Lemon Law
If you have had to take your new car back to the shop, you know how frustrating it can be. And if the problem is persistent, or if new problems keep coming up, then you might start to wonder if you have gotten a lemon of a new car. Over 150,000 new cars are repurchased by manufacturers every year, either because of a single serious defect that cannot be fixed even after multiple attempts, or because the car has been in the shop for thirty days total in the first year.
If you’re stuck with a lemon, you have rights. A Lemon is a new car that, in the first twelve months of ownership, has been out of use for thirty days for warranty repairs, or has had the same problem worked on four times without the problem being solved. However, consumers do not have to file a lawsuit in the first year; they can file suit years later, so long as the problems arose and were tried to be fixed during the first year.
While every state has a lemon law, Wisconsin’s lemon law is better for new car buyers than the rest. Wisconsin's Lemon Law, the strongest in the country, protects the buyers of new cars, motorcycles, trucks, and motor homes by stating that a manufacturer must refund or replace a new vehicle if it turns out to be a lemon. Other facts about Wisconsin’s Lemon Law include:
*Double damages are awarded if a consumer wins a Lemon Law case in court.
*The manufacturer must pay actual attorney fees and costs, in addition to the double damages, if the consumer prevails.
*Wisconsin’s law covers leases, commercial vehicles, and many recreational vehicles.
*There is no mileage limitation.
*Wisconsin law also protects buyers from purchasing lemons: a car which has been repurchased by a manufacturer has to have its title marked as a “Manufacturers buyback vehicle.”
Many times a car manufacturer will simply provide the consumer properly exercising their rights under Wisconsin law with a new car. Other times, a lawsuit has to be filed to make the manufacturer follow the law. And in those cases, the law provides that the consumer get back double damages, plus attorneys fees and costs. Clearly, it is worth getting the best attorneys to secure your valuable rights.
Our firm is the most active consumer protection firm in the State of Wisconsin. We have recovered millions of dollars for Wisconsin consumers, and no law firm has our experience in suing companies on behalf of Wisconsin consumers. And we cost you nothing. There is no fee unless we win. We only get paid if we are successful, and we recover our fees from the vehicle manufacturer. You will never receive a bill for legal services.
Lemon law cases are not complicated, and rarely go to trial. We can give more specific information about your situation if you call us.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. You bought a new car, not a headache. We give free consultations, and help consumers through the lemon law process.