Buying a new car is usually an exciting time for drivers—but when your vehicle immediately starts malfunctioning, you might just have a “lemon.”
“Lemon laws” refer to laws regarding cars with recurring problems, which the dealership cannot remedy. Ohio’s lemon laws state that dealerships must comply with lemon laws if there is “…any defect or condition that substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of a motor vehicle to the consumer and does not conform to the express warranty of the manufacturer or distributor.” Owners are eligible for a refund or replacement after certain timing or mileage thresholds are met.
Some people confuse lemon laws with products liability lawsuits. What’s the difference between the two—and when do you need to call the Law Offices of Tim Misny?
Lemon laws vs. products liability lawsuits
Both lemon laws and products liability lawsuits deal with defects. Lemon laws are designed to give the consumer some recourse when their vehicle repeatedly malfunctions. The only legal responsibility the dealer has is to repair, replace or refund the vehicle.
Products liability lawsuits, on the other hand, hold manufacturers of defective products civilly liable. They’re a type of personal injury lawsuit. In order to file a products liability claim, you must have suffered actual injury. In contrast, lemon laws require nothing but proof of a repeatedly malfunctioning vehicle.
The remedies available are also different. While lemon laws provide an avenue to get a refund or replacement, you will not receive damages like medical expenses, pain and suffering or lost income. Products liability lawsuits are designed to compensate plaintiffs for their losses—and, ideally, encourage the manufacturer to take better precautions in the future.
When do I need a lawyer?
“Lemons” can be dangerous. Depending on the type of malfunction involved, your lemon might just lead to a collision—and that’s when you need to call the Law Offices of Tim Misny. When you or someone else are injured as a result of your vehicle’s defects, a personal injury lawyer can help you hold the manufacturer responsible.
If your vehicle hasn’t caused any injury, you likely won’t need an attorney. Instead, you can contact the dealership or manufacturer to explore your options.
Seeking experienced legal assistance can make the difference between recovering damages and paying out of your own pocket. When you have a products liability lawsuit, call the Law Offices of Tim Misny right away.
Discuss your case with an Ohio personal injury lawyer today
Have you been a victim of someone else’s negligence? When you’re injured, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at 877-614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away. We may be able to recover compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages and more.
