You worked hard to save up for a new car. You did your research to choose the right model and even test drove it at the dealership. You expected your new car to perform well, but soon after taking it home, you discovered major problems.
You may have purchased a “lemon,” which is the nickname for a defective vehicle. Perhaps the brakes didn’t respond properly or an electrical issue turned your headlights off every time you hit a bump on the road. There are numerous possible defects, but all of them might fall under protection of the law.
If you notice a problem with your vehicle, especially if it’s new, you should contact the dealership to request a repair on behalf of the manufacturer. Be prepared to describe exactly what’s wrong with the car so that mechanics can investigate the problem. Keep a record of this appointment including the date and specific repairs.
Manufacturers have a responsibility to fix, replace, or even refund flawed cars under a valid warranty. In West Virginia, Manufacturers must be able to repair vital features, such as brakes, after one attempt. For non-vital features, such as a malfunctioning radio, they have three attempts before they must offer you a fair solution.
If the problem persists and their offer is unfair or even non-existent, you can take legal action against the manufacturer. “Lemon laws” are named as such because when manufacturers give you a lemon, you can make lemonade with the help of an attorney. In court, you may be able to obtain compensation for the purchase, repairs, your legal fees and possibly even extra cash for the stress you suffered as a result of a bad vehicle.
