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Lemon Law Attorneys Rhode Island
Work with the Top-Rated lemon law and consumer protection lawyers in Rhode Island
Rhode Island Lemon Law
The lemon law in Rhode Island protects consumers who purchase or lease defective motor vehicles. Automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and vans weighing less than 10,000 pounds, sold, leased, or replaced after May 11, 1984 are covered under the law.
How Does a Car Qualify as a Lemon in Rhode Island?
A new vehicle qualifies as a lemon if, within one year or 15,000 miles, it requires four or more repair attempts for the same issue. It can also qualify if the new car is out of service for over 30 days due to a persistent defect (nonconformity).
Rhode Island’s lemon law defines “nonconformity” as any specific or generic defect, malfunction, or combination thereof that substantially impairs the use, market value or safety of the vehicle.
Are Used Cars Covered Under Rhode Island’s Lemon Law?
The lemon law in Rhode Island covers used vehicles, but excludes motorized campers.
For used vehicles, the law applies if the vehicle needs three repair attempts for the same problem or is out of service for 15 days within the dealer’s warranty period.
Please note: The lemon law in Rhode Island does not cover defects, malfunctions or conditions resulting from accidents, abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications of the vehicle. You are encouraged to seek the counsel of Rhode Island lemon law lawyers for your new car or used car lemon law claim.
What About Cosmetic Problems? Are They Covered Under the Law?
People sometimes wonder if a poor paint job, deteriorating upholstery, or other cosmetic issues are covered under Rhode Island’s lemon law. New or used car lemon law claims in Rhode Island involving cosmetic problems are not covered in and of themselves, as the lemon law in Rhode Island protects consumers against substantial defects that affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. But a cosmetic defect could, in combination with other defects, potentially be classed then as a nonconformity, making the car unusable or unsafe, thereby potentially covered under the state’s lemon law. It is in circumstances like these that the expertise and knowledge of a lemon law attorney can benefit the consumer, by determining if the cosmetic defect is indeed contributing to an overall nonconformity.
Lemon Law Process and Requirements
A lemon law attorney in Rhode Island can help guide you through the process of a settlement, arbitration or suing in court for your new car or used car lemon law claim. First, the attorney will determine if the vehicle qualifies as a lemon under state law.
If a new vehicle meets the lemon criteria, the dealership must attempt repairs. If the vehicle can’t be repaired, consumers can request (but they are not obligated to use this process) arbitration through the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board. The consumer submits a request and the Board holds a hearing, which is binding on the manufacturer but not on the consumer. Alternatively, consumers can use the manufacturer’s dispute resolution process or BBB AUTO LINE. If dissatisfied with these decisions, the consumer can sue the manufacturer, relying on the expertise and knowledge of a Rhode Island lemon law lawyer.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Rhode Island Lemon Law Claims?
According to BBB Autoline, National Programs, the statute of limitations in Rhode Island is:
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides an additional avenue for claims. Call Allen Stewart, P.C. at 866-440-2460 or contact our lemon law lawyers in Rhode Island online for a free case evaluation.
Used and Leased Vehicles
For used vehicles, consumers should collaborate with the dealership for repairs and ask about the manufacturer’s dispute process. If the dealer doesn’t honor the warranty, legal advice from lemon law lawyers in Rhode Island is recommended. Leased vehicles follow the same rules as new vehicles.
Private Party Sales
The Rhode Island lemon law doesn’t cover private sales, but vehicles must still pass state inspection standards.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Car is a Lemon?
Going through a lemon law claim process can be confusing with all the variables involved. It’s recommended that consumers seek a lemon law attorney in Rhode Island to have the best opportunity to win their case against the vehicle manufacturer. This is because between deadlines, qualifying criteria, documentation and warranty review, and deciding on the most advantageous course to pursue (arbitration, lawsuit, negotiation for a settlement), there is much to consider. These points are best left up to Rhode Island attorneys who have handled these cases hundreds of times before. As a consumer, a person gets one opportunity to get this push for compensation right. Lemon law lawyers in Rhode Island are exceptionally familiar with the entire procedure and provide the necessary skill to protect the vehicle owner’s rights throughout the claim process.
Trust Allen Stewart, P.C. for Expert Rhode Island Lemon Law Representation
There is enough frustration to deal with when you are trying to handle major problems with your new or used car. Allen Stewart, P.C. has won many lemon law cases across the country, and will fight for your rights to win maximum compensation.
