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Professional Foreclosure Attorney Near Westland MI

Lemon Laws are state guidelines that protect buyers of cars and other consumer goods from products that do not meet quality or performance standards, often called a "lemon." If you've recently purchased a defective car, motorcycle, truck, or SUV you may be entitled to compensation.

Consumers covered under Lemon Law are individuals who have:

  • Purchased or leased a new vehicle for personal, family or household use and not for the purpose of selling.
  • Purchases or leases 10 or more new vehicles a year only if the vehicles are purchased or leased for personal, family or household use.

In reality, sometimes it's not so easy. Auto manufacturers may use some tricks to frustrate you and prevent you from getting that repurchase or replacement. Common manufacturer defenses can generally be lumped into 6 categories.


The Different Categories Of Lemon Law in Westland

No Substantial Impairment

Probably the most common manufacturer tactic used to prevent you from recovering what you deserve is to argue that there is no substantial impairment. In other words, they might say the problem(s) with your vehicle are not serious enough for you to recover under the law. What problems ARE serious? For example, are squeaky brakes a substantial impairment? What if your vehicle is pulling to the left or right? What about oil leaks, water leaks, engine noise, transmission noise, a bad smell, vibration, engine warning light on, electrical problems? The Lemon Law says that a defect or condition must exist that substantially impairs the use or value of the new motor vehicle to the consumer and has been subject to a reasonable number of repairs. {(MCL 257.1403(5)(a)}. The Lemon Law also indicates that a defect or condition which prevents the new motor vehicle from conforming to the manufacturer's express warranty if not repaired would allow a consumer to recover damages. (MCL 257.1402).

Not The Same Problem

Additionally, with respect to the 30 days out of service requirement, recent law mandates that the 30 days out of service has to be for the same defect or condition. For example if your vehicle was out of service for severe vibration for 23 days within the first year AND your vehicle was out of service for 21 days for a stalling problem, presumably you would NOT qualify under the Michigan Lemon Law. The total is not 44 days under the previous example. The law requires 30 days for either the vibration or the stalling, (or any other defect or condition which substantially impairs the use or value of the new motor vehicle to the consumer).

Business Purposes

The Lemon Law says that a consumer is "A person who purchases or leases a new motor vehicle for personal, family, or household use, {(MCL 257.1401(a)(I)}. Manufacturers will sometimes argue that you are not entitled to use the Lemon Law if:

You write off your vehicle for tax purposes or purchase your vehicle in the name of your business. There are several legal strategies to fight these allegations and still allow you to recover. Not every attorney knows how to defeat this argument. You need an experienced attorney who understands how to confront and counter the business purpose defense and get you the remedy you desire.


Foreclosure & Identity Theft Attorney Services in Westland

You can stop a collector from contacting you by writing a letter to the collection agency telling them to stop. Once they receive your letter, they may not contact you again except to say there will be no further contact. The agency may notify you if the debt collector or the creditor intends to take some specific action.

A collector may not contact you if, within 30 days after you are first contacted, you send the collection agency a letter stating you do not owe money. However, a collector can renew collection activities if you are sent proof of the debt, such as a copy of a bill for the amount owed.

Many consumers in Detroit do not understand that there are laws to protect them against debt collectors and creditors. These laws are intended to protect consumers from collection agencies that violate the law and creditors who wrongfully blemish their credit reports.


If you're looking for a professional foreclosure attorney in the Westland area, contact us for more information! Schedule your FREE initial consultation and get the attention you deserve.

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The legal system can be stressful and overwhelming. As a consumer, you may need a helping hand at a time of financial hardship or emotional stress. Choose the experience and expertise of the Alexander Law Firm to support you during these trying times.

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