If you've been sold a lemon car, you may be wondering if it's worth taking a replacement vehicle from the dealer. Although it may be tempting to just let bygones be bygones and call it a day, going for a replacement is not always the best option. It’s important to know what recourse is available to you and what can happen if you choose to take a replacement vehicle from the same place that sold you a lemon. Keep reading to learn more about whether or not to take a replacement for a lemon vehicle, courtesy of our experienced lemon law attorneys at O’Connor Law Group, P.C..
What Is a Lemon Vehicle & What Are the Laws Surrounding Them?
Lemon vehicles have extensive and significant defects or flaws that substantially reduce the car’s value or utility after it has been used as intended and within a reasonable amount of use. The United States has set up specific laws regarding "lemon vehicles" designed to protect consumers. These laws provide legal remedies for those who purchased lemons, such as receiving a refund, replacing the vehicle with the same model, or obtaining a cash settlement award. However, taking a replacement car is typically not the best solution since it may still subject buyers to similar issues in the future.
Why Taking a Replacement Car Is Not the Best Option for Those Who Have Been Sold a Lemon
While being handed a replacement for your lemon might seem like the easiest way to make things right, it’s often not as easy as it sounds. The process of receiving a replacement car can be time-consuming as well as costly, with many individuals finding that the offer available isn’t equitable to the damage caused by the original vehicle. Furthermore, other options, such as being able to receive money back - which in some cases would include compensation for injuries sustained due to defects in the lemon - are not available when taking a replacement car. To achieve the best outcome when dealing with a lemon, it is important to consider all of your options, and that’s where hiring a lemon law attorney can come in.
Other Options Available to Individuals Who Have Been Sold a Lemon
If you've been sold a lemon, you are by no means obligated just to accept a replacement car. You can receive a refund of the purchase price or the repurchase option, in which the seller takes back their vehicle and issues full compensation for your purchase. In either case, this allows you to get out of an unsatisfactory situation and make sure you're not stuck with a car that's costly to repair or unsafe to drive.
Under the California Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, more commonly referred to as the California Lemon Law, consumers are protected from covering the costs of vehicles with serious warranty defects. This means that manufacturers must replace or repurchase vehicles after a reasonable number of unsuccessful repair attempts. Bottom line: while laws vary from state to state, you have rights if you have purchased a lemon, and accepting a replacement vehicle outright is not your only option.
How to File a Claim If you Believe You Have Purchased a Lemon Vehicle
The act of taking recourse for a lemon vehicle is often much simpler than most people would think. With legal assistance, claims are more likely to be successful and reimbursements fair. At O’Connor Law Group, P.C., our experienced lemon law attorneys know how to assist individuals who get an unfair deal on new and pre-owned vehicles, and promise to fight tirelessly to ensure your rights are upheld.
Filing a claim if you have been sold a lemon vehicle may seem frustrating and time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be with a skilled lemon law lawyer by your side. Plus, making sure you get everything you are owed is a lot better than the alternative. Contact O’Connor Law Group, P.C. today if you have been sold a lemon vehicle, and let us help you get the deal you deserve.
O’Connor Law Group, P.C. is available by phone at (949) 390-9695 or you can request a complimentary consultation online.