Lemon Law in Cincinnati, OH

Are you feeling like the cost of your car or truck was unreasonably high?

As far back as 2015, WCPO in Cincinnati reported that used car prices were unusually high. In 2022, NBC4 alerts the public that the average used car price has ballooned to $34,852.

No matter how much you paid for a broken vehicle, you deserve better than a runaround by the dealership. We have the facts you need to know and a connection to a local lemon law attorney in this article!

What Is a Lemon Law?

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

Drivers with a defective vehicle should consult the guide published by the Ohio Attorney General. This pamphlet provides crucial facts for you to consider. In particular, it describes the least that must happen to give a manufacturer a “reasonable opportunity” for repairs. For instance, Cincinnati residents have a strong case when the following apply:

  • One unsuccessful attempt occurred to fix something that could cause injury or death
  • Three or more repair attempts do not resolve a problem
  • Eight or more repair attempts for multiple issues
  • Your car or truck has spent 30 or more days in a repair facility

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 Cincinnati 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 , Ohio 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.

It is unlikely that a used car bought in Cincinnati will have an option for litigation in the state courts. The Ohio Attorney General advises only vehicles under 18,000 miles or one year of ownership apply. But, you may have a federal case thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

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

The judiciary that takes a lemon law case from Cincinnati depends on the damages. For instance, the Hamilton County Municipal Court has jurisdiction over litigation of up to $15,000. A lawsuit for more than this established amount goes to the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Cincinnati, Ohio.

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