As with anything else that you own, a vehicle needs regular maintenance to remain in peak condition. However, if you find yourself taking your car to a West Virginia mechanic on a regular basis, there is a chance that it is a lemon. Let’s take a look at some of the negative consequences of owning a defective car.
You’ll be paying for a car that you can’t drive
Even if your car is in the shop, you’ll still need to make loan payments each month. In addition, you’ll still need to carry insurance on the vehicle, which can cost up to $1,000 a year depending on your needs. Ultimately, you’ll have thrown away thousands of dollars before taking repair costs into account.
The car will be more expensive to maintain
Cars, trucks or vans that are poorly constructed may be vulnerable to brake system, transmission or other serious defects. These defects could cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000 to fix, and you could be on the hook for a significant portion of the repair bill even if you have insurance. If you suspect that your vehicle is defective, a lemon law attorney might be able to help you obtain compensation for repair costs.
You can’t predict when a problem will occur
When you own a lemon, a serious problem can occur at almost any time. There have been plenty of stories about defective vehicles that have burst into flames without warning while sitting in a driveway. There have also been stories about cars catching on fire while traveling on a highway at relatively low speeds and during relatively calm weather conditions.
If you can prove that your car is a lemon, you may receive compensation for car payments, repair costs or other expenses related to owning the vehicle. You may also receive a replacement vehicle from the manufacturer. An attorney might assist in the process of holding a negligent party liable for its actions.
