attorney general lemon law ma

Attorney General Lemon Law MA: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Greetings, readers! If you’ve ever found yourself entangled in a legal battle involving a faulty automobile, you may have heard of the Massachusetts Lemon Law. This law exists to protect consumers who purchase a car with significant defects that cannot be repaired. As the Attorney General of Massachusetts, I’ve made it a priority to enforce the Lemon Law and ensure that consumers are treated fairly. Join me as we delve into the ins and outs of the Attorney General Lemon Law in Massachusetts.

The Basics of the Lemon Law

The Lemon Law was enacted to provide consumers with a way to seek compensation when they purchase a new or used car that turns out to be a "lemon." Under the law, a lemon is defined as a vehicle that has a defect that substantially impairs its value or use. The defect must also be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and it must have persisted despite multiple attempts to repair it.

How to File a Lemon Law Claim

If you believe you have purchased a lemon, you may be eligible to file a claim under the Lemon Law. To do so, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Contact the manufacturer: The first step is to notify the manufacturer of the defects in your vehicle. You will need to provide them with a written description of the problems and any documentation you have, such as repair records.

2. Give the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the vehicle: After you have notified the manufacturer, they will have a reasonable number of attempts to repair the vehicle. The number of attempts will vary depending on the circumstances, but it is typically between three and five.

3. File a claim with the Attorney General’s Office: If the manufacturer is unable to repair the vehicle, you can file a claim with the Attorney General’s Office. You can do this online, by mail, or in person.

Your Rights Under the Lemon Law

If you prevail in your Lemon Law claim, you may be entitled to several remedies:

• A full refund of the purchase price, including taxes and fees
• A replacement vehicle
• Reimbursement for your losses, such as lost wages or transportation costs

Real-World Example of Lemon Law Protection

In 2019, the Attorney General’s Office received a complaint from a consumer who had purchased a new car. The consumer alleged that the car had a variety of issues, including a faulty transmission, electrical problems, and water leaks. Despite the manufacturer’s repeated attempts to repair the vehicle, the problems continued.

The Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer, which resulted in a consent judgment requiring the manufacturer to reimburse the consumer for the cost of the vehicle, plus attorney’s fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the time limit for filing a Lemon Law claim?
A: You have four years from the date of purchase to file a Lemon Law claim.

Q: What if the manufacturer refuses to repair my vehicle or replace it?
A: If the manufacturer refuses to honor your Lemon Law rights, you can contact the Attorney General’s Office to file a complaint.

Additional Resources

• Massachusetts Lemon Law
• Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Lemon Law Center

Conclusion

If you believe you have purchased a lemon, it’s important to know your rights under the Massachusetts Lemon Law. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can seek compensation for your losses and ensure that you are treated fairly. If you need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the Attorney General’s Office for guidance.

Before you go, I invite you to check out our other articles on consumer protection and other important legal topics. Stay informed and empowered as a Massachusetts resident!

FAQ about Attorney General Lemon Law MA

What is the Lemon Law?

The Lemon Law provides protection for consumers who have purchased a new vehicle with a substantial defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

How long does the Lemon Law apply?

The Lemon Law applies to new vehicles for the first 24 months or 24,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first.

What is a "substantial defect"?

A substantial defect is a defect that impairs the vehicle’s safety, use, or value. The defect must be one that could not be reasonably expected by the consumer and that affects the vehicle’s operation in a significant way.

How do I file a Lemon Law claim?

You can contact the Office of the Attorney General to file a Lemon Law claim. You will need to provide documentation of your vehicle’s purchase, service history, and repair attempts.

What happens after I file a claim?

The Office of the Attorney General will investigate your claim and determine if it meets the criteria for the Lemon Law. If it does, the Attorney General will attempt to negotiate a settlement with the manufacturer.

What if the manufacturer does not agree to settle?

If the manufacturer does not agree to settle, you can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. The Attorney General may also file a lawsuit on your behalf.

What damages can I recover?

If you prevail in your Lemon Law claim, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement vehicle, as well as reimbursement for attorney’s fees and other expenses.

How long does it take to resolve a Lemon Law claim?

The length of time it takes to resolve a Lemon Law claim depends on the specific circumstances of the case. However, most claims are resolved within a few months.

What is an arbitration provision?

An arbitration provision is a clause in a contract that requires the parties to resolve disputes through arbitration rather than through a lawsuit.

Can I waive my Lemon Law rights by signing an arbitration provision?

No. Massachusetts law prohibits manufacturers from requiring consumers to waive their Lemon Law rights.