Are you stuck with a defective new car that’s constantly breaking down? Don’t let the manufacturer or dealer off the hook. You have rights as a Mississippi consumer under the state’s lemon law, and an experienced Mississippi lemon law attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
We specialize in handling lemon law cases for clients throughout Mississippi. We understand how frustrating and stressful it can be to deal with a defective vehicle, especially when it’s brand new. That’s why we’re here to take the burden off your shoulders and guide you through the legal process step by step.
Don’t let a lemon car ruin your life or your finances. Call Ware Law Firm in Magee today at (601) 440-2448 for a consultation and learn how we can help you get the justice you deserve.
Your Protections When You Buy a Vehicle
Whenever you buy a new car, you get an express warranty on the material or workmanship and affirmations or promises that such material or workmanship is defect-free or will meet a specified level of performance over a specified period of time.
It does not matter that the dealer did not make the car. The dealer must answer for the manufacturer’s actions because they sell the cars. It is up to the dealer and manufacturer to figure out who owes what to who.
Mississippi and Federal Lemon Laws
Mississippi’s Lemon Law protects you for 18 months from the date of purchase or delivery. During this time, if you report to the dealer that the car does not conform to all applicable express warranties, the dealer must make all necessary repairs to comply with these warranties.
The dealer cannot keep trying to fix the car to run out of the clock. If they make three unsuccessful attempts to repair the car or the vehicle is out of service for 15 or more days, the dealer must replace it or buy it back from you.
Your Remedies Under Lemon Laws
If the dealer does not repair the car and the defect affects the vehicle’s value, safety, or your use of the car, you have two primary legal options:
- The dealer must give you a comparable motor vehicle acceptable to you.
- The dealer must buy the car back from you for the price you paid for it minus some adjustments to reflect your ownership of the car.
In addition, you may also be paid your consequential damages from the defective car. For example, if you had to rent a car or take an Uber when your car was not working, the dealer may need to pay you for it.
You can also sue under a federal law that applies to automobile warranties. The Magnuson-Moss Act covers much of the same ground as the state Lemon Law and allows for awarding attorney’s fees.
Mississippi’s lemon laws clearly apply to new cars sold in the state. They may also apply to used cars, depending on whether they have an express written warranty.