Lemon Law in Chicago, IL

Did you know Chicago hosts the largest and oldest car show in the country?

The city as a whole has a love affair with its vehicles. Accordingly, it can be heartbreaking when you have the misfortune of buying a lemon. Even more importantly, you should expect to own a reliable car or truck after this investment.

Do you need legal help to deal with a manufacturer who refuses to do the right thing? Then you will need to evaluate your options using the details about Illinois lemon law we’ve gathered below.

What Is a Lemon Law?

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

The New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act governs what should happen when you buy a defective car or truck. First, Chicago motorists should know they only have one year or 12,000 miles driven to file a claim. Another critical requirement is the vehicle should be unusable for 30 days or more due to repairs. If you can’t resolve this situation with the manufacturer, the state recommends meeting with a lemon law attorney.

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 Chicago 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 , Illinois 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.

The Illinois Attorney General states the law does not have safeguards for used lemon vehicles. In addition, there is no legal protection for modified cars or trucks, boats, and motorcycles. However, motorists of all types in Chicago could have a federal case under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

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

You will want to discuss which court will hear your case in Chicago with your lemon law attorney. But, in all likelihood, the First Municipal Court will be where they file the civil complaint.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Chicago, Illinois.

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