So your vehicle has been out of service 4 times for the same problem. Or it has been out of service for 30 cumulative days. It’s a Lemon, right? You should be able to show the manufacturer your repair invoices and get your vehicle repurchased or replaced immediately. Case closed.

In reality, sometimes it’s not so easy. Auto manufacturers may use some tricks to frustrate you and prevent you from getting that repurchase or replacement. Common manufacturer defenses can generally be lumped into 6 categories.

1. No substantial impairment

Probably the most common manufacturer tactic used to prevent you from recovering what you deserve is to argue that there is no substantial impairment. In other words, they might say the problem(s) with your vehicle are not serious enough for you to recover under the law.

What problems ARE serious? For example, are squeaky brakes a substantial impairment? What if your vehicle is pulling to the left or right? What about oil leaks, water leaks, engine noise, transmission noise, a bad smell, vibration, engine warning light on, electrical problems?

The Lemon Law says that a defect or condition must exist that substantially impairs the use or value of the new motor vehicle to the consumer [and] has been subject to a reasonable number of repairs. {(MCL 257.1403(5)(a)}. The Lemon Law also indicates that a defect or condition which prevents the new motor vehicle from conforming to the manufacturer’s express warranty if not repaired would allow a consumer to recover damages. (MCL 257.1402).

To understand if your problem is substantial, and to effectively prosecute your case, you have to employ an attorney who is an expert in the language of the Lemon Law   who has dealt with this issue hundreds of times and will fight for your rights. In response to a “substantial impairment defense,” Adam S. Alexander, Esq. has utilized creative legal strategies, expert testimony and other evidence to recover for his clients.  Be advised that the vast majority of Lemon Law cases are settled quickly and efficiently with no trial or arbitration. However, on those rare occasions where the dispute cannot be settled, you certainly want an expert in your corner.

2. Owner abuse/lack of maintenance

Another tactic is the owner abuse theory. The manufacturer will claim that you didn’t properly maintain your vehicle, drove your vehicle incorrectly, or added after market items which were the root cause of the defect. This tactic is most common in high performance vehicles or vehicles with after market components or parts such as stereo equipment, (electrical problems), components added to boost power, (transmission and engine defects), or after market tires, (pulling or vibration). However, any engine or transmission defect is a candidate for a lack of maintenance defense. Of course, you should keep your vehicle properly maintained with a documented history of timely oil changes and other maintenance. Also, consult with your dealer to be sure your after market equipment will not void your warranty or cause problems with your vehicle. Hiring a professional who is an authority on such tactics will dramatically increase your odds in a case where owner abuse is alleged.

3. Not the same problem

The Michigan Lemon Law requires that the same defect or condition be subject to the appropriate number of repairs, {(MCL 257.1403(5)(a)}. Manufacturers use this language to cloud the issues and argue that one transmission problem was not the same as the next or argue that the 2^nd repair for engine noise was not the same as the 4^th repair for engine noise, etc. This is often simply a legal trick to avoid liability. They will do anything to prove your vehicle was not subject to the required number of repair attempts. There are several ways to combat this manufacturer allegation and only the most seasoned and experienced Lemon Law attorney will have the background to counter it.

Additionally, with respect to the 30 days out of service requirement, recent law mandates that the 30 days out of service has to be for the same defect or condition. For example if your vehicle was out of service for severe vibration for 23 days within the first year AND your vehicle was out of service for 21 days for a stalling problem, presumably you would NOT qualify under the Michigan Lemon Law. The total is not 44 days under the previous example. The law requires 30 days for either the vibration or the stalling, (or any other defect or condition which substantially impairs the use or value of the new motor vehicle to the consumer).

4. Time limitations

The time requirements under Michigan Lemon Law are tricky and require expert evaluation. For example, Michigan’s Lemon Law tells us that if your vehicle is out of service for a total of 30 or more days or parts of days within one year from the date of delivery, there is a presumption that your vehicle is a Lemon.  This definition leads to several difficulties in interpretation. For example, can you include weekends as days out of service, or does this mean just business days? Do holidays count in the 30 day period? What are parts of days?

There are countless other ambiguities in the law. Another example is the 4 times out of service provision of the Lemon Law.  Does this mean 4 times within the first two years? What if the fourth time occurs over two years after the first repair? What if your vehicle is subject to 4 repairs within the first year and then the dealer fixes it on the 5^th attempt?

Without an attorney who has litigated these time limitation issues, and who is up to speed on the very latest case law and statutory interpretation, the manufacturer will take advantage of you. Manufacturers have endless resources and power. They hire attorneys who are well versed in Lemon Law analysis and will utilize the time limitation language in the law to defeat you. You need to fight all this power and these resources with someone who can stand up to the manufacturer, who knows the law cold and is willing to fight for your rights.

5. Business purposes

The Lemon Law says that a consumer is “A person who purchases or leases a new motor vehicle for personal, family, or household use, {(MCL 257.1401(a)(I)}. Manufacturers will sometimes argue that you are not entitled to use the Lemon Law if:

A. You use your vehicle for business. For example if there is a logo on your truck or mini van or if you use your vehicle in connection with construction, hauling, transporting, etc. (Simply using your vehicle to drive to and from work does NOT mean your vehicle is used for business purposes).

B. You write off your vehicle for tax purposes or purchase your vehicle in the name of your business.

There are several legal strategies to fight these allegations and still allow you to recover. Not every attorney knows how to defeat this argument. You need an experienced attorney who understands how to confront and counter the business purpose defense and get you the remedy you desire.

