You roll off the car lot happy and excited with the purchase of a new car but after a few months you realize that your car is spending more time with the mechanic than on the road.
You may have legal recourse under Florida's Lemon Law. Florida's Motor Vehicle Warranty Enforcement Act provides arbitration for car owners with recurring and substantial car problems, and can result in a full refund or replacement vehicle.
If you find you need legal help in the pursuit of a lemon law claim contact the experienced Florida lemon law attorneys at Arnold Law Firm, LLC .
Qualifying Under the Lemon Law
To be eligible for lemon law arbitration:
The motor vehicle defect or condition must "substantially impair the use, value, or safety" of the vehicle.
The car must have been taken in to the authorized service agent for service three separate times for the same substantial defect; or the vehicle must be out of service for at least 15 cumulative calendar days due to the substantial defect.
One Last Attempt at Repair
If the above conditions apply, mail a Motor Vehicle Defect Notification (MSDN) form to the manufacturer (not the dealer) of your vehicle. The form must be sent by registered or express mail, with return receipt requested. This gives the manufacturer one final opportunity to attempt a repair or at least inspect the vehicle. If, after 10 days, this final repair attempt or inspection has still not taken place, you are now free to seek arbitration under Florida's Lemon Law.
If your request is granted, an arbitration hearing will be scheduled within 40 days. An experienced lemon law attorney can help improve your chances of a refund or replacement. For more information and legal assistance with Florida Lemon Law arbitration contact Arnold Law Firm, LLC in Jacksonville, FL today.
Federal Remedies Available as well
If you claim does not fall within Florida's Lemon Law, you claim may still fall under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act. The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act applies to cars, trucks, recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats. The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act was created by Congress to provide consumers with a remedy when a manufacturer, dealer or servicer fails to honor the terms of a warranty. It some instances, it applies to used vehicles. The Act even applies if the defect is eventually repaired, but it took an unreasonable amount of time for the repair to actually be made. We have extensive experience in dealing with warranty claims and in litigating claims under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.
What About Used Cars?
Unfortunately Florida Lemon Laws do not cover the purchase of used cars. However, if you feel your used car dealer covered up or misrepresented the condition of your used vehicle there may be a civil cause of action for auto-dealer fraud. Dealers are required to disclose certain information such as flood damage to a vehicle If you feel your licensed used car dealership covered up the condition of your vehicle contact an experienced consumer protection lawyer at Arnold Law Firm, LLC today at .
