Lemon laws protect consumers from buying new cars that turn out to be defective. In addition, these laws can provide a refund or replacement car.
To qualify for a lemon law claim, your vehicle must have a substantial defect that persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts. These can include issues like braking or suspension failures.
Keep a Log
Documenting everything is the best way to track what’s going on with your lemon. It includes things like the date of purchase or lease, repair orders, receipts for incidental expenses (like gas), and other non-work-related items, which will be helpful to your lemon lawyer when it comes to constructing your claim.
The essential item to record is a dated log book detailing your vehicle’s mileage and repair history. It will prove invaluable when calculating your remedy, particularly if you have a finance company.
Using the above tips, you can rest assured your lemon law claim will be a resounding success. It’s also good to consult a lemon law attorney at Timothy Abeel & Associates before you file any claims, as they can help guide you toward victory.
Keep Track of Repair Attempts
Keeping track of your vehicle’s repair attempts is critical to a successful lemon law claim. You should document every visit to the dealer, including the date, mileage, and a clear description of your problem. In addition, you were keeping copies of all correspondence, notes, and repair orders.
Having your vehicle serviced at an authorized dealership is also a good idea. If you take your car to an unauthorized mechanic, the manufacturer may void your warranty and deny your lemon law claim.
If you’re having problems with your vehicle, report them to the dealer or the manufacturer as soon as possible. Usually, these reports can be made within the first year or 12,000 miles of ownership.
Depending on your residence, a vehicle may qualify for the lemon law if it has been reported to a dealer as having a defect, requiring more than three repair attempts, or being out of service for thirty days or more because of the same defect.
Remember that it can take much work to prove the number of repair attempts. The manufacturer often argues that there are still open repairs, which may need clarification.
It is a common argument, and it can be a big help in your case if you can show that you’ve taken your car to a dealer for a specific issue and had them attempt to repair the same problem twice.
It would be best to ask the dealer to document your visits and keep records for future reference. In addition, pursuing a lemon law claim against the manufacturer will be beneficial.
As you can see, the rules for lemon law differ in each state, and it is essential to understand them thoroughly. Taking the time to research each state’s lemon law can make a huge difference in your claim.
Hire an Attorney
Hiring an attorney to help you with your lemon law claim is essential if you have a defective vehicle. It will allow you to ensure that your case goes smoothly and you receive compensation.
An experienced lawyer will know exactly what to do and will be able to get you the best results. They should know the laws of their state and learn how to handle a lemon law case with car manufacturers. They can also advise you on which remedies you are entitled to under the law, such as a refund or replacement vehicle.
Your attorney should also work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not have to pay a retainer or any fees upfront. They will only get paid when they win your case, and you receive compensation.
Another benefit of hiring an attorney is that they can negotiate better for you. For example, they know how to make the manufacturer pay you more money, and they are more familiar with the legalese that can derail a lemon law claim.
In addition, your attorney can ask for reimbursement for expenses you have incurred due to your lemon law case. It can include towing, repairs, car rentals, sales tax, and other costs.
Choosing a lawyer with strong values and a passion for consumer justice would be best. These lawyers can stand up to big auto manufacturers and ensure they pay you what you deserve.
A good lemon law lawyer will also be willing to go to arbitration to resolve your dispute with the manufacturer. It is usually the preferred method for many clients, allowing them to get a fair settlement without fighting with the manufacturer in court.
Finally, a lemon law attorney should be upfront about your chances of winning your case. It will allow you to make an informed decision as to whether you should proceed with your lemon law claim or not.
When hiring an attorney, you should find the right one. But, first, you should interview a few different ones and compare their services. Doing this lets you find the right one for your needs and budget.
