Michigan Lemon Law Attorney

It's no stretch that you expect a new car, truck, van, motorcycle, or other vehicle to work after you've purchased it. However, there are cases when new vehicles don't work. If this is the case, your car would probably be considered a lemon, and you may be eligible to get your money back or trade in your defective vehicle for one that functions properly. 

At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we deeply understand Michigan lemon law, and we're committed to helping you overcome the challenges associated with a lemon. While we are located in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio, we handle cases throughout both states. If you think your car may be a lemon, contact us to schedule a free consultation. 

What Is Considered a Lemon in Michigan?  

For your vehicle to qualify as a lemon under Michigan state law, it must meet specific criteria. The vehicle should have significant defects that impact its use, value, or safety, and these issues must occur within a certain time frame or mileage after the date the vehicle was initially purchased or leased. Typically, a lemon must: 

• Have been purchased or leased in Michigan 

• Have been new when you purchased or leased it 

• Must be less than two years old and have less than 24,000 miles on the odometer 

• Have a significant defect that is covered by the warranty and that occurred within the warranty period (two years from purchase or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first) 

• Have a substantial defect that can't be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts for the same issue. In Michigan, this includes four 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 Michigan, this time frame is 30 days within the warranty period 

If you think your vehicle meets these criteria, it might be classified as a lemon under Michigan law. However, consulting with an experienced lemon law attorney is recommended to confirm whether your case meets the necessary criteria. 

Statute of Limitations for Lemons in Michigan 

In Michigan, the statute of limitations for filing a lemon law claim is six months following the expiration of the vehicle’s warranty period. This means you have a limited window to initiate legal proceedings and pursue compensation under the state's lemon law.  

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 narrow window, it's important to keep the other criteria in mind, such as the mileage of your vehicle and whether the issue occurred within the warranty period, as these could also impact your ability to pursue compensation. 

Types of Compensation You Can Pursue for a Lemon 

Under Michigan lemon law, two primary types of compensation are available to consumers. These are refunds and replacement vehicles. 

Refund  

If your vehicle is deemed a lemon, you may qualify for a full refund from the dealer or manufacturer. This refund often covers the purchase price of the vehicle, along with sales tax, registration fees, and any other official charges that you paid at the time of purchase.  

Additionally, under Michigan state law, the dealer or manufacturer is obligated to compensate you for any reasonable towing costs and rental car expenses that you incur while your vehicle is being repaired. The refund process is designed to fully reimburse you for your financial investment in a vehicle that failed to perform as expected. 

Replacement 

If you don't want a refund for your lemon, you may be able to request a replacement vehicle of the same make and model. This replacement should be of comparable value and free from the significant defects that were found in the lemon.  

The goal of a replacement vehicle is to provide you with a fully functional vehicle that meets the quality and performance standards you originally expected when you purchased your lemon. If you are unable to choose a vehicle of the same make and model, you might be eligible to request a different vehicle of equal value. 

Both options aim to mitigate the inconvenience and potential risks that come with driving a defective vehicle. Our experienced lemon law attorney can help you decide which type of compensation to pursue. 

How Can Our Attorney Help? 

At Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, we offer a wide range of legal services to guide you through your lemon law case. Some of the assistance our firm provides includes: 

• Consultation and advice: We offer free consultations to assess your situation and determine if your vehicle meets Michigan's lemon law criteria. During this initial session, we will evaluate your vehicle's history, repair attempts, and other relevant information to provide you with a well-informed assessment. 

• Comprehensive case analysis: Our experienced attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation into your vehicle's defect reports, warranty documents, and repair history to help you compile the evidence you need to build a strong case. 

• Negotiations with manufacturers and dealerships: Our skilled attorney will strive to help you reach a fair settlement without lengthy litigation. We aim to help you negotiate with the manufacturer or dealer to secure a full refund or a replacement vehicle. 

• Court representation and litigation: If you're unable to achieve an out-of-court agreement, we are ready to take your case to trial. Our experienced attorney will strive to represent you and present a strong case on your behalf. 

By choosing Ronald S. Weiss, Attorney & Counselor, you are entrusting your lemon law case to an experienced attorney with a profound understanding of Michigan's legal system.