What is a Lemon Law?
Simply put, a Lemon Law provides protection to consumers who purchase vehicles from a new or used car dealership, if that vehicle fails to operate as it should. Before these laws were put in place, individuals had to pay for the repairs on their own, which in many instances, they couldn’t afford.
If the vehicle they’ve purchased is considered a lemon under the law, they may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer.
While the specifics of the law vary from state to state, the rules under Florida law state:
* The lemon law applies to vehicles that pose a serious safety threat or non-conformity within 24 months of purchase or lease
* The vehicle has been in the repair shop for 15 or more cumulative days, in which the vehicle was not able to be driven.
* There have been at least 3 attempts to repair the non-conformity, with no success
* The law applies to not just new vehicles, but used vehicles as well. Also included are motorcycles, motor homes and in some cases, heavy machinery.
Unfortunately, many consumers are unable to negotiate with the dealership that sold them the vehicle, and the process ends in frustration and money lost to the consumer. In many cases, dealerships will make promises to the consumer that they’re checking into things, while actually doing no such thing. It’s a way of stringing the customer along for as long as possible. That’s where your attorney comes in.
It’s important to keep meticulous repair and service records of the vehicle, as well as recordings or dates of calls made to both the dealership and the manufacturer. The more information your attorney has, the harder he or she can fight for your rights and win your case.
Your attorney will work with the manufacturer and the dealership to make sure you get compensated not only for your repairs, but for the cost of the vehicle; depending on your situation, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle at no cost to you.
Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center, your Florida lemon law Attorneys, will ensure that you get proper compensation for your vehicle.
