Do Auto Lemon Laws Apply To Me?
Does your new auto qualify under lemon laws? There are ways to find out. The simplest and most easy way to know if your car is a lemon is if you bought it new (even if not under warranty) and it has a mechanical problem that no one seems to be able to fix; particularly the dealer’s auto shop. If your auto spends more time at the dealer getting fixed than it does in your garage, chances are you have a lemon and your car fits perfectly under auto lemon laws. Many years ago, lemon laws didn’t exist. If you bought a “lemon” you were stuck with it. But in the states that have enacted auto lemon laws, you stand a good chance of getting all your money back on the car you bought or getting a suitable replacement.
So where to auto lemon laws start and end? What types of cars are coverable under auto lemon laws? Basically, lemon laws protect new cars that are used for personal family use. So a used car is not covered under auto lemon laws. Nor is a car or automobile that is used for business use or that is owned by a business. One thing to keep in mind when considering filing an auto lemon law claim; Depending on the state you live, you must report the “lemon” or defect within a certain time frame (or before your car has so many miles on it). For example; in some states you must discover the defect within the first year or the first 12,000 miles (which ever comes first).
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So should you hire an attorney if you think your car qualifies under auto lemon laws? The short answer is yes! Don’t count on the car manufacturer to offer up a replacement or your money back happily. They will not do it without a fight. In fact, most car dealers will do everything they can to make sure you keep your lemon car for as long as possible. Since lemon law is such a complex area of the law, you need an expert in your corner. When meeting with a lawyer specializing in auto lemon laws, be sure to have all your service records to show them. Also bring a copy of your car’s warranty with you. In most states, after winning an auto lemon law care, the manufacturer is to give you all your money back or a new car (your choice) and in most cases, they cover attorney and court fees.
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