Every state has a lemon law, which protects consumers who buy new cars so that they don’t get stuck with something that always has issues or cannot be driven safely. South Carolina is no exception, but these laws are difficult to understand and prove in court. Therefore, many people choose to hire a lawyer because they can make sure you have all the necessary documentation and file the claim promptly. Learning more about the law can help you realize how challenging it is and why a lawyer is so helpful.
Protection for You
A new car can be covered under the South Carolina Lemon Law if all of these things apply to you:
- The manufacturer’s warranty isn’t adhered to within the first 12,000 miles or 12 months of purchase
- The defect lowers the market value of the car or puts it out of service (can’t be driven)
- The manufacturer cannot fix the vehicle in an appropriate timeframe (usually three attempts and 30 days to resolve the issue)
If your vehicle meets these criteria, you may be covered under the lemon law. However, it can be tough to determine if all three criteria are met, so it’s best to hire a lawyer to help you with your case.
Restitution
Just proving that your vehicle is a lemon isn’t enough; while it helps to know that the law is on your side, you want restitution for this issue. Therefore, the manufacturer should replace your car with a comparable one without defects or refund your money on the purchase based on the mileage put on it and how much you used it. Of course, any fees and taxes paid during the purchase must also be refunded.
The lemon law is on your side to ensure that your vehicle is safe and drivable according to the warranty. Visit Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center ® in South Carolina for more information.
