What To Know About Georgia’s Lemon Law
You’ve likely heard passing references to “Lemon Law,” as it’s become a popular phrase in pop-culture, but we find that has actually led to a lot of confusion over what it means and when it offers protection. Many people mistakenly believe that any car that they purchase, new or used, is protected by Georgia’s lemon law, however, that is not the case. Below we will outline some of the key things that you need to understand about Georgia’s Lemon Law in order to make the best decision for yourself about purchasing a car or seeking relief. The information provided below is not comprehensive, and is intended to provide you with a general understanding of Georgia’s lemon law applications and protections. If you have questions about your specific case, you are welcome to schedule a free personalized consultation with Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys to learn about the rights and remedies available to you.
Does Georgia’s Lemon Law Apply to You?
- Was your car leased or purchased new? Contrary to a common misconception, Georgia’s lemon law only applies to new cars. In most cases, used cars are considered to be purchased under the risk of “buyer beware,” where the buyer assumes the risk associated with buying a used car in exchange for the benefit of a lower price.
- Was your new car leased, purchased, or registered in Georgia? Georgia only has jurisdiction over vehicles connected to the state. Out-of-state vehicles will not be eligible for potections.
- Did you seek eligible repairs within the lemon law rights period? This one is tricky, and it is two-fold. First, in order to be eligible for lemon law protections, you must have brought the vehicle to be repaired at the manufacturer’s authorized dealer or repair facility. Second, you must have brought it for repairs within the lemon law rights period, which is equal to 24 months from the date you acquired the vehicle, or 24,000 miles driven, whichever comes first.
- Are you the original purchaser? In order to qualify for protections, you must be the original purchaser and the car must be registered in your name.
- What is the purpose of the vehicle? In order to qualify for protections, the vehicle must have been purchased or leased for personal, family, or household use, or be one of ten or fewer vehicles purchased or leased annually for business use (provided the business is not a limousine rental service).
- What kind of problem are you having with the vehicle? In order to be eligible for protections, the vehicle’s problem must substantially impair its use, value, or safety, or be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Schedule a Consultation with Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys
If you have suffered financial damages as a result of a vehicle covered by lemon law, the Cobb County personal injury attorney at Hawkins Spizman Trial Attorneys are ready to zealously advocate on your behalf and ensure that your legal rights and remedies are protected. Serving Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, and the rest of Georgia, our attorneys are ready to help you. Call today and schedule a free, personalized consultation.
Resource:
consumer.georgia.gov/resolve-your-dispute/georgia-lemon-law
