Lemon Law Blog by 1-800-MY-LEMON - Pennsylvania & New Jersey Lemon Law Help

Can Toyota Recall Stave Off Future Lemon Law Claims?

2009-11-27T08:00:00.002-05:00

Toyota has taken proactive measures to address safety concerns with a poor combination of floor mats and pedal position causing problems with braking and acceleration. The voluntary recall has been issued by the manufacturer across many models, including the Prius, Camry, Avalon, Tacoma, and Tundra. Reports of sudden acceleration possibly resulting from complications of floor mat jamming have prompted Toyota to issue its most widespread recall ever. A Tennessee family filed a $10 million lawsuit against Toyota from the death of Dustin Ricardo after his 2007 Toyota Camry crashed into a tree from sudden unexpected acceleration. Toyota has issued a floor mat advisory describing the issue.

The Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has the authority to force recalls of safety-related defects, but in this case, Toyota has taken the initiative to issue the recalls voluntarily. Differences between Toyota's and NHTSA perspective on the cause of the defect remain in dispute. Lemon law requires manufacturers to offer a replacement vehicle or refund for defects that significantly impair use, value, or safety of a vehicle. Lemon law claims are constrained by mileage and time limits that differ from state to state. New Jersey's lemon law allows cars to be classified as lemons after a single failure of a critical safety function such as steering or braking. Pennsylvania's lemon law requires three repair attempts.

Toyota dealers are still waiting for the complete list of vehicles and VIN numbers affected by the recall and are expecting this information within the next week. Toyota is responsible for notifying dealerships and owners of eligible vehicles and footing the bill for repairs. Owners who have had defects repaired already may qualify for reimbursement.

Toyota needs to address these safety concerns as swiftly and comprehensively as possible. These types of safety defects warrant compensation under the lemon law, and it's in the best interest of Toyota's ongoing relationship with their customers to address these issues head on. Any owners of vehicles on Toyota's recall list should schedule repairs at their earliest convenience.

For owners of vehicles who have already suffered an accident or a loss of use of their vehicle due to a safety defect, recourse may be available under state lemon law guidelines.

Lemon laws can vary greatly from state to state. Anyone affected by a vehicle safety defect should contact a qualified attorney who is experienced handling lemon law cases within the same state that the owner resides in. Safety issues with any vehicle need to be taken seriously. Many lemon law firms offer free lemon law case evaluations and get paid directly from the manufacturer so there is no cost to the vehicle owner.

Car Dealership Faces License Review from Lemon Law and Overstocking Complaints

2009-11-25T14:03:00.001-05:00

A car dealership is facing license review due to multiple complaints of poor business practices, including selling vehicles with dangerous mechanical problems and exceeding the number of vehicles allowed on the lot at one time.

Repeated investigations of Griffin Powers' dealership in Bellingham, MA reported that the dealership was keeping more cars in inventory than its 44-car limit. The owner attributed to the higher number of people selling their vehicles for cash. Powers did have the inventory within his license guidelines during a September 2009 inspection.

Of greater concern though, have been multiple complaints related to serious mechanical problems. One customer who bought a used BMW complained that the front left wheel came off the car on the Interstate only 2 days after purchase. The dealership did not follow through with a reimbursement for repairs and after the car broke down again, the customer gave up on putting more time and money into the vehicle.

Normally business license renewals are straightforward and without issue. But when Powers met with the board in charge of license renewals, the number of complaints exceeded other businesses according to board Chairwoman Dawn Davies. While some of the complaints were addressed at the meeting, the board exercised their option to postpone their decision on the license renewal until December. Several receipts were presented for buy backs for customers requesting to return their vehicle under the lemon law, but many other complaints were lacking proof of resolution.

Under most state lemon laws, car dealerships are required to make it clear when a vehicle has been purchased as a buy back, or lemon. An audit in Massachusetts recently revealed a high percentage of dealerships who failed to put notices on vehicles that were buy backs. A recent Wisconsin dealership was forced to pay $93,000 to compensate consumers who had bought buyback vehicles without being forewarned. Some states have increased consumer protection, allow a vehicle to be deemed a lemon after only a single incident involving a life-threatening failure of a steering or braking system. New Jersey Lemon Law is one example of improvements in consumer protection.

Many states are realizing that protecting their consumers is especially important in this economy, when consumers have less to spend and are putting more at risk for large, important purchases. Besides a house, a vehicle can be the most expensive purchase most people make. You have to know you're protected when things go wrong. If you are worried about the safety of a vehicle you recently purchased, don't wait; contact an experienced lemon law attorney in your state.

