Lemon Law in Billings, MT

For most individuals in Billings, there’s nothing quite like that new car smell. In contrast, there’s nothing quite like buying a new car, and discovering that you bought a lemon. However, Montana Lemon Laws exist so that consumers do not have to be stuck with defective products. When going through a process such as this, it may be in your best interest to have an experienced lemon law attorney in Billings by your side.

What Is a Lemon Law?

Lemon laws deal with consumer protections that are particularly applicable to automobile purchases. For any Billings, Montana 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 Billings, Montana 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 Montana to ensure you remain within the legal confines.

The Montana Department of Justice states that if a newly purchased automobile has had attempted repairs by the dealer or manufacturer, and yet still cannot operate correctly, it may be classified as a lemon. Lemon laws in Billings protect vehicles, including motorcycles, that are less than 2 years old or have less than 18,000 miles. However, certain vehicles are not covered by the lemon laws. These include, but are not limited to: non-motorized vehicles, off-road vehicles, and the residential portions of a motorhome.

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 Billings 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 , Montana 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.

Unfortunately, Montana’s Lemon Laws do not include provisions for the protection of used vehicles in Billings. The only way for a used car to operate under lemon laws is for it to currently be under the manufacturer’s warranty.

When Should You Hire a Qualified Billings, Montana 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 , Montana 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 Billings 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 Montana 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 Billings law firm should not charge clients fees. If you win your case, the manufacturer pays the attorney’s fees.

While many lemon law cases go through arbitration, Montana Law Help states that civil penalties can be levied against Billings dealers or manufacturers that do not comply with the state’s lemon laws, or try to prolong the process. These civil penalties are meant to discourage actions that take place in bad faith during an automotive sale. If this is the case, you may want to hire an experienced Billings lemon lawyer to help you file with the Montana Clerk of Justice Court.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Billings, Montana.

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