Florida’s Lemon Law: Does Your Car Qualify?
Buying a new car should be a joyous occasion, no matter how many times you’ve done it! Whether you’re a avid car enthusiast, a soccer mom, or just an average commuter, there’s just something about a new car that gets you. From that smell and the fresh carpeting, to the lovely sound of the engine and the way it handles. However, despite all the joy you might get from your new car, it only takes a little bit of time for that dream to turn into a nightmare. The worst thing that can happen for any new car owner is for something to go wrong, and for the car to begin giving you problems right away. And while small issues or light fixes here and there are to be expected, when one thing just seems to keep going wrong and no matter how many times you fix it, you just can’t seem to get things right. Before you go cursing your luck and wondering how much money you just lost out on, the state of Florida (among other states) offers a law protecting drivers in such an instance, known as lemon law. According to Mr. Steven Veinger, Esq. the top lemon law attorney Miami, Florida has to offer, the lemon laws protect consumers in the event they have just bought a car with chronic issues early on. Whether you’re in this situation currently or not, its an important law to be aware of, as who knows what can happen with your next vehicle purchase. Throughout his years as the top lemon law attorney Miami clients trust, Mr. Veinger has helped countless individuals get compensated for their lemon law issues – and he can help you too. While the first thing you should do if you think you have a lemon law claim is to contact a lawyer, it is also very beneficial to educate yourself on Florida’s lemon law as much as you can.
Does Your Vehicle Qualify for a Lemon Law Claim?
This is the most important aspect of the lemon law, as no matter how many your issues might be, if your vehicle doesn’t qualify you might be out of luck. According to Mr. Veinger, the top lemon law attorney Miami Florida has in practice, there are certain requirements to satisfying Florida’s lemon law – they include:
· A New Vehicle
First and foremost, in order to qualify for a lemon law, claim in the state of Florida (and many other states), you must have recently purchased a brand-new car. The lemon law does not apply to used cars.
· The Purpose of the Vehicle
Another important stipulation is the use of the vehicle in question. In order to qualify for a lemon law claim, the vehicle must have been used for personal reasons including family or household travel purposes. A car used for commercial use does not qualify.
· In-State
The car must have been sold, leased or transferred within the state of Florida.
· Nonconformity &Reasonable Number of Repair attempts
Florida’s lemon law applies towards cars with “nonconformities” that prevent the car’s safe use or hurt the value. In this case, the dealership or the manufacturer have tried to repair the car within “a reasonable number of attempts” without any luck. These nonconformities can include issues such as faulty pain, leaks, electrical issues or mechanical malfunctions.
o There must be 3 or more repairs for the same nonconformity, despite still not having been repaired. The vehicle owner should notify the manufacture of this issue or issues in writing (not the dealer). The manufacturer then has 10 days to repair the issue, if not, then the vehicle is considered a lemon by law – and you can be awarded a refund for the car, and in some cases interest fees. Or a new, functioning car.
o 15 days or more out of service for repairs – if a vehicle is in the repair shop for an issue for more than 15 days total, then the consumer must notify the manufacturer. The same process will take place, they will get an opportunity to inspect and attempt another repair. After 30 days, or 60 days for a recreation vehicle – the car is lemon lawed.
· 24 Months of Ownership
The last qualifying factory is that the issues must be presented within the first 24 months of ownership of the car.
For more information on lemon law issues contact the TOP LEMON LAW ATTORNEY MIAMI has to offer, in Steven Veinger, Esq.