Lemon Law in Jacksonville, FL

In uncertain economic times, Jacksonville residents wishing to purchase an automobile want reliability and certainty when they make such a purchase. However, there are cases of manufacturers and dealers selling defective products, often with defects that don’t reveal themselves until you’ve brought your car home. If you have such an occurrence you may want to seek out an experienced lemon law attorney in Jacksonville to explore your options.

What Is a Lemon Law?

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

Lemon laws are in place to protect consumers, but they also afford some protections to manufacturers and dealers as well. Florida Statutes Jacksonville dealers and manufacturers the right to a minimum of 3 attempts to repair any defect that is devaluing a newly purchased car. Further, Jacksonville residents also have to provide written notice of the defects to the dealer or manufacturer. However, it should be noted that moped, motorcycles, living quarters if recreational vehicles, and trucks weighing over 10,000 lbs are not covered by 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 Jacksonville 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 , Florida 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.

First Coast News reports that a woman in Jacksonville recently learned first hand that there are no lemon law protections for used cars in the state. She bought a used car, “as is”, and it broke down less than 24 hours after the purchase. However, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is still an avenue you may pursue to recoup your loss for a used lemon.

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

Once you go through the arbitration process in Jacksonville, you may find that you are dissatisfied with the outcome. If this occurs, you and your Jacksonville lemon lawyer will most likely file a civil suit in the Duval County Circuit Court. However, you may need to file in the Duval County Small Claims Court. Your Jacksonville lemon law attorney can help you decide which is appropriate.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Jacksonville, Florida.

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