Abogados de Lemon Law

Lemon Law Lawyers in the United States

Every year, millions of Americans buy vehicles that turn out to be defective. Lemon laws exist in all 50 states to protect consumers who get stuck with cars, trucks, or other vehicles that can't be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. A lemon law lawyer fights to get you a replacement vehicle, a full refund, or cash compensation.

What Lemon Law Covers

Lemon law applies to new vehicles — and in some states, used and leased vehicles — that have a substantial defect covered under the manufacturer's warranty. The defect must significantly impair the vehicle's use, value, or safety. Common qualifying problems include transmission failures, engine stalling, brake defects, electrical system malfunctions, and persistent fluid leaks.

Federal protection also exists under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which covers any consumer product with a written warranty. State lemon laws and this federal statute can sometimes be used together to build a stronger case. Most lemon law statutes also require the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees if you win.

When to Hire a Lemon Law Lawyer

• Your vehicle has been in the shop for the same repair three or more times without a fix
• The car has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days due to warranty repairs
• The manufacturer or dealer refuses to offer a buyback, replacement, or fair settlement
• You're unsure whether your vehicle's defect qualifies under your state's specific statute
• The dealership claims the problem is "normal" despite repeated complaints and repair orders

How the Lemon Law Process Works

The process starts with documenting every repair visit. Keep all work orders, invoices, and written communications with the dealer and manufacturer. Your lawyer will review these records to determine whether your vehicle meets the legal definition of a lemon.

Many states require you to notify the manufacturer in writing and give them a final chance to fix the defect. If the repair fails again, your attorney can file a claim or lawsuit. According to industry data, roughly 80% of lemon law cases settle before trial, often within a few months of filing.

How Compensation Is Calculated

• Full vehicle refund — includes the purchase price, taxes, registration fees, and finance charges, minus a mileage offset for the period before the first repair attempt
• Vehicle replacement — the manufacturer provides a comparable new vehicle of equal value
• Cash settlement — a negotiated lump sum, typically based on the severity of the defect and the vehicle's diminished value
• Incidental damages — reimbursement for towing costs, rental car expenses, and lost wages from missed work due to breakdowns
• Civil penalties — if the manufacturer acted in bad faith, courts may award additional penalties up to two or three times the actual damages

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay a lemon law attorney upfront?

Most lemon law attorneys work on a contingency basis or collect their fees directly from the manufacturer under fee-shifting statutes. You typically pay nothing out of pocket. The manufacturer covers attorney fees when you prevail.

How long do I have to file a lemon law claim?

Deadlines vary by state but generally fall between one and four years from the date of purchase or the date the defect first appeared. Some states tie the deadline to the warranty expiration date instead. Acting quickly preserves your rights and strengthens your documentation.