Oklahoma Joins New Jersey in Better Lemon Law Protection for Consumers

2009-11-13T13:21:00.003-05:00

Starting this month, Oklahoma consumers will have better, clearer options if they find themselves owning a lemon under Senate Bill 812. The new law can be credited to the efforts of Angie Vera, who discovered the complexities and frustrations of the Oklahoma Lemon Law first hand.

The new lemon law specifies a formula that must be used in the calculation of “reasonable usage” fees that are charges that car manufactures can charge the consumer when trying to return a lemon. Prior to the new changes, these fees were arbitrarily left to the manufacturer's decision.

Like in Massachusetts, Oklahoma cars returned under the lemon law must be specifically labeled as a “Lemon Law Buyback” before the vehicle can be resold, leased, or transferred. Furthermore, the manufacturer must offer the new purchaser of any lemon the same warranty as the original purchaser had, with a 12,000 mile or 12 month limit (whichever comes first). Or, the manufacturer can provide the consumer with a statement explaining why the car was returned. Finally, the new lemon law takes a strong position on any vehicle returned for braking or steering system failures by prohibiting the resale of any vehicle returned for these issues.

These changes echo lemon law improvements in other states. Last month, New Jersey lemon law changes expanded protection for consumers who encounter problems with their new vehicle from 18,000 miles to 24,000 miles. Under the old law, a consumer had to suffer through 3 repair attempts. Now, any unresolved defect that could cause serious injury or death qualifies a car as a lemon after a single attempt.

"Oklahoma has taken important steps to protect the safety and financial stability of their consumers. Manufactures need to get on board with ensuring the safety of their customers if they want to earn their trust and get repeat business", said leading lemon law attorney David J. Gorberg. "Oklahoma and New Jersey have set great examples of improving lemon law protection and awareness of lemon law rights. We have a lot to thank Angie Vera and other consumers who continue to raise awareness about lemon law protection – especially where safety is concerned."

Many states fall behind Oklahoma and New Jersey. Pennsylvania lemon law only protects consumers up to 12,000 miles or one year and requires 3 repair attempts before the consumer is entitled to a new car or full refund. These repairs must be performed by an authorized dealer, otherwise the consumer is not protected under the lemon law.

“Lemon laws vary greatly from state to state,” warns Gorberg. “Always contact a qualified lemon law attorney who knows the laws in in your state and how to help you get the best settlement.”

Lemon Law Protection and Awareness Improving in NJ and MA

2009-11-13T13:13:00.003-05:00

Some states are tackling lemon law protection for their residents head on. While federal law dictates some standard measures of consumer protection for vehicle buyers, such as an odometer disclosure and a window sticker indicating if a car is being sold as is or with a warranty, each state has very different policies for protecting consumers under the lemon law.

Massachusetts Lemon Laws require the placement of a bright yellow sticker in the window to notify consumers of their lemon law rights. Last week, a recent study by the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation of over 1900 new and used cars for sale at dealerships found many cars missing the required lemon law notification sticker in the window. Of the new cars for sale, 25% were missing the sticker. For used cars, nearly 1/2 were missing the sticker. Only 8 car dealerships of the 73 reviewed were in full compliance of the state lemon law.
“It's very encouraging to see some states improving protection for consumers with defective vehicles and bringing awareness to dealerships that they need to comply with the lemon laws in their states if they want the trust of their customers”

An improved New Jersey lemon law signed last month expands the protection for consumers who encounter problems with their new vehicle from 18,000 miles to 24,000 miles. Under the old law, a consumer had to wait until the manufacturers made 3 repair attempts. Now, any unresolved defect that could cause serious injury or death can qualify a car as a lemon after only 1 repair attempt.

"It's very encouraging to see some states improving protection for consumers with defective vehicles and bringing awareness to dealerships that they need to comply with the lemon laws in their states if they want the trust of their customers", said leading lemon law attorney David J. Gorberg. "We'd like to see other states following the example of New Jersey and Massachusetts by stepping up lemon law protection and awareness of lemon law rights."

Some states have a longer way to go. Pennsylvania lemon law ranks lower in lemon law protection than many states, with protection only up to 12,000 miles or one year. Pennsylvania requires 3 repair attempts before the consumer is entitled to a new car or full refund. These repairs must be performed by an authorized dealer, otherwise