Exceptions That Can Extend the Lemon Law Filing Period

Did you know that 92% of American households have one vehicle or more, according to the latest US Census data? Buying a car is a big deal, and the last thing anyone wants is ending up with a “lemon,” a term used for describing a car that keeps breaking down no matter how many times it’s fixed.

Lemon laws are there to protect people in these situations, but they usually come with strict time limits for filing a claim. This time limit may differ between states. For example, the California lemon law time limit is 4 years from the date you first knew (or should have known) that your vehicle was a “lemon.”

Still, there are some cases where these limits can be extended. Knowing about these exceptions can help you avoid losing your rights to have a safe and working vehicle.

Let’s look at how these rules work and when extra time may be given.

Understanding Lemon Law Basics

When you purchase a new vehicle, you expect it to work well. Unfortunately, there are situations in which you might end up with a “lemon.” The so-called lemon laws are to protect the buyer against purchasing a defective vehicle that cannot meet the standards of quality. 

State-to-state variations in these laws primarily enable you to seek a cash refund or replacement for severely damaged cars. Keeping detailed records of the issues is important, just like in car accidents, where proper documentation helps protect your rights. You will also have to give the manufacturer an opportunity to resolve the problems.

Accidents involving lemon cars necessitate the legal assistance of an expert attorney, according to car accident lawyer John A. Collins, III. The attorney will do a full investigation with regard to your accident as it relates to how it happened and who should be held liable.

If you have attempted to resolve the problem multiple times without success, you may then proceed to file your claim for damages. Such knowledge will allow you to become an empowered automobile owner and have the opportunity to associate with others who have had the same experience.

Manufacturer’s Delays in Repairs

A delay caused by the manufacturer in making a repair might jeopardize your rights. They extend the duration within which the claimant can lodge a lemon law claim. 

You’d feel disappointed if the repair took forever, and you’re not alone in this. Keep a record of every communication and retain copies of requests for repairs. These would serve to prove that you actually pursued the matter. 

Hire a lemon law lawyer to guide you through the process when repairs experience significant delays. 

Extended Warranties and Their Impact

Extended warranties can bring peace of mind, but they can also throw complications in the way of your lemon law claim. Once you buy an extended warranty, you find yourself in rather difficult circumstances trying to assert your rights. 

These warranties can delay the replacement or repair of your vehicle, with the warranty provider getting in the way by requiring several inspections or approvals before taking any action. Such an arrangement could lengthen the time within which to file a claim under lemon law, but at the same time, it might create ambiguity on the issue of who is actually supposed to fix the existing problems with your car.

It is necessary to understand what your warranty says and how it applies to lemon law. The more you learn, the easier this process will be.

Fraudulent Practices by Dealers

Fraudulent acts by dealers can further complicate issues with extended warranties under the lemon law. There is an isolating feeling when one has been misled about the vehicle condition and its history. 

Dealers might say, “It only needs a simple adjustment,” or “The issue is minimal,” but they may also fail to disclose that the car has prior shabby repairs from earlier accidents, which can be truly frustrating when problems arise with the vehicle. 

Once you discover these practices, collect all evidence. Save every communication and document pertaining to your purchase. This information can make your case even stronger. 

You have every right to an honest and transparent vehicle purchase transaction. Do not hesitate to consult skilled attorneys who are sympathetic to your suffering and are prepared to help you through the process.

Unusual Circumstances Affecting Filing Timeframes

Incidents like hospitalization or family emergencies can directly affect the timing of filing for a lemon law claim. 

Certain misrepresentations from the dealer regarding the vehicle’s nature or losses could also add days to your lemon law filing time. The law does provide some consideration for such unusual circumstances. 

If you think you’re affected, an attorney may help expedite the process so that you may not lose out on your claim.