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Upper Darby Lemon Law Attorneys
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Upper Darby Lemon Law Attorneys

When you drive home a brand-new car that experiences issues far too soon, it’s time to call your local Upper Darby Lemon Law attorneys. While lemons in today’s car market are uncommon, they can still happen. As such, it’s essential to educate yourself on your rights, especially if you feel that you may have received one.

What Does “Lemon Law” Mean?

Lemon Law is, in essence, a set of measures that a consumer can take if they purchase a vehicle with significant defects. In a way, it’s similar to the manufacturer’s warranties that cover defective products. The difference is that Lemon Law only comes into play when the dealer or manufacturer of said product refuses to work with you and fix the problem. 

Vehicle manufacturers can do this in a variety of ways. For example, they can dispute your lemon law claim by saying they’re not responsible for the damage. In addition, they can claim it is not severe enough or still covered under the car’s warranty. This situation is why it’s so important to enlist the help of a professional Lemon Law firm that can help you navigate the legal landscape of Lemon Laws.

Pennsylvania Lemon Law

While there is no national lemon law, all fifty states in the USA have their version of the law. As a resident of Upper Darby, PA, you’ll be focusing on the specific rules of Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law. 

Firstly, the problem with your vehicle must fall under the manufacturer’s warranty. Since manufacturer warranties can be complicated and even vague at times, a manufacturer may try to tell you that the issue is not covered. You can combat this with the help of our knowledgeable Upper Darby Lemon Law attorneys. 

Secondly, the problem with your vehicle needs to damage or hinder it somehow significantly. This damage can take the form of safety issues, accessibility issues, or even damage to the value of the vehicle itself. 

Thirdly, the manufacturer or dealer must be responsible for the vehicle’s defect. For this reason, keeping detailed records of your car and any servicing done to it is extremely important. Your dealer may try to argue that the problem was from a car accident, unapproved alterations, or negligence on your part. 

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Additional Rules to Follow

While the above three points are the main qualifiers for PA’s lemon law, vehicle owners should know a few other rules. One of these is Pennsylvania’s one-year/12,000-mile rule. This rule means that you must claim that your vehicle is defective within your first twelve months of ownership or within 12,000 miles — whichever one happens first. 

Additionally, the dealer responsible for the damage is legally allowed three chances to fix the issue before you can invoke PA’s lemon law. This law applies to most Pennsylvania car owners unless the car has been in the shop for thirty days or more, in which case they waive the rule. 

Car dealers are legally obligated to tell you if a used vehicle was once classified as “lemon” as well. 

Pennsylvania Lemon Law Coverage

Not all vehicles are eligible for repair, replacement, or refund under Pennsylvania Lemon Law. For example, only vehicles leased after February 11th, 2002, are covered under state law. However, all purchased cars, even those from before 2002, still qualify if they meet all of the criteria above. 

While most personal passenger vehicles are covered, off-road cars, motorcycles, and motor homes are not. Officially, Pennsylvania law will protect any car that can transport up to fifteen people as long as it is for personal, household, or family transportation. 

There is no reason to put up with a bad car you received from a dealer. In addition to frustration, it can be downright dangerous! Fortunately, the professional Upper Darby Lemon Law Attorneys at J.P. Ward & Associates, LLC are here to help. Give us a call today at (412) 426-4878 to begin your consultation. 

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