Everyone who purchases a new car does so with the best of intentions. Maybe you are buying the vehicle to commute to work, or just want a nicer car. Either way, there are certain things you expect out of a car purchase: mainly that it will run correctly. Unfortunately, some cars don’t live up to the sales hype. These so-called lemons can leave you high and dry when you really need reliable transportation. See why you shouldn’t be afraid to start a lemon law lawsuit when a dealer does you wrong.
The First Steps
When you get stuck with a car that is not doing its job, it could be the basis for a lawsuit. Lemon law cases deal with vehicles that have defects which were not disclosed at the time of sale. In such a transaction, the buyer gets an unfair deal. When this occurs, the plaintiff (or buyer) can sue for monetary damages. This is one of the main areas of consumer protection law available to a wide range of people.
The first step to beginning a lawsuit is to file a complaint. This is a legal document that lays out the reasons for the lawsuit. The typical complaint will list the various defects in the vehicle, and explain how these breach the seller’s warranty of care. The complaint will also name the defendants. In order to be valid, the complaint must be filed with the court and served on the defendants. Michigan lemon law lawyers can assist with this process.
The Next Stage
After the complaint is filed, the defendant has a chance to answer to the charges. This must occur within a specified period of time. In an answer, the defendant is allowed to assert defenses to the plaintiff’s allegations. In some cases, the defense may respond by requesting additional clarifications. Once the complaint and answer are done, the case will proceed further. It is a good idea to work with an attorney when dealing with the intricacies of Michigan lemon law.
Asserting Your Rights
When it comes down to it, there is no reason to be afraid to sue over a lemon. Remember that you paid good money to purchase the vehicle. If the vehicle does not perform as expected, you have the right to be compensated. Therefore, begin taking action as soon as you realize you’ve been wronged.
For further assistance, contact Krohn & Moss Ltd. Consumer Law Center.