damages.
It comes after Olivia’s car was dismantled after she was told it couldn’t be put back together.
“I got it back in a box,” said Olivia, who earlier this year explained how the events unfolded.
The issue dates back to May 2024 when she brought her 2010 Volkswagen EOS to the mechanic shop on Sun Belt Court in Baton Rouge.
Hayes had saved up to get the convertible top fixed.
But weeks turned into months, she told WBRZ.
The car, or what’s left of it, was left sitting in a garage.
In April, David Moberly spoke about the situation.
He said he’d like to work with Hayes regarding the car that could no longer be put back together.
“I told her I would help her, I’d accommodate her, work with her, try to help her find a car, give her money toward a car,” he said.
Hayes says she was met with more delays, which were documented.
All of her evidence was recorded and chronologically displayed in a three-ring binder and presented to the city court judge Monday.
Hayes, who represented herself in the case, also had detailed recordings of interactions and text messages with the mechanic.
“ChatGPT gave me some of the best advice,” she said.
She totaled her expenses, which included tow fees, Lyft rides, DoorDash meals, lost wages, and the fair market value for her car.
The judge sided in her favor.
“I just want everyone to know if you take your car to Moberly’s, it could end up in a box,” said Hayes.
Olivia is unable to drive the car in its current condition but has listed what is left of it along with the parts on Facebook Marketplace.
What defines ‘distracted driving’?
Distracted driving claims lives every year nationwide, and it’s 100% preventable
However, many drivers assume that distracted driving is limited to using their phone while behind the wheel.
While using a phone to text, call, send emails, scroll through or post to social media, and make or accept video calls is illegal nationwide, other behaviors can be just as distracting – and dangerous.
Other behaviors that distract drivers:
- Adjusting the radio or GPS
- Applying makeup in visor mirrors
- Eating and drinking, as it takes one or both hands from the wheel
- Reaching into the backseat to grab personal items
- Rummaging through a purse, glove box, or center console
Thankfully, driving distracted can be prevented. Here are some proven tactics to stay focused:
- Put your phone in “Do Not Disturb” or “Driving Mode,” as it temporarily pauses notifications, but will push a call or text through if urgent
- If distraction is difficult to avoid, put the phone in a safe place, like a purse, glove box, center console, or back seat
- If a text message or call needs to be sent or made, pull over and park
- Give the phone to a passenger when applicable to send a text or make a call
- Be a role model – practicing safe driving in front of impressionable passengers helps pass along safe behaviors
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Connecticut Department of Transportation
