Freehold Lemon Law Lawyers

Purchasing a new or used vehicle comes with the expectation that it will function properly; we put our trust in auto dealers and do not expect problems. However, some vehicles have persistent defects that impair their performance, safety, or value. When a car has repeated mechanical issues that a manufacturer or dealership fails to fix, it may qualify as a “lemon.” New Jersey has laws in place to protect consumers in these situations.

Yet even if your vehicle falls into the Lemon Law category, you might encounter hurdles trying to resolve the situation. That is where our Freehold Lemon Law lawyers at Ellis Law might be of service. Our team is experienced with these cases and can fight to protect your rights.

What Qualifies a Vehicle as a Lemon in New Jersey?

Created to protect consumers, the New Jersey Lemon Law helps people who purchase or lease new vehicles. It applies to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and motorhomes. To qualify, the vehicle must develop marked defects within your first 24 months of ownership/24,000 miles driven – whichever comes first.

A lemon has defects that negatively affect its value, use, or safety, according to parameters like these:

• The defect was unsuccessfully repaired on one or more attempts.
• The unsuccessfully repaired defect caused the vehicle to be out of service for a minimum of seven days.
• The same defect has been subject to repair three times without success.
• The vehicle was in a repair shop for 20 or more days for at least one defect.

When a lemon qualifies under these criteria, the owner might be entitled to a replacement vehicle, cash settlement, or a refund. As you can imagine, achieving a resolution in these cases can be tricky.

Lemon Law has specific procedures that must be followed. You must notify the manufacturer in writing about the defect; they are entitled to have an opportunity

to repair the vehicle. When they are not cooperative, our Freehold Lemon Law lawyers can explain your legal options.

How Do I Pursue a Lemon Law Claim?

The first step is to maintain detailed records of all repair attempts. Service reports, invoices, and communications with the dealership or manufacturer will be critical in supporting a claim; do not delete anything. If the defect persists after a reasonable number of repairs, you can formally notify the manufacturer of the issue.

Once the manufacturer is informed, it has a final opportunity to address the problem. If the defect remains unresolved, you may file a claim through the New Jersey Lemon Law Unit or pursue legal action. Our Freehold legal team can gather the necessary documentation and advocate for your consumer’s rights throughout the process.

Can Used Cars Be Covered Under New Jersey Lemon Law?

Yes. New Jersey’s Used Car Lemon Law applies to certain used passenger vehicles under warranty purchased from licensed used car dealers. The warranties must meet this criteria:

• When the vehicle has 24,000 miles or less on the odometer, the warranty must be 90 days/3,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• When the vehicle has 24,001 to 60,000 miles on the odometer, the warranty must be 60 days/2,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• When the vehicle has 60,001 to 100,000 miles on the odometer, the warranty must be 30 days/1,000 miles, whichever comes first.

The warranty may cover defective internal engine parts, front- and rear-wheel drive parts, and manual and automatic transmissions. Dealers are required to correct the parts that fall within the warranty period. The owner pays a $50 deductible; if the dealer cannot make the repairs, you may be able to get a refund.

What Compensation Can Be Expected from a Lemon Law Claim?

Consumers who successfully pursue a Lemon Law claim after the vehicle is unrepairable may receive a full refund or a replacement vehicle. The refund generally includes the purchase price, sales tax, registration fees, and other costs associated with the vehicle. The manufacturer may deduct a reasonable amount for mileage driven before the defect becomes apparent.

In some cases, the manufacturer may offer a comparable replacement vehicle instead of a refund. If the consumer agrees to this resolution, the replacement must be of similar value and condition. Our Freehold Lemon Law lawyers assist with evaluating settlement offers to determine whether they align with the consumer’s rights under the law.

How Long Does the Lemon Law Process Take?

The duration of a Lemon Law claim depends on the complexity of the case and whether the manufacturer disputes the claim. Some cases resolve within short time frames, while others take longer if they proceed to arbitration or litigation.

Once a claim is filed, the manufacturer may attempt to settle quickly. Litigation may take longer if the manufacturer contests the claim. We advise against accepting the first offer without careful consideration and legal advice. Our Freehold Lemon Law lawyers can help expedite the process and improve the chances of a favorable outcome.

Why Is Legal Representation Important in a Lemon Law Case?

Lemon Law cases involve legal procedures and documentation that can be challenging for consumers to manage alone. Manufacturers often have legal teams dedicated to disputing claims, which can make the process more difficult. Our knowledgeable Freehold Lemon Law lawyers assist with gathering evidence, filing claims, and negotiating with manufacturers. Their knowledge of state laws and court procedures allows them to advocate effectively on behalf of clients.

Skilled legal representation increases the likelihood of a successful claim and can help consumers receive the compensation they deserve.

Get Legal Advice from the Skilled Freehold Lemon Law Lawyers at Ellis Law Today Regarding Your Vehicle

If you believe your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, the seasoned Freehold Lemon Law lawyers at Ellis Law can explain your rights and help you take legal action if necessary. We proudly serve clients in Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City. For a free consultation, call our Freehold, New Jersey office at 732-308-0200 or submit our online form.