Here’s How to Get Rid of Your “Lemon”

Is your car spending more time in the shop than on the road?

You’re not the only one. Every year, countless car owners face the same frustration with vehicles that just won’t run right, no matter how many repairs they’ve endured.

The upside? Lemon laws are here to protect you. These laws are designed to ensure that you’re not left paying for a vehicle that can’t hold up its end of the bargain.

Lemon laws give you the right to seek a resolution from the manufacturer—whether that’s a refund, a replacement, or reimbursement for repair costs. We’re here to help you explore your options and connect you with a legal expert who can make the process smoother.

What Are Lemon Laws?

Lemon laws protect consumers with defective vehicles after multiple repair attempts. Issues that affect safety, value, or usability mean you have a lemon.

The details vary from state to state. However, these laws often cover costs such as rental cars, towing fees, and attorney bills.

When Do Lemon Laws Apply?

Lemon laws only apply when the vehicle is under warranty. This restriction does not mean it has to be brand new. Dealership warranties are often attached to certified pre-owned cars.

The federal lemon law requirements include the following guidelines:

• The manufacturer has attempted to fix the issue with the vehicle on several occasions.
• There have been attempts made to address the issue(s) in question within the first two years of owning and operating the vehicle.
• The car has been out of service for at least 30 days. Note that the days do not have to be consecutive.

How Do You Set Yourself Up for Success?

You should research your state’s lemon law requirements to ensure that you have a case. Some common practices that apply regardless of where you live include:

• Only go to the dealership for repairs. Claimants need a credible paper trail showing that the responsible party attempted to fix the automobile.

• Be sure to keep accurate and detailed records of any repairs made. This due diligence also helps build a timeline of how long you could not use your vehicle.

There are many lemon law myths out there that may confuse you. Don’t allow misinformation to allow manufacturers to get away with selling a faulty car!

What Compensation Can You Receive?

You may deserve significant compensation if your vehicle qualifies. The law mandates that manufacturers take responsibility when a car doesn’t meet legal standards.

Here’s a breakdown of what you could receive:

• A full refund of your down payment and monthly payments made
• A replacement vehicle of similar make and model
• Reimbursement for registration fees and taxes
• Compensation for rental car or towing expenses incurred due to the faulty vehicle
• Reasonable attorney fees

You shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of a defective vehicle. A lemon law attorney can help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Why Should You Hire a Lemon Law Lawyer?

Manufacturers may refuse to acknowledge your problem or offer compensation. These situations make dealing with a defective vehicle even more overwhelming. An experienced lemon law attorney can improve your odds of success and take on much of the burden.

A local lawyer can make all the difference and provide value because they provide:

• Expertise in Lemon Law: You won’t have to worry about missing crucial details.
• No Upfront Costs: Most lemon law attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay anything unless you win your case.
• Stronger Case Presentation: An attorney can collect evidence and may even hire private investigators.
• Negotiation Power: Manufacturers are more likely to settle when faced with a skilled lawyer, which could result in a quicker resolution.
• Peace of Mind: Letting a professional handle the legal complexities frees you up to focus on your daily life without the added stress.

There is little doubt that the manufacturer will have legal counsel, and you should do the same. Hiring an experienced legal professional only bolsters your chances of receiving benefits.

How Does a Lemon Law Lawsuit Work?

Taking the first step may seem daunting, but you do not have to go it alone. Moreover, an expert lemon law lawyer will do most of the work.

Here’s a quick breakdown of how a lemon law lawsuit typically unfolds:

• Free Case Evaluation: Your attorney will review your situation to see if your vehicle qualifies under the lemon law.
• Filing the Claim: The attorney will file the necessary paperwork that details the defects and failed repair attempts.
• Manufacturer Response: The manufacturer may offer a settlement or deny the claim, leading to further legal action.
• Legal Proceedings: Your attorney will represent you if the case goes to court.
• Settlement or Verdict: You could receive compensation through mediation or a court verdict.

Work with an Experienced Local Lawyer

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.