Georgia Lemon Law - Resources
Georgia Lemon Law Overview
At Allen Stewart, P.C., we understand the frustration and financial strain that comes with buying a defective vehicle, commonly referred to as a "lemon." The Georgia Lemon Law exists to protect consumers in such situations, ensuring they are not left bearing the cost of manufacturers' mistakes. This law provides a legal pathway for individuals who have purchased new, and in some cases, used vehicles that fail to meet quality and performance standards.
Qualifying Vehicles
Defining a Lemon Vehicle
In Georgia, a lemon vehicle is defined as a new motor vehicle that has a persistent defect or condition, substantially impairing its use, value, or safety, and which has not been repaired successfully after a reasonable number of attempts. To qualify under the Georgia Lemon Law, the vehicle must be primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
Consumer Rights under Georgia Lemon Law
Consumers have the right to a replacement or refund of a defective vehicle if it qualifies under the Georgia Lemon Law. This includes the refund or replacement of the vehicle and coverage of reasonable attorney fees if litigation is necessary.
Lemon Law Warranty Period
The Lemon Law warranty period in Georgia covers the first 24 months after the delivery of the vehicle or the first 24,000 miles on the odometer, whichever comes first. During this period, the manufacturer or its agent must address and rectify any reported defects.
Lemon Law Remedies
If a vehicle is deemed a lemon, the owner is entitled to either a replacement vehicle of equal value or a full refund, including charges such as taxes, registration fees, and finance charges. The choice between a refund or replacement lies with the consumer.
Filing a Lemon Law Claim
To initiate a lemon law claim in Georgia, the vehicle owner must first notify the manufacturer of the defect in writing, allowing a final attempt to repair the vehicle. If the issue persists, the consumer can then file a claim with the Georgia Office of Consumer Protection. It’s important to keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer.
Arbitration Process
Georgia law requires that if a manufacturer has an arbitration process, the consumer must engage in this process before seeking legal remedies through the courts. Arbitration is a less formal way of resolving disputes and is usually quicker than court proceedings.
Legal Assistance for Lemon Law Cases
While consumers can pursue lemon law claims on their own, the process can be complex and challenging without legal expertise. At Allen Stewart, P.C., our experienced attorneys specialize in Georgia lemon law and are adept at navigating these cases, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve without any out-of-pocket expenses to you.
Lemon Law Protection for Used Vehicles
While the Georgia Lemon Law primarily covers new vehicles, certain used vehicles may still qualify for protection under specific conditions, such as if the original manufacturer’s warranty is still valid. Understanding these nuances is vital, and our team can help determine if your used vehicle may be protected under this law.
At Allen Stewart, P.C., we are committed to upholding your rights against large corporations and manufacturers. If you believe you have purchased a lemon vehicle in Georgia, don't face the legal battle alone. Our dedicated attorneys will guide you through every step of the process, from filing a claim to achieving a successful resolution.
Contact Allen Stewart, P.C. today to discuss your case and explore your options under the Georgia Lemon Law. We stand ready to protect your rights and ensure you are compensated fairly for the inconvenience and expense of a lemon vehicle.