6. Failure to provide written notification

This is a technical requirement under Michigan’s Lemon Law, but judge’s HAVE thrown out Lemon Law cases where this notification was not provided. MCL 257.1403(5)(a)&(b) require written notification from the consumer or his/her representative allowing the manufacturer a final opportunity to cure the defect or condition. How and when this letter is drafted is of critical import to your case.

THE ALEXANDER LAW FIRM WILL DRAFT AND MAIL YOUR

WRITTEN NOTIFICATION TO THE MANUFACTURER BY

CERTIFIED, RETURN RECEIPT MAILING AT NO CHARGE TO YOU

Don’t let this minor requirement nullify your chance to recover. Let me handle all the details so that it is done timely and properly.

CAUTION! Do not assume that you don’t have a case if one of these tactics appears to apply to you. If you feel like you may be subject to one of these manufacturer defenses contact me for a free Lemon Law consultation. It is crucial to let an expert know about your situation immediately. It is imperative to attack these defenses in a timely manner. Adam S. Alexander has encountered and defeated all of the above tactics, allowing his clients to recover damages despite this manufacturer maneuver.

Call Adam S. Alexander, toll free at 1 877 652 0183. 

DISCLAIMER: This article is produced for informational purposes only, and may not be recreated, duplicated, published or otherwise utilized in any way whatsoever without the express written consent of The Alexander Law Firm. This article does not create an attorney client relationship between the reader/receiver and The Alexander Law Firm. The information presented should never be used as a substitute for seeking expert advice for your particular issues. We have done our best to provide you with useful and accurate information, however please be aware that laws and procedures are constantly changing and are subject to various interpretations. This article cannot substitute for the independent judgment and skills of a competent attorney or other professional. Non attorneys are cautioned against using this information in connection with a lawsuit without advice or assistance from a qualified attorney. Non attorneys are also cautioned against engaging in conduct that might be considered the unauthorized practice of law. The information in this article does not constitute legal advice.

In the past, consumers had the right to get a free credit report, but not a free credit score.  The actual credit score had been kept hidden by the credit bureaus unless you were willing to pay up to $15.00 just to see your score.  The credit bureaus made millions of dollars from this hidden score over the year.  However, this has now changed (in some cases), because of a new law which took effect January 1, 2011.

The new law requires credit card issuers and other lenders to provide many applicants with the reason why they got the interest rate which was assigned by the creditor.  This rule applies to anyone who is assigned an interest rate higher than the best rate offered to other consumers. (So if you have A1 credit, the new law may not help you obtain a free score).

Most creditors will comply with this new law by providing fee access to your FICO scores.
The FICO score is the main indicator of your creditworthiness, and is principally utilized by lender’s to set your interest rate or deny you credit.

The new law is expected to result in millions of people receiving their FICO scores from creditors.  However it is important to note that you will NOT receive a free credit score if you are turned down entirely for a new credit card or other loan. Only if you are granted credit and provided with a higher interest rate, will you be entitled to the free score.

FICO scores range from 300 to 850.  It is critical to know your score and increase your score, because the higher your score, the lower your interest rate and the higher your ability to get offered credit at all.

The new law, which is related to the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003, is in effect immediately.  So be sure to exercise your right to a free credit score from now on if you apply for credit and are charged an interest rate which is higher than anyone with A1 credit.  If any lender fails to provide you with your free report, you should immediately file a complaint with your State’s attorney general office or contact an experienced consumer protection attorney.  You can find one at www.naca.net

When you find yourself the victim of deceptive practices from a collection agency, you may need to hire the services of an experienced Michigan Stop Collection Attorney. Since many consumers are not aware of the laws regarding debt collection practices, they are often harassed and taken advantage of by unscrupulous debt collectors.  It doesn’t have to be this way, when you know the laws that debt collectors must follow, you can feel more in control of the debt you have.

Some of the laws regarding The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, as they apply to a creditor when they are COMMUNICATING WITH A PERSON OTHER THAN THE DEBTOR, (like your relatives or neighbors), for purposes to discover where the debtor is located are:

1. The creditor must say who they are, and advise that they are attempting to correct or confirm that the person lives there. If requested, they must also tell who their employer is.

2. They cannot disclose to the third party that the person owes a debt.

3. They cannot talk to the person more than once, unless they believe that the information garnered earlier was incomplete, and that the person now has additional information regarding the debtor.

4. They cannot try to communicate via post card.

5. The cannot use symbols or language that would show that they are in the business of debt collection, or that the communication has to do with a debt collection.

6. When the debt collector is aware that the consumer is represented by an attorney concerning the debt, and knows how to contact the attorney, they cannot talk to anyone but the attorney, unless the creditor gets no response from the attorney.

A debt collector cannot communicate with a consumer in relation to the collection of a debt without using the magic words: “this a communication from a debt collector” and

“this is an attempt to collect a debt” .

A debt collector must also not try to communicate with a debtor when it is not convenient for the consumer. They also cannot call the consumers work place if they are notified or aware that the consumer cannot take calls at work.

If a consumer advises the debt collector in writing that they will not pay a debt, or that they want the collector to stop communication, the debt collector must do so unless they are either telling the consumer that they have stopped collection efforts, or that they are notifying the consumer that they are taking additional actions like filing a lawsuit. If they do not follow these laws, then you will need to hire a Michigan Stop Collection Attorney. They have the knowledge and experience required to make the harassment and abuse stop, and make the people who break the laws pay for what they have done.

There is no reason to allow yourself to be threatened and harassed by collection agencies, when there are laws in place to stop this sort of behavior. Consumers can often feel overwhelmed when they are called day and night by creditors, and may not know what they can do. It is at times like this, that a Michigan Stop Collection Attorney can fight for your rights, and stop the incessant harassment.