Lemon law lawyer can make or break your case

Every state has a lemon law to help consumers with problem vehicles. The system is designed to be a sort of a self-service sort of thing, but sometimes you can benefit tremendously from having a lawyer. They’re not necessary, but a lawyer could be the difference between winning and losing your case.

More below.

Lemon law attorneys not necessary, but they could make a difference

Since their introduction in the early 1980’s, thousands of Americans have benefitted from the auto lemon laws enacted in all fifty states. The statutes were passed in order to help consumers with problems associated with habitually broken or defective automobiles, and on the whole, they have been successful. The system, as it stands now, is designed so that consumers with problem vehicles can address the problem themselves. But there are times when it may not only be useful to hire an attorney, but times when having a lawyer may make all the difference in the world.

Here are some examples of how hiring an attorney can help you with a lemon law case:

• They can shorten the process - There are three times in the process when a manufacturer may offer a refund or replacement: when you first contact them about the problem, after you win an arbitration case, or after you win a lawsuit. Some manufacturers may feel more likely to win their case if you do not have legal representation. Having an attorney on your side, especially one with a good track record of handling lemon law cases, may inspire the manufacturer to settle your case sooner, rather than later.
• Arbitration favors the manufacturer - All of the major auto companies make arbitration available for consumers with problem vehicles. The system, on paper, appears to be fair and impartial, but it often isn’t. By some estimates, manufacturers win up to 90% of arbitration cases. That shouldn’t be a surprise; arbitrators of manufacturer-supported programs are paid by the manufacturers. Many consumers give up their cases after losing in arbitration, but consumers who follow up losing arbitration cases with lawsuits often win them. Having an attorney, especially after losing arbitration, is vital.

• They don’t necessarily cost too much - Most states permit consumers with lemon law claims to receive attorney fees in addition to restitution for their defective vehicles. Should you win your case, the manufacturer will pay your attorney. It’s a win-win situation for you.
• Your attorney can advise you when your case is poor - Some states do not permit consumers to collect attorney fees in lemon law cases. Worse, some states require the consumer to pay the manufacturer’s attorneys should the manufacturer prevail. Since these fees can exceed the value of the automobile, there are times when pursuing a case in court is not a good idea. An experienced lawyer will know when you shouldn’t continue.

Consumers are always permitted to follow through on defective vehicle complaints on their own, without legal representation. In some cases, particularly if the evidence is overwhelmingly obvious, representation may not be necessary. In other cases, particularly when the manufacturer is being difficult, it may well be worth your time to speak with an experienced attorney. Use your best judgment.

If you have a pickup truck, van, or automobile, you need to protect your investment. Vehicle insurance is steep, but why pay a lot if you don't have to? InsureMe can produce a speedy price quote from an insurance company for you in your area at a price that is competitive.