You did your research. You test-drove multiple options. You negotiated the best deal you could. But despite your due diligence, the car you purchased or leased just isn’t right. It seems like you got a lemon.
How can you tell if your car qualifies under lemon laws? And when should you contact a lemon law lawyer in GA for help getting the compensation you deserve? Here are some of the key signs it’s time to consult a lemon law lawyer.
Frequent Breakdowns
The most obvious red flag is when your new car breaks down repeatedly, and you’re constantly bringing it in for repairs. Lemon laws vary by state but generally specify that if a major defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value, or safety and the manufacturer can’t permanently fix it after a “reasonable” number of attempts, you have a lemon.
While the exact number differs, it’s often around 3 to 4 times for the same problem. If your car is spending more time in the shop than on the road, it likely qualifies. Don’t wait for the breakdowns to pile up before taking action.
Lengthy Repair Times
Along with the frequency of repairs, the total time your car spends in the shop matters too. Most states say if the car is out of service for repair for 30 calendar days or more during the first 1 to 2 years or 12,000 to 24,000 miles, that counts as a reasonable attempt to fix the problem.
Keep thorough records of all repair dates and how many days it was in the shop each time. If it adds up to a month cumulatively, your state’s lemon law kicks in and it’s time to contact an attorney.
Safety Defects
While most lemon laws focus on impairments to your vehicle’s use or value, safety-related defects are especially important. If the problem makes operating your vehicle dangerous, like faulty brakes or steering issues, you shouldn’t have to risk your safety while waiting for the manufacturer to fix it.
Just one attempt to repair a substantial safety defect is enough in most states to qualify for lemon law compensation. Don’t hesitate to call an attorney right away if the defect poses a safety hazard.
Negative Impact on Value
A defect doesn’t necessarily have to leave you stranded by the side of the road to qualify as a lemon under the law. Major issues that significantly diminish the value of your vehicle can count too. For example, if the air conditioning fails repeatedly and never gets fully fixed, that reduces comfort and resale value.
Or if the transmission has chronic problems that make the car drive unevenly, that’s a significant impairment. If you end up selling the car for thousands less because of the defect, you have a good case under lemon laws.
Seeking Compensation
Once you consult an attorney and establish that your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, you can seek compensation through your state’s arbitration board or by suing the manufacturer. Typical remedies include a replacement vehicle or a refund. You may also recoup registration fees, finance charges, rental car costs, attorney fees, and other expenses incurred because of the defective car. With an attorney’s help, you can get the compensation you deserve rather than being stuck with a dysfunctional lemon.
Buying or leasing a lemon can be frustrating and disappointing. But lemon laws provide important consumer protections so you aren’t stuck saddled with an underperforming vehicle. If you suspect your car may qualify under lemon laws, don’t wait to contact an attorney. An experienced lemon law lawyer can evaluate your case and fight to get your vehicle repaired or replaced, so you can get back on the road.
