Legal Guide

What You Need To Know About The Lemon Law

Purchasing a new car feels great. It is one decisive step that raises your standard and eases mobility. Also, you do not have to worry about incurring some costs in case of malfunctioning. The new car comes with a warranty. If it develops some problems, you can take it back to the dealer. The dealer will fix the issue without asking for extra charges.

However, some issues are not noticeable immediately. It can take you some time to surface. When this happens, you hope that your dealer will be ready and willing to fix it. But the dealer might decide to turn a deaf ear.

Your car might have a perennial stalling issue. The problem becomes hard to collect. In this situation, you might have bought a lemon. In this case, you can sue the dealer to take back the car. The lemon law protects you in such a situation. But you need to know several aspects about the application of this law in your state. Here are some of the aspects you should know:

 Not every car qualifies to be a lemon

Before taking legal action, it is essential to note that not every car defection makes it a lemon. Some aspects are not covered in this law. Different states have different criteria for treating issues. However, like other states, Florida lemon law has a critical definition of a lemon.

The law states that a car becomes a lemon if it has substantial defects that the dealer has been unable to fix after several attempts. The said defects must also have occurred within the warranted period.

The problem must be manufacturer-related, such as faulty breaks. You cannot seek compensation under this law for issues you have caused to your car. The issue must also be substantial. Some states do not protect against minor defects such as loose door handles.  

Your car must be under manufacturer warranty

Despite the state you come from, the lemon law is active within the warranty period. You can only lounge compensation of defects occurring when the warrant is active. No one will pay you when the problem occurs after this period. Also, you need to prove ownership. The law covers your car even if it is operational, but you can prove it has a defect that is hard to fix.

The law offer room for arbitration

Sometimes, you do not want to go through the legal process. Litigation can be tiresome for both you and your dealer. In this case, the manufacturer can offer to compensate you. The option is a good idea.

However, it must be a good deal. Do not agree on unsatisfying compensation. You can opt for an arbitration process through an attorney. The process is free and will ensure you get what you deserve as compensation. 

Refunds or replacements are available

Under the lemon law, the manufacturer can offer to refund or replace your car. Your compensation should be substantial. However, it is crucial to take action as early as possible. Your car depreciates with time. So, any delay will mean a lower compensation amount.  

Now, you know about the Lemon law. Try applying it effectively if you bought a lemon. 


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