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.
When Does a Vehicle Qualify as a Lemon in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, a vehicle is considered a lemon if it meets certain criteria set forth by the state’s lemon law.
These criteria include:
- The vehicle’s substantial defect impairs its use, value, or safety
- The defect has occurred within the first year or 12,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first
- The defect has been subject to multiple repair attempts by the manufacturer or authorized dealer, with at least one attempt made during the first year or 12,000 miles of ownership
- The defect cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, as defined by Mississippi’s lemon law
If a vehicle meets these criteria, the owner may be eligible for a refund or replacement from the manufacturer. It’s important to note that the owner must give the manufacturer a reasonable opportunity to repair the defect before pursuing a lemon law claim.
Additionally, the lemon law does not cover defects caused by abuse, neglect, or unauthorized modifications made by the owner.
Are Used Cars Covered Under Mississippi Lemon Law?
The Mississippi lemon law does not cover used cars. It only applies to new motor vehicles purchased or leased in Mississippi.
However, if a used car is still covered by its original manufacturer’s warranty, the owner may be able to seek recourse through the manufacturer’s warranty or other consumer protection laws.
It’s important for used car buyers to thoroughly research the vehicle’s history and condition before purchasing to avoid potential issues.
Why You Need a Mississippi Lemon Law Attorney
There are legal procedures that you must follow when you are taking action under lemon laws. You may need to go through an informal process with the dealer if they have one before you can take them to court.
What is clear is that the dealer must stand behind the car that they sell and make good on their promises.
When you approach the dealer, you may be taken more seriously when you do it with the help of our lemon law lawyers. Then, the dealer knows you are well informed about the law and mean business. If the dealer does not follow the law, your lawyer can take legal action to force them to comply in court.
Contact a Mississippi Lemon Law Attorney
Our lemon law attorneys at Ware Law Firm know how to deal with those who will not stand behind their products. We can help you avail yourself of the relief available under state and federal lemon laws when the dealer will not follow them. We do not let our clients get pushed around by dealers only interested in profits.
To learn how we can help you, book a consultation today.
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To pursue a lemon law claim, the owner must give the manufacturer a reasonable opportunity to repair the defect and follow the necessary legal procedures.”
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Gather all the relevant documentation related to your vehicle, such as repair invoices and warranty information.
Clearly and concisely describe the problems you’ve been experiencing with the vehicle, and explain that you believe it meets the criteria for a lemon under Mississippi law.
Include any relevant dates, repair attempts, and other details that support your claim.
State that you are requesting a refund or replacement of the vehicle, and give the manufacturer a reasonable deadline to respond.
It’s a good idea to have a lemon law attorney review your letter before sending it to ensure you’ve covered all the necessary points and presented your case in the strongest possible way.”
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