Ohio Lemon Law Attorney
When you buy or lease a new car, truck, van, motorcycle, or other vehicle, you hold certain expectations. Namely, you expect your new car to work. When it doesn’t, your car is considered a lemon, and you will need to take certain steps to either get your money back or trade in your defective vehicle for one that functions properly.
At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we have years of experience in handling lemon law cases, and we understand the challenges a lemon can cause. While we are located in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio, we handle cases throughout both states. If you find yourself in possession of a lemon in Ohio, reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation.
Need Help with a Lemon?
Contact Us TodayHow Do I Know If My Vehicle Is Considered a Lemon in Ohio?
To be considered a lemon, your vehicle must meet specific criteria set by Ohio state law. The vehicle should exhibit major defects that affect its use, value, or safety, and these issues must arise within a certain time or mileage after the vehicle was purchased or leased. Generally, the vehicle must:
Have been purchased or leased in Ohio
Have been new when you purchased or leased it
Must be less than five years old
Have a significant defect that is covered by the warranty and that occurred within a specific period or after a specific number of miles traveled. In Ohio, this period is 12 months or 18,000 miles.
Have a substantial defect that can't be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts for the same issue. In Ohio, this includes eight or more repairs to fix the problem or one attempt to repair a defect that was likely to cause death or serious injury.
Be out of service for a specific number of days due to repair attempts. In Ohio, this time frame is 30 days.
If you believe your vehicle meets these criteria, it may be considered a lemon under Ohio law. However, it’s always best to consult with an experienced lemon law attorney to determine whether your case meets the necessary criteria.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lemon Law Case in Ohio?
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a lemon law claim is five years from the date you purchased your new vehicle. This means you have a five-year window to initiate legal proceedings and pursue compensation under the state's lemon law.
However. it's crucial to act promptly if you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, as delaying could jeopardize your ability to seek damages. While you do have a five-year window, it's important to keep the other criteria in mind, such as the mileage of your vehicle and whether the issue occurred within 12 months of purchase.
Types of Compensation You Can Pursue for a Lemon
Under Ohio lemon law, two primary types of compensation are available to consumers. These are refunds and replacement vehicles.
Refund
If your vehicle is determined to be a lemon, you may be entitled to a full refund from the dealer or manufacturer. This refund includes not only the purchase price of the vehicle, but also the sales tax, registration fees, and any other official charges you incurred at the time of purchase.
Additionally, you may be eligible to receive compensation for reasonable towing costs and any rental car expenses you may have accrued while your car was being repaired. The refund process aims to fully reimburse you for the financial investment you made in your vehicle, which failed to perform as promised.
Replacement
Instead of a refund, you may be eligible to receive a replacement vehicle of the same make and model. This replacement vehicle should be of comparable value and free from the substantial defects of the lemon.
The replacement is intended to provide you with a fully functional vehicle that meets the quality and performance standards you initially expected. If a vehicle of the same make and model is unavailable, you may be eligible to select a different vehicle of equal value.
Both forms of compensation are designed to help avoid the inconvenience and potential danger posed by a defective vehicle. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you better determine which type of compensation you should pursue.
How Can Our Attorney Help?
At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, our attorney provides comprehensive legal services to help you work through your lemon law case. Some of the services out firm provides include:
Legal advice and consultation: We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and determine whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon under Ohio law. During this initial meeting, we will review your vehicle's history, repair attempts, and any other relevant information to provide you with an informed assessment of your situation.
Detailed case investigation: We strive to conduct a thorough investigation into your vehicle's defect reports, warranty documents, and repair records to gather the evidence you need to build a strong case.
Negotiation with manufacturers and dealers: Our experienced attorney aims to help you reach a fair settlement without the need for prolonged litigation. We strive to help you secure either a full refund or a replacement vehicle for your defective vehicle.
Litigation and court representation: If an out-of-court settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our seasoned attorney will strive to represent you diligently and present a compelling case on your behalf.
By choosing Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, you're choosing to work with dedicated and experienced lawyers. Let us help you secure the justice you deserve.
Ohio Lemon Law Attorney
Lemon laws protect car owners with defective vehicles. If you are in possession of a lemon in Ohio, contact an experienced lemon law attorney for advice. At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we are here to assist you. While we are located in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio, we handle cases throughout both states. Schedule a free consultation today to see how we can help with your lemon law case.