What Is: Lawyers - Lemon Law?
Lemon law lawyers are attorneys who handle matters involving defective consumer durables, most often new motor vehicles, when the purchaser of the "lemon" is unable to come to a resolution with the automobile dealer or manufacturer. A lemon is loosely defined as something that is, or proves to be, unsatisfactory. Lemon laws cover only "substantial" defects, meaning those that significantly impair the vehicle's use, value or safety. While standards to define nonconformities and a "reasonable number" of repair attempts are subject to interpretation, many states limit coverage under the lemon law to either one year from the date of delivery of the vehicle or the written warranty period, whichever is shorter. Success in lemon law matters often hinges on the purchaser producing accurate documentation of repair attempts and other vehicle maintenance records. Lemon law lawyers typically accept cases on contingency, meaning that the client need not pay a retainer or hourly rate; the attorney's fees are either paid by the manufacturer or, in certain situations, deducted from the settlement proceeds.