Lemon Law in Wyoming
Were you feeling a financial pinch before you even bought a lemon car or truck?
U.S. News reports that Wyoming has the ninth-highest cost of vehicle ownership. Between the high cost of buying an automobile and its maintenance, taking possession of a lemon is extra costly.
It is in a consumer’s best interest to obtain their refund or replacement quickly. Unfortunately, you may get the proverbial run around. When this happens, consider what your legal options could be and take action right away.
What Is a Lemon Law?
Lemon laws deal with consumer protections that are particularly applicable to automobile purchases. For any 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 Wyoming Lemon Laws Apply?
Lemon laws only apply when the vehicle in question is under warranty. This restriction does not mean it has to have a new guarantee. There are often dealership warranties attached to certified used cars. Under the federal lemon law requirements, conditions must meet the following criteria:
- The manufacturer attempted to fix the issue on several occasions. Note that the number of conditions that merit a lemon law application can vary based on the court’s opinion.
- There have been attempts to address the issue(s) in question within the first two years of owning and operating the vehicle.
- The car has been out of service for at least 30 days. Note that the days do not have to be consecutive.
How Do You Ensure the Application of Lemon Laws?
There are some common practices that you can take that better position you when 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 be held liable for any attempts made to fix the problem.
- Keep accurate and detailed records of any repairs made. This way, 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.
Wyoming lemon law statutes vary. You should research the requirements to ensure you remain within the legal confines.
Consumer Affairs has notable details about how lemon law works in Wyoming. For instance, a replacement or refund is possible if the vehicle spends more than 30 days in the shop. The same right applies when there are three or more ineffective repair efforts. But, it is also notable that Wyoming law does not cover automobiles that weigh more than 10,000 pounds.
What Exactly Are Consumers Entitled To Under Lemon Laws?
You have a legal entitlement to a replacement vehicle or refund if Wyoming 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.
Wyoming Statutes do not have legislation that directly addresses used lemon vehicles. Litigation that goes to the state courts will depend on warranty violations by the manufacturer. Otherwise, your attorney could lean on the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
When Should You Hire a Qualified Wyoming 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 an experienced Wyoming 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 Wyoming lawyer. However, introducing legal counsel into the situation is the best way for consumers to receive a fair outcome. With most Wyoming 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 Wyoming 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 Wyoming law firm should not charge clients fees. If you win your case, the manufacturer pays the attorney’s fees.
Circuit courts have limited jurisdiction of civil cases that file for up to $50,000 in damages in Wyoming. Accordingly, your litigation will likely go to a judge from this portion of the judicial branch. Additional details and recommendations should come from consulting with a lemon law lawyer.
Work With an Experienced Wyoming Lemon Law Lawyer!
Do you need immediate help? Then one of our experienced lawyers in Wyoming can help guide you through the Lemon Law litigation process. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Wyoming state lines!
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced Wyoming lemon law lawyer!
Other areas of Wyoming law could apply to your case!