Life & Family

How to Know If You Need a Lemon Law Attorney

The first step in the lemon law process is to find a trustworthy and knowledgeable attorney. They should be able to explain the entire process in simple terms.

They should also be open about their fee policy and charge no hidden costs. They should only be paid if they win your case.

Contents

Your car has been in the shop for more than 30 days

A new car is a significant investment. If you purchase a vehicle prone to problems, you must immediately take your concerns to a lemon law attorney.

Michigan lemon law lawyer can help you get the money you deserve from your manufacturer if your car meets specific criteria. You could receive compensation for:

  • A replacement vehicle with the same or equivalent value.
  • A cash refund.
  • A buyback of the defective vehicle.

It is essential to remember that if your dealer warranty (typically included in the buyer’s guide) states that you must use a specific mechanic for warranty-covered repairs, you may void your warranty and invalidate your potential lemon law claim. Therefore, you must keep detailed records of any repair attempts made to your vehicle.

Some states have different laws regarding lemon laws, but most of the time, they require that you’ve given the manufacturer a reasonable number of opportunities to fix your vehicle. It is essential to find a lemon law lawyer who understands the laws in your state and has a strong track record with past clients. Some attorneys even offer free consultations to assess your case. A reasonable lemon law attorney will be on your side through 100% of the process.

You’ve made more than one repair attempt

A lemon law attorney can help you determine if your car is a lemon and if state lemon laws apply. They can also ensure you meet all necessary deadlines to pursue compensation for the car.

To qualify for lemon laws, the problem with your vehicle must be significant enough to prevent you from using or enjoying your vehicle as intended. It must also be subjected to a reasonable number of repair attempts, which varies from state to state. In California, for example, a vehicle must be taken in for repairs three separate times before it’s considered a lemon.

Other states, such as Virginia, have more specific criteria for when a car qualifies as a lemon. Virginia lemon laws, for instance, state that the manufacturer must attempt to repair a life-threatening problem—like inoperable brakes—three separate times with three different repair orders. If the problem isn’t fixed after these repair attempts, you may be eligible for compensation from your manufacturer.

In addition, a lemon law attorney can guide you through the process of filing for arbitration with your manufacturer. This process is typically less formal than going to court and can be much faster. A lawyer can also help you negotiate with the dealer or manufacturer for a mutually satisfactory resolution.

You’ve tried to resolve the issue yourself

If you’ve already given the manufacturer a reasonable number of repair attempts, a lemon law attorney can help you take your case to arbitration. This is a process that requires the manufacturer to listen to your evidence and make a ruling on what compensation you should receive (if any). The New York lemon law and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act allow consumers to recover their attorneys’ fees, so you won’t have any out-of-pocket expenses when you win.

You’ll want to do your research to find an attorney who specializes in lemon law, and you’ll also need to find an attorney who is both experienced and passionate about consumer justice. Inexperienced lemon law attorneys are often at a disadvantage when negotiating with the manufacturer, and they may misinterpret or misapply your state’s lemon laws. It’s much better to go with a lawyer who knows the laws inside and out and will use them to your advantage.

A lemon law attorney can help you resolve your issue with a refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. You’ll need to have good records of your attempt at repair and the time you lost driving the car, and an experienced attorney will ensure that all the requirements for a lemon claim are met. It costs the manufacturer less to settle with a well-represented client than to go to court, so they will be more likely to agree.

You’re not satisfied with the manufacturer’s response

Many people need to be more careful with their lemon law claims. In reality, doing so usually leads to disastrous results. Manufacturers are well-armed against lemon law claims, and consumers who try to represent themselves often receive much less money than they are entitled to or nothing at all. In addition, most lemon laws contain specific requirements that must be met to qualify for relief, and an experienced attorney can review your case quickly and let you know whether or not your claim has a chance of success.

A good lemon law lawyer is worth the investment. They will charge a premium over other types of attorneys, but they typically guarantee their work and will not take on a case if they don’t think it can be successful. In addition, most lemon law lawyers will waive their fees if they win your claim.

You can find a reputable lemon law lawyer in your area by visiting the BBB AUTO LINE program, which helps consumers resolve their warranty disputes with a wide range of manufacturers in a hassle-free and cost-effective manner. Alternatively, you can contact a free consultation and put our experience to work. Regardless of your route, we’ll ensure you get the satisfaction and compensation you deserve for your new vehicle.