It doesn't matter in which part of the United States you live, you may find that there is an applicable "lemon law." There is the Florida lemon law, the Texas lemon law, or even the California lemon law.

All of these were created for protecting the consumers from faulty products. Some states even have a used car lemon law. But what is a lemon law exactly, and what kind of protection does it give to you, the consumer? Let's find out.

What Is A Lemon Law?

Although the meaning may vary from state to state, it can be said that a "lemon" is any electromechanical device which fails constantly, even after being repaired several times. For example, if you bought a laptop computer and different parts failed during its life time (let's say, the hard disk, the motherboard, the keyboard and the display), the unit could be considered a "lemon."

Not all states have lemon laws for all of the products that are sold to consumers. In some, lemon laws are limited to cars. Vehicles are considered lemons if defects have been detected four or more times. For example, if the engine breaks down, if the car has continuous attacks of rust or if the transmission doesn't work properly.

Each state has its own laws regarding consumer protection. It is quite possible that the lemon law from one state to another varies considerably. If you are evaluating the used car market, check the lemon law in your state. You don't want to find any kind of surprises in the future.

There is another issue to be considered. If you buy a car with the "as it is" condition, you won't be able to use the lemon law for protecting your interests. Why? Because under the terms of the contract, when you buy a product "as it is," you are willing to take the risk in exchange for a lower price.

Legal Courses of Action

After you have determined that your car can apply for the lemon law of your state, you need to find if you require an attorney. (Some states cover a part of the attorney's fee.)

Since you will be pursuing a demand against an individual or an organization, it is a wise choice to look for the services of a lawyer. Although they can be expensive, they can protect you from any kind of counter demand or future legal problems. If you aren't a lawyer, you may find yourself saturated with jargon. For example, if you live in Florida, go look for the Florida lemon law and try to understand it. Go for the safer option and look for a lawyer.

Continue to: Information on Georgia Lemon Law and Other States Law

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Lemon Laws and Used Cars

What Is A Lemon Law?

Legal Courses of Action

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