Does Illinois Have a Lemon Law?
It’s not widely known that the majority of US states actually have state statutes regarding Lemon Laws. Lemon Laws were intended to ensure that US citizens who purchase a new vehicle do not suffer with unsatisfactory manufacturing or a vehicle that is unsafe. If you have potentially purchased a lemon, do some research on Illinois Lemon Law and consider if your particular situation would be protected under Lemon Law.
Illinois Lemon Law: Key Facts
The law: Illinois’ New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act, 815 ILCS 380/1 through 380/8.
Covered vehicles: Qualifying new passenger vehicles, leased vehicles with lease terms of at least one year, light trucks and vans under 8,000 pounds, certain recreational vehicles, and vehicles purchased or leased by qualifying fire departments. Used vehicles are not covered by this Act.
Protection period: The first 12 months or 12,000 miles after delivery, whichever occurs first.
Repair threshold: The law presumes a reasonable number of repair attempts when the same nonconformity has been repaired four or more times and still exists, or when the vehicle has been out of service for repairs for 30 or more business days during the statutory warranty period.
Required notice: The manufacturer must receive direct written notice of the defect and an opportunity to correct it before the statutory presumption applies.
Remedies: The manufacturer may provide a new vehicle of the same model line, if available, or a comparable replacement vehicle, or accept the vehicle’s return and issue a refund less a reasonable allowance for use.
Filing deadline: An action under the Illinois Act must generally be filed within 18 months after the vehicle’s original delivery. Time spent in a qualifying informal dispute-settlement procedure extends that deadline.
When Does a Vehicle Qualify as a Lemon in Illinois?
A vehicle may qualify under the Illinois Lemon Law when a covered nonconformity substantially impairs its use, market value, or safety and, during the first 12 months or 12,000 miles:
- The same nonconformity has been repaired four or more times and still exists; or
- The vehicle has been out of service for repairs for a cumulative total of 30 or more business days.
The manufacturer must also receive direct written notice and an opportunity to correct the defect before the statutory presumption applies.
Does the Illinois Lemon Law Cover Used Cars?
No. Illinois’ New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act generally applies only to qualifying new vehicles.
However, a used-vehicle owner may have separate rights under an active written manufacturer’s warranty, the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, or Illinois’ limited 15-day/500-mile powertrain warranty for certain dealer-sold used vehicles. These are separate from Illinois’ new-vehicle Lemon Law.
When do I need an Illinois based Lemon Law Attorney?
After you’ve realized that your lemon law case is likely viable, this is the time to enlist the services of one of our qualified and experienced state Lemon Law attorneys. Typically speaking, a person who is in this situation is not expert to the point of navigating the legalities of their own Lemon Law case without the help of an attorney. Additionally, our team has experience representing the auto manufacturing companies and we know how to prepare your case accordingly. If you’re in this situation, you’ll want one of our experienced and capable Illinois Lemon Law lawyers. Call us without hesitation even if you’re unsure about hiring a Lemon Law attorney at this time.
How do Lemon Law Attorneys in Illinois protect my rights?
When you have a specialized Lemon Law expert on your side, there’s no need to stress as you’ll be more than fairly represented and informed throughout your case. Your Lemon Law attorney will play the important role of ensuring you understand your rights and gain fair access to what you’re entitled to in your case. We are here to help you take a strong stand against big car manufacturing organizations with teams of legal experts available to come to their aid.
We will help you understand everything in relation to your legal rights and processes during your Lemon Law case in Illinois. Our professional team of attorneys are prepared to use their incomparable legal knowledge related Illinois Lemon Law in order to support you and your legal rights as well as to help nurture your case. Know that there are a variety of ways to proceed should it be determined that you have a strong case under Illinois Lemon Law. If, during your free consultation, it’s determined that your possible Lemon Law case would not be viable to pursue, we can still give you some direction as to what steps you could take.
How long do Lemon Law cases in Illinois typically take to get resolved?
We can’t say for sure when your Lemon Law suit will be completed; we’ll help advise you as to a possible timeline to expect during your consultation.
We are extremely proud of our reputation for excellence when it comes to communicating with our clients and servicing them throughout the litigation process. You can be assured that every effort will be made to expedite your process; nonetheless, note that many Lemon Law suits take an average of several months to fully complete.
What Does an Illinois Lemon Law Attorney Cost?
We handle qualifying vehicle-warranty claims on a contingency basis, with no upfront attorney’s fees. Attorney’s fees may be recovered from the manufacturer under applicable federal warranty law or as part of a negotiated resolution.
Clients may remain responsible for certain costs or expenses as provided in their written fee agreement. You pay no attorney’s fee unless we win or settle your claim.
What are some of the areas that Lemon Law Lawyers in Illinois cover?
Take a look at some of the areas we are pleased to offer our services within the state of Illinois. Our confident lawyers are prepared to help with your case right away. Call today and find out which of our service locations will be the closest for you. Our services are offered to those living in the following areas plus many more.
- Chicago
- Aurora
- Rockford
- Springfield
- Leland Grove
- Edwardsville
- Libertyville
- Joliet
- Naperville
- Peoria
- Elgin
- Waukegan
- Cicero
- Geneva
- Waterloo
- Western Springs
- Mahomet
- Kenilworth
- Morton
- St. Charles
- Bloomington
- Champaign
- Wheaton
- Park Ridge
- Arlington Heights
- Evanston
- Freeburg
- Decatur
- Schaumburg
- Rochester
- Winnetka
- Bolingbrook
- Hinsdale
- Orland Park
- Palatine
- Skokie
- Des Plaines
- Orland Park
- Forsyth
- Elmhurst
- Tinley Park
- Oak Lawn
- Berwyn
- Lisle
- Columbia
- Monticello
Don’t put yourself through any more torture from your current lemon. Why not give us a call so we can help you get into a new, more reliable vehicle. We want to help answer all of the questions that are on your mind related to Lemon Law in Illinois.
Explore Your Rights With Our Expert Team or Contact Us Now At (888) 415-0610