Rhode Island’s lemon law offers protections for your rights, as does the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Work with a lemon law attorney in Rhode Island who will aggressively pursue your claim so you can move on from the stress of owning a vehicle with a substantial defect.
Don’t wait. Time is of the essence in lemon law claims. Call our lemon law lawyers at 866-440-2460 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Thanks to federal law, our clients pay nothing out of pocket, so contact us now for a free consultation.
Navigating the Process – Resources
State of Rhode Island Attorney General – Lemon Law
(401) 274-4400
Rhode Island Lemon Law FAQs
What is the statute of limitations for filing a Lemon Law claim? -
You must file a lemon law claim within the earlier of three years from the vehicle’s delivery or two years from when it reached 15,000 miles, excluding any time during an informal dispute settlement process and the 30 days after its final decision.
Can leased vehicles qualify under Rhode Island's Lemon Law? +
Yes, leased vehicles do qualify under the state’s lemon law.
How many repair attempts must be made before a vehicle is considered a lemon? +
Four repair attempts at least are required for new vehicles; three for used vehicles.
What steps should I take if I suspect my vehicle is a lemon? +
Contacting a Rhode Island lemon law lawyer for a free case evaluation is a good starting point. They will tell you if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon and how they will pursue your claim.
How does the arbitration process work for Lemon Law claims in Rhode Island? +
In Rhode Island, arbitration is not mandatory. If your vehicle can’t be repaired, you can request arbitration from the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. The Board then holds a hearing between you and the manufacturer. You must represent yourself or hire a lawyer; the Board does not provide representation.
What happens if arbitration does not resolve my Lemon Law dispute? +
If you are not happy with the arbitrator’s decision, you can have your Rhode Island lemon law lawyer sue the manufacturer.
Do I need a lawyer to file a Lemon Law claim? +
No, you don’t, however, a Rhode Island lemon law attorney can ensure your claim is properly filed and pursued so you have the best opportunity to receive maximum compensation.
How do I choose the right Lemon Law attorney in Rhode Island? +
Look for a Rhode Island lemon law attorney that offers extensive experience and understanding of Rhode Island lemon law. Ask them for testimonials and check client reviews proving their expertise.
What are my rights as a consumer under Rhode Island’s Lemon Law? +
The state protects consumers under its lemon law, holding manufacturers accountable to provide compensation for substantially defective vehicles.
Does the Lemon Law in Rhode Island apply to both new and used vehicles? +
Yes, the Rhode Island lemon law applies to both new cars and used cars.
What constitutes a "substantial defect" under Rhode Island's Lemon Law? +
Substantial defect means a severe defect that affects the use, value or safety of the vehicle.
Are cosmetic defects covered under Rhode Island's Lemon Law? +
The law covers malfunctions that severely impair the use, safety, or value of the vehicle. In some cases, a cosmetic defect, in combination with other defects, could constitute a nonconformity covered by the lemon law. Consult your lemon law lawyer regarding your specific circumstances.
Does the Lemon Law apply if the defect is intermittent or hard to replicate? +
Yes, the law covers all substantial defects, including intermittent or hard to replicate issues. The intent of the law is to include all defects that severely impact the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
What documentation is required to support a Lemon Law claim in Rhode Island? +
Present your repair records; email and phone call records involving the dealer and manufacturer; and all correspondence or information that will help prove the defect is not repairable; and that you did try to get it repaired.
Are there any fees associated with filing a Lemon Law claim or arbitration in Rhode Island? +
The arbitration request costs $20 in Rhode Island. You won’t be charged for any further expenses, as the manufacturer is required to pay all attorney and other costs if you win your case.
Does Rhode Island's Lemon Law apply to vehicles purchased from private sellers? +
No, the Rhode Island lemon law applies to new cars and used cars purchased from dealers.
Can I return a vehicle under the Lemon Law if I've made modifications to it? +
This will depend on the situation and may require the expertise of a Rhode Island lemon law lawyer. The manufacturer may try to claim that your modifications caused the issues you’re having with your vehicle.
What compensation can I receive if my vehicle qualifies as a lemon? +
You can choose either a refund (including finance charges and taxes) or a replacement vehicle that is comparable to your original vehicle.
Can I request a replacement vehicle instead of a refund? +
Yes, you can request a replacement vehicle as compensation under Rhode Island lemon law.
Are there federal Lemon Law protections that apply in Rhode Island? +
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, sometimes referred to as the federal lemon law, is a consumer law that applies to all fifty states, and can provide some avenues for your Rhode Island lemon law attorney to pursue compensation for your defective vehicle.