Unfortunately, many Alabama consumers have found out the hard way that a high number of the new cars and trucks purchased each year have significant defects.  If you have purchased a defective automobile in the State of Alabama, you may very well have a claim under the Alabama Lemon Law, which is codified at Alabama Code § 8-20A-1, et seq.  In short, the Alabama Lemon Law allows a consumer to pursue claims for defects which may affect the safety, market value, or use of a vehicle.

If successful, a consumer may obtain either a new vehicle (free of defects) or an award of monetary damages, which can include a full refund of the purchase price paid for the vehicle and an award of attorney’s fees.  To pursue a claim for such damages, the Alabama Lemon Law requires adherence to the following regulations:

1) You must notify the manufacturer of a claim (via certified mail) within the first year after the purchase or within 12,000 miles, whichever event occurs first; and

2) The manufacturer must be allowed at least three (3) attempts to repair the vehicle in question and then is provided one (1) final attempt to repair the vehicle after notice of a claim is formally provided to the manufacturer.

    An experienced lemon law attorney can assist consumers in meeting all requirements specified under the Alabama Lemon Law and ensuring that the consumer receives just compensation for their losses.  Many major car manufacturers, such as Ford, Chevrolet, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, and others, participate in a mediation process administered through the Better Business Bureau which can assist consumers in resolving their claims.  If mediation proves unsuccessful, a consumer may then bring an action against the manufacturer under the Alabama Lemon Law as well as other federal statutes in a court of law.