Does your state have a lemon law that will cover your useless vehicle? This is the big question many consumers ask when they find they’re spending just as much time off the road and in repair shops as they do driving around. By law lemon cars vary in their definition. Some states explicitly include the vehicular parts of motor homes and motorcycles, while other state laws explicitly exclude these things. One of the most common qualifications for protection under the lemon law is that your vehicle was purchased and registered in your state. This protects both manufacturers and dealers from disingenuous consumers who move from state to state, suing along the way.
The second step in evaluating your car’s law lemon eligibility is to consider the timing. In most cases, there must be documentation of a defect within the first year or 18,000 miles following the purchase. This documentation usually comes in the form of a repair receipt and vehicle check-up. It is very important that you hold onto all this evidence and keep detailed records of repairs and phone conversations with the dealer to strengthen your case. It is also wise to take your car directly back to the dealer or manufacturer to ensure that there is no finger-pointing between your local mechanic and the seller, with no one claiming responsibility for the defects. Generally, your car is protected by the state lemon law for the length of your warranty, although some regions place a 1 to 5 year limitation on when you are allowed to file a claim.
Thirdly, there are some specific stipulations about the “attempted repairs” in a law lemon case. Ideally, the process works as follows. You call for lawyer help at the first sign of car trouble to let them know about your situation. They will provide you with legal advice on how to handle the situation, so if need be, they will be able to pursue the case should other car trouble ensue after the so-called “repair.” You will take notes of your conversation with mechanics at the dealership and you will keep the receipt and detailed records of any repairs made. If the car continues to fail, you will follow the same protocol for each time. Before filing your official claim, you should send the manufacturer a warning letter stating your intentions so there is no confusion about the seriousness of this matter. The laws of each state vary on the allowable “reasonable number of repairs” and days off the road, so be sure to check with your attorney before proceeding.
Lastly, the law lemon verdict may depend upon what sort of “nonconformity” or “defect” your car has. Common lemon car problems include brake failure, transmission problems and repeated non-starts. In most states, you will not be covered for aesthetic damage like peeling paint, loose cup holders or strange noises that aren’t associated with a safety issue. Since 1972, the United States Lemon Law has been protecting consumers who face trouble getting dealers to honor their warranty obligations and correct problems in a reasonable amount of time. If you’re concerned that you may have an auto lemon, then contact your local specialized lemon law lawyer for assistance. In most cases, you won’t have to pay a dime for legal advice and guidance!
Rene Lacape is a well trained insurance broker. He has been handling many kinds of insurances for the past many years. He still does well in his chosen field and is sure to help more people who will need his expert advice. Contact him now.