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:
- Purchases or leases less than 10 new vehicles a year.
- 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 Detroit
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).
Time Limitations
Without an attorney who has litigated these time limitation issues, and who is up to speed on the very latest case law and statutory interpretation, the manufacturer will take advantage of you. Manufacturers have endless resources and power. They hire attorneys who are well versed in Lemon Law analysis and will utilize the time limitation language in the law to defeat you. You need to fight all this power and these resources with someone who can stand up to the manufacturer, who knows the law cold and is willing to fight for your rights.
Failure To Provide Written Notification
This is a technical requirement under Michigan's Lemon Law, but judge's HAVE thrown out Lemon Law cases where this notification was not provided. MCL 257.1403(5)(a)&(b) require written notification from the consumer or his/her representative allowing the manufacturer a final opportunity to cure the defect or condition. How and when this letter is drafted is of critical import to your case. THE ALEXANDER LAW FIRM WILL DRAFT AND MAIL YOUR WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO THE MANUFACTURER BY CERTIFIED, RETURN RECEIPT MAILING AT NO CHARGE TO YOU. Don't let this minor requirement nullify your chance to recover. Let me handle all the details so that it is done timely and properly. CAUTION! Do not assume that you don't have a case if one of these tactics appears to apply to you. If you feel like you may be subject to one of these manufacturer defenses contact me for a free Lemon Law consultation. It is crucial to let an expert know about your situation immediately. It is imperative to attack these defenses in a timely manner.
Foreclosure & Identity Theft Lawyer Services in Detroit
A debt collector may not contact anyone else about your debt, except to find out where you live and work except they may contact your lawyer, if you have one. Generally, the collector cannot disclose to anyone that you owe money.
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.