Lemon Law in Virginia Beach, VA

Are you stressed about how much a faulty automobile you bought in Virginia Beach could cost you?

The American Automobile Association has data that shows a sharp increase in vehicle ownership costs. According to their research, the financial impact of car ownership increased by 5% in 2022. As a result, most drivers pay $9,282 per year on their automobiles.

Are you willing to pay more than this amount for a car or truck that doesn’t work? Of course not! Make a plan for how you will get out of this situation with us today.

What Is a Lemon Law?

Lemon laws deal with consumer protections that are particularly applicable to automobile purchases. For any Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, 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.

Drivers in Virginia Beach will want to know the details of the Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act. This state legislation contains the lemon laws you will need to rely on to demand financial remedies. For instance, you need to demonstrate that the manufacturer had three chances to correct the defect. Additionally, you must show that you were without your vehicle for 30 days or more for those repairs.

There is a notable exception for safety-related problems. Companies only have one chance to get this issue fixed.

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 Virginia Beach 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.

Generally, drivers in Virginia Beach cannot rely on state law to help with a used lemon. They will have to rely on the litigation opportunities offered by federal legislation.

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

Lemon law cases of up to $25,000 can become filed with the Virginia Beach General District Court. Otherwise, the Virginia Beach Circuit Court will have jurisdiction.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Do you need immediate help? Then one of our experienced lawyers in Virginia Beach 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!