Lemon Law in Indianapolis, IN

Bringing home a newly purchased car in Indianapolis is a big moment for many residents. However, this moment can soon be undercut if you bring home your new car only to discover that it is a defective lemon. If this scenario happens, you may want to seek out the experienced advice of an Indianapolis Lemon Lawyer.

What Is a Lemon Law?

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

WTHR reports that the average cost of a new car for those living in Indianapolis tops $45,000. Once you make this investment, it can be very upsetting to find you have a defective car. However, the Indiana Attorney General states that before your car can be designated a lemon you must give the dealer or manufacturer ample time or attempts to repair the defect. If these attempts fail, then you can begin seeking restitution under the lemon laws.

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 Indianapolis 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 , Indiana 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.

Indianapolis residents that purchase used cars must go through the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, if their car is a lemon. Indiana Lemon Laws do not extend their protections to used cars.

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

It should be noted that many of the lemon law cases never actually reach a court. The majority are resolved through an arbitration process. However, if this process proves unfruitful, you may have to file with the Marion County Superior Court. If you file, it may be in your best interest to have an experienced Indianapolis lemon lawyer at your side.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Indianapolis, Indiana.

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