If you are a How I Met Your Mother fan, then I need to start this article by explaining one thing right away. The title of this article doesn’t indicate that we are going to be talking about Barney’s ridiculous dating Lemon Law. Whether you knew it or not, the Lemon Law is actually a real thing and Barney didn’t invent it, even though it has absolutely nothing to do with dating. Instead, it has to do with cars.
Now that we have cleared the air and now that you know that we are here to talk about something serious and useful, let me cut right to the chase and give you a few explanations that you need to hear. Basically, we are here to discuss the process of getting a refund, or a replacement, after you realize that you have been driving a vehicle that has a major mechanical defect. Although the story from the show that I have mentioned above might also lead to an interesting discussion, we are here to talk about something much more practical and useful.
Get a better idea about this law here: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/lemon-laws.asp
What Is The Lemon Law?
Given that you are here, you are obviously interested in learning how to begin the Lemon Law process and how to go through it the right way. Before we get to that part, though, I want to make it perfectly clear that you understand what this actual concept entails. After all, there is no point in talking about the process in details if you don’t even know what the Lemon Law is in the first place. So, let us make that clear right away.
Let’s say you have bought a vehicle and it is constantly failing to meet the quality standards. What do you do in such a case? Do you find a great repair shop and start visiting it frequently, with the aim of fixing all of the problems that will keep on arising? Well, that is one option and if your plan is to use it, then we certainly won’t stop you. Although, I have to warn you that this isn’t a very wise option.
Fortunately, there is another thing you can do, i.e. a much smarter step you can take. In order to understand that wiser step, you’ll have to get familiar with the Lemon Law, because that is precisely what makes the mentioned step possible. This is a law that protects you when you find that your vehicle is defective and that it cannot be properly repaired even though you have already tried a few times.
It applies to most new vehicles that are still under the manufacturers’ warranty, regardless of whether you have bought or leased them. In essence, the Lemon Law allows you to get a refund, or a replacement if that’s what you want, when you realize that your car is defective. So, instead of wasting your time and money on repairs, you’ll get either your money back, or a brand new vehicle that will work perfectly. The only thing to do is learn more about how to report the vehicle under this law and qualify for the refund or the replacement.
How To Start The Lemon Law Process?
This is what you are here for, isn’t it? In short, you are interested in learning precisely how to start the Lemon Law process and how to go through everything successfully and without encountering any serious problems along the way. Well, nobody likes the idea of facing issues when something like this is in question, which is precisely why you need to do your best to get properly informed and understand precisely how to do this.
The great news is that you have come to the right place if that’s what you want to learn. In different words, I am now going to take you through the steps and thus help you get a better understanding of how it is that you should start and finish this important process. That way, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the Lemon Law process and you will be ready to do what needs to be done in order to get your refund or get a new vehicle.
- Let The Dealership Try & Fix The Problem
Before you can even begin thinking about replacements or refunds, you will need to take your vehicle to the dealership and let them try and repair the problems. You should give them a reasonable amount of attempts in this particular stage. That, however, is quite a subjective term, which is why it would be best for you to consult a lawyer in order to get a better idea about what constitutes a “reasonable amount of attempts”.
- Prepare The Documentation
If those attempts turn out to be failures, you’ll need to begin thinking more seriously about filing a claim. Of course, you won’t be able to do that without getting all the necessary documentation ready. Among other things, this includes your repair orders, as well as your lease or purchasing agreement.
- Find A Great Lawyer
Once you get the documents ready, you’ll need to find an expert to represent you. Doing this alone is not a smart move, meaning that you should hire a California Lemon Law Expert that will know exactly how to fight for you and how to get the most out of your claim. Take some time to research various lawyers and hire the one that you believe is right for you.
- Negotiate A Settlement
The first thing your lawyer will try to do is negotiate a good settlement on your behalf. Most of the Lemon Law cases and in settlements. You need to have a look at the terms that the manufacturer will offer and decide whether you agree on them or not.
- Or Go To Trial
If the manufacturer isn’t willing to offer reasonable terms, then you should be prepared to go to trial. Of course, your lawyer will play the biggest role here, since he or she will be representing you during the trial. When you hire a great lawyer, you won’t have to worry about the case, since you’ll definitely win it.