Lemon Law in Columbia, SC

Are you frustrated by a car or truck you bought in Columbia that doesn’t work?

You have enough concerns in life without investments like this one doing wrong. After all, even the average costs of owning an automobile continue to rise. According to USA Today, most Americans spend $900 monthly to possess and maintain their daily ride.

If there are irredeemable faults with your new vehicle, you have the right to insist they get fixed. However, you may feel like the manufacturer or dealership holds the cards, and you are powerless. Discover how much power you may have to hold them accountable with us today.

What Is a Lemon Law?

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

Drivers in Columbia should consult the lemon law checklist from the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. This handout gives you a comprehensive assessment of how your situation applies to current law. For instance, you can answer vital questions for yourself like:

• Were there three attempts to fix the same problem with the car, truck, van, or motorcycle?

• Did you buy the automobile and register it in South Carolina?

• Does the issue hurt the value?

• Were you unable to use the vehicle for 30 days or more because it was in the shop?

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 Columbia 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 , South Carolina 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, the South Carolina Bar reports that state law only applies to new cars or trucks. Still, drivers in Columbia may have a chance for litigation based on the warranty. You should discuss with your attorney how the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act can be central to a federal case.

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

The Richland County Magistrate Court will take your case if it is for less than $7,500. Otherwise, the Richland County Circuit Court in Columbia will likely be where your lawsuit goes.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Columbia, South Carolina.

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