Lemon Law in Norfolk, VA

Norfolk residents seeking to buy an automobile should be able to get the most for their money. However, there are many cases of someone buying a defective new car, only to discover this after purchase when they get it home.

To protect the consumer, and keep manufacturers from engaging in dishonest business practices, there are Lemon Laws in Virginia. Ones that give residents avenues to recoup their money. Still, it may be in your best interest to engage the services of an experienced lemon law attorney in Norfolk.

What Is a Lemon Law?

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

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles states that any new car designated a lemon in Norfolk must be replaced or refunded by the dealer or manufacturer. However, you must give the dealer or manufacturer at least 3 attempts to repair the same defect before moving forward under the lemon laws. You are encouraged to report defects immediately, and file a report with the Attorney General of Virginia. However, after you file your report, you may want your next contact to be with an experienced lemon law attorney in Norfolk.

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 Norfolk 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 , Virginia 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.

According to the Virginia Legal Aid Society, there are no protections for used cars sold in Norfolk that turn out to be defective. Used cars are sold “as is”. If you have purchased such a car, you may still be able to seek restitution through the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

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

While most lemon law disputes are resolved through the arbitration process, this may not be the case for you. If you must go to court you will most likely file in the Norfolk General District Court. However, if you feel you must go to court to receive proper restitution, you may want to have an experienced Norfolk lemon lawyer by your side.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Norfolk, Virginia.

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