The Ins and Outs of Lemon Law Attorneys
Is your new vehicle constantly in the shop? If so, you may have a lemon. Ohio lemon laws require manufacturers to repurchase vehicles after a certain number of repair attempts.
Lemon law protections apply to new noncommercial passenger cars, motorcycles, and trucks. Attorneys specializing in this area of law can help you get your money back and replace your vehicle.
Communication
The Ohio Lemon Law and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act compensate consumers whose new car has a persistent problem that prevents them from using it as intended. A new car with a significant flaw significantly reducing its utility, safety, or value that the dealership or manufacturer hasn’t fixed in a reasonable amount of time qualifies as a “lemon” under the law. It also covers motorcycles and the chassis portion of motor homes.
A competent attorney can help Ohio residents determine whether their car meets the definition of a lemon and guide them through filing a claim. An experienced lawyer has comprehensive knowledge of all statute regulations governing lemon laws, which can make the claims process more accessible to individuals unfamiliar with this area of consumer protection.
Meticulous record-keeping is an essential aspect of the claims process. Consumers must document every trip to the dealership, what the problem was, when it first occurred, and how long it took for a dealer to diagnose it. This information can help Ohio lemon law attorneys craft rock-solid cases that will likely succeed. Many lemon law attorneys work on a fee-shifting basis, meaning the auto manufacturer pays all legal fees and expenses, not the consumer.
Cost
The costs of hiring a lemon law attorney can vary. Some firms work on a contingency basis and will take a percentage of any settlement money awarded to the client. Other attorneys will charge a flat fee. Under the state’s lemon laws, the manufacturer may, in certain circumstances, pay the costs.
Whether your car qualifies as a lemon or not can be determined with the assistance of an experienced lemon law attorney. It can be difficult if you are unfamiliar with the law, but your lawyer can walk you through it.
Ohio’s lemon law requires that a consumer report a problem to the manufacturer or dealership within a certain statutory period. It is typically one year or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the problem cannot be fixed or the dealer cannot sell you a replacement, you may be entitled to a refund or buyback of your car.
If you find out you have a lemon, your lawyer can file a lawsuit. Most of these lawsuits are settled out of court, but sometimes, it may be necessary to take the case to trial. Meticulous record-keeping helps lemon law attorneys craft rock-solid cases likely to achieve the best resolution for their clients.
Experience
The Ohio Lemon law protects consumers who purchase new motor vehicles with severe defects that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. The law only applies to noncommercial motor vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, and the chassis portion of recreational vehicles. The car or truck must also be used for purposes other than engaging in business for profit. Those who qualify can receive compensation, including a refund or replacement vehicle and payment for incidental damages.
Choosing an attorney with experience working with state lemon laws is essential to help you get the best outcome for your case. Depending on how often the car has to be repaired and how long it was out of commission, a skilled attorney can assess your eligibility for compensation. They will also know the nuances of Ohio’s lemon laws and can guide you through each step of the process.
An attorney can help you get your money back, including paying off your loan and reimbursing you for out-of-pocket expenses such as vehicle rental, towing, and repairs. They can also help you file a lawsuit against the manufacturer if necessary. Most lemon lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t have to pay their fees upfront.
Record Keeping
Suppose you’re a consumer who owns or leases a new or used vehicle in the shop for a long time. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation under Ohio lemon law or the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (the federal lemon law). Whether you’re looking to get your money back from the dealer, have the manufacturer repurchase your car, or get cash compensation, the best way to get started is by connecting with an experienced lawyer.
A lemon law attorney can clarify your rights under state and federal consumer protection laws regarding defective cars, furniture, electronics, appliances, and other goods. They’ll also know what documents are required for a lemon law claim and any deadlines that must be met. They can even help you file a civil complaint against the manufacturer if necessary.
For a vehicle to be considered a lemon, it must have a recurring problem that the dealership can’t fix within a reasonable number of attempts and during a certain amount of time. Typically, this means three repair attempts for the same issue or 30 days out of service due to unresolved problems. Additional requirements might be as many as eight complete fixes for various problems or a single attempt to fix a problem that could result in fatalities or severe physical harm.