Lemon Law in Baltimore, MD

Do you know how much your car or truck usually costs you to operate?

According to Patch Media, most drivers in Baltimore spend $2,853 annually on their vehicles. Consequently, when you buy a new automobile, you assume you will pay less than average. After all, when you invest thousands, you expect to get more mileage before problems arise.

When you realize you have a defective vehicle, the frustration is all too real. Avoid dealing with the runaround from the manufacturer or dealer by learning the essentials of lemon law and how a local attorney can use them.

What Is a Lemon Law?

Lemon laws deal with consumer protections that are particularly applicable to automobile purchases. For any Baltimore, Maryland lemon law to apply, the automobile must suffer from a defect. This problem should be outside the purchaser’s control, like a manufacturer issue. Furthermore, lemon laws apply if a certain number of reasonable repairs happened to the vehicle in question to no avail.

When Do Baltimore, Maryland Lemon Laws Apply?

There are some common practices that you can take that better position you in citing lemon law:

  • You should only take the vehicle in question to the corresponding dealership for repairs. By taking it there, you establish credibility by showing the responsible party attempted to address the issue. If you take the vehicle to a mom-and-pop mechanic, the manufacturer cannot become held liable for any attempts made to fix the problem.
  • Be sure to keep accurate and detailed records of any repairs made. If your case goes to trial, have accurate logs that detail the manufacturer’s opportunities to fix the mechanical issues. This detail also helps build a timeline of how long you could not use your vehicle.

Lemon law statutes vary by state. You should research the lemon law requirements in Maryland to ensure you remain within the legal confines.

The Maryland Attorney General has critical details to share with Baltimore residents. For starters, your vehicle should be within its first 18,000 months driven or 24 months from taking possession. Additional conditions that can entitle you to a replacement or refund are:

  • Steering or brake issues that do not become resolved after one repair attempt
  • Issues that harm the resale value of the automobile
  • Problems that result in the car or truck being unusable for 30 days or more

How Do You Ensure the Application of Lemon Laws?

Lemon law statutes vary by state. You should research your particular state’s lemon law requirements to ensure that you remain within the legal confines of any claim you wish to forward. There are some common practices that you can take in Baltimore that better position you in citing lemon law:

  • You should only take the vehicle in question to the corresponding dealership for repairs. By taking it to the dealership, you establish a credible paper trail showing that the responsible party attempted to address the issue at hand. If you take the vehicle to a mom-and-pop mechanic, the manufacturer cannot be held liable for any attempts made to fix the problem.
  • Be sure to keep accurate and detailed records of any repairs made. If your case goes to trial, having accurate records detail the manufacturer’s opportunities to fix the mechanical issues. This also helps build a timeline of how long you could not use your vehicle.

What Are Consumers Entitled?

You have a legal entitlement to a replacement vehicle or refund if , Maryland lemon laws apply. However, manufacturers may deduct a fee in proportion to the miles the owner put on the car or truck before it became unusable. This compensation should include:

  • Down payment
  • Registration
  • Taxes
  • Car rentals
  • Monthly payments
  • Tow expenses
  • Attorney costs

Do Lemon Laws Apply to Used Vehicles?

Lemon laws can apply to used vehicles. However, this is for written warranties distributed along with the vehicle upon sale. Often, a used car dealership sells vehicles with a portion of the guarantee remaining. This situation incentivizes the purchase and (allegedly) puts the buyer’s mind at ease.

Thankfully, the Maryland Code has consumer protections for Baltimore motorists. On the other hand, it does not offer coverage for motor homes.

When Should You Hire a Qualified Baltimore, Maryland Lemon Law Attorney?

Have you attempted to have your vehicle repaired at the dealership? Consumers should consider legal action when it doesn’t work for 30 days. If you can’t resolve the issue with the manufacturer, it may be time to bring in a , Maryland lemon law attorney.

How Does the Lemon Law Litigation Process Work?

Consumers can expect to go through a series of motions by bringing in an experienced Baltimore lawyer. However, introducing legal counsel into the situation is the best way for consumers to receive a fair outcome. With most lemon law attorneys, you can expect the following:

  • Free Case Evaluation – Attorneys should review your case for free. They will determine its merit and whether you have a justifiable claim.
  • Filing Your Claim – Your Maryland legal representative should handle filing a claim with the manufacturer after determining the facts.
  • Further Action – Your vehicle’s manufacturer may refuse to comply with the claim under federal and state statutes. Then your attorney files suit to seek entitled compensation on your behalf.
  • Pursuing Settlement – The manufacturer should cover all costs and fees if you achieve a settlement before trial. This compensation will often include attorney fees.
  • Contingency Fee Basis – At the end of the ordeal, clients should not have to pay for attorney’s fees. Even if you ultimately lose your case, a reputable Baltimore law firm should not charge clients fees. If you win your case, the manufacturer pays the attorney’s fees.

Baltimore has several district courts that will take claims of up to $5,000. In some circumstances, they will hear a lemon law case seeking $30,000. Otherwise, the Baltimore County Circuit Court may become involved.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Baltimore, Maryland.

Do you need immediate help? Then one of our experienced lawyers in Baltimore can help guide you through the Lemon Law litigation process. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Maryland state lines!

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

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