Buying a new car can be an exciting time. However, it’s not so exciting if your car turns out to be a lemon. Vehicles that are manufactured with defects are considered lemons. The defect can concern almost anything. Improper steering, engine problems and even a faulty paint job qualify as lemon defects. Every state has its own interpret of what the lemon law is. Find out more about lemon laws and what your rights are as a consumer.
Lemons in a Nutshell
There are a few elements that need to be established to confirm the lemon status. First, it must be shown that the car has a substantial defect. This is a defect that would fall within the vehicle’s warranty. Additionally, there are restrictions on when the defect must occur. Generally, there is a specified time limit that begins after the vehicle is purchased. The second element is that the defect be irreparable. There can be a required number of repair attempts that must be exhausted before claiming lemon status.
A Look at Substantial Defects
The lemon laws for used cars define a substantial defect in the same general manner. It is something that substantially affects the normal usage of the vehicle. It is also something that occurs at no fault of the purchaser. In order for a defect to qualify for lemon law protection, it must also be addressed by the manufacturer’s warranty. Some states are more lenient regarding which conditions will qualify for the lemon law. Check with your jurisdiction for more information.
How an Attorney Can Help
If you are the victim of a lemon vehicle, you may need legal help. A lawyer can represent you in a lawsuit or settlement. If you are successful, you may qualify for a full or partial reimbursement of the purchase price. In some cases, you may need to attend an arbitration proceeding first. It is best to speak to a lawyer before proceeding with lemon law used cars lawsuits.
Contact Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center for help with the lemon law in your area.
