When you purchase a new or even a certified pre-owned vehicle, you expect a certain level of reliability and performance. Yet, some cars turn out to be defective that is, they’re a lemon. Owners are left holding the bag, fuming with frustration and feeling a new layer of financial burden to deal with.
If you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle has regular issues that the manufacturer can’t rectify, you may have strong grounds for a lemon law claim. Alex Simanovsky & Associates, LLC., based in Atlanta, GA, has helped clients across the country navigate the lemon law settlement process for years, and we’re ready to do the same for you, too.
Understanding how attorneys maximize settlements in lemon law cases can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. From gathering evidence to negotiating with automakers, an experienced lemon law attorney plays an irreplaceable role in ensuring you obtain the compensation you truly deserve.
To that end, we’ve prepared this article in an attempt to empower you, breaking down key points about lemon law lawyers and their role in claims so you can partner with one who will step in and advocate fiercely on your behalf.
What Exactly Is A Lemon Law Claim?
A lemon law claim is a legal action you can bring against a vehicle manufacturer for selling a defective car that cannot be repaired. Georgia lemon laws cover new vehicles that develop substantial defects within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles whichever comes first.
Under Georgia Lemon Law, a manufacturer is considered to have made a reasonable number of repair attempts qualifying you for a refund or replacement if any of the following conditions are met:
- A safety defect remains unresolved after a single repair attempt.
- A nonconformity persists despite at least three repair attempts.
- The vehicle has been out of service for repairs related to a nonconformity for a total of 30 days or more.
Common outcomes of settlements of these claims include replacement vehicles, refunds, or compensation.
How Attorneys Maximize Lemon Law Settlements
Maximizing a lemon law settlement requires adopting a strategic approach. As is the case with most practice areas of the law, automobile manufacturers are known to actively resist lemon claims. Their goal is simple: to minimize, if not eliminate, their financial liability. Experienced attorneys use a combination of things to ensure their clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Building A Strong Case
Perhaps the most important aspect of building a strong case is compiling thorough documentation. You will do well to keep detailed records of all repair attempts you’ve made, whether they look like service invoices, work orders, or correspondence with the dealership from which you purchased the vehicle.
Your attorney may request vehicle diagnostics, recalls made by the manufacturer, or even expert evaluations to strengthen your case all the more. Work with them as necessary to make this happen. The more compelling the evidence you have as the foundation of your claim, the more leverage you have and the higher the likelihood you’ll come out of your claim with the results you want.
Understanding Manufacturer Defenses
Automakers so often push back against lemon law claims. When they do, they’re likely to make the following claims as their justification:
- The defect is minor and doesn’t impair your ability to use the car or your safety
- You’re responsible for the defect
- There haven’t been a sufficient number of attempts to repair the vehicle
Having gone up against manufacturers and heard these arguments several times, a lemon law lawyer will know how to counter them.
Negotiating Fair Settlements
On your own, you may be tempted to take a quick settlement offer that’s actually pennies on the dollar of what you deserve. An attorney will provide a robust assessment of the full scope of the damages, including:
- Your vehicle’s diminished value
- Costs sunken into repairs
- Rental or towing fees you’ve incurred
You may also even be entitled to:
- Reimbursement for legal fees
- Compensation for lost wages
- Inconvenience
With an attorney’s understanding of the full context in which your case rests, you’ll be much better-taken care of when all is said and done, enjoying the maximum settlement available under the law.
Escalating A Case When Necessary
Georgia offers arbitration as an alternative to court. A good attorney will keep this in the back of their mind. If the manufacturer refuses to settle, they’ll be prepared to escalate your case to court as necessary. Having trial experience is key in this situation.
If you’re stuck with a faulty vehicle, you shouldn’t have to accept less than what you’re owed. The right attorney can help you secure full compensation and ensure the manufacturer is held accountable. Email or call Alex Simanovsky & Associates, LLC at (844) 88-LEMON today to learn how we can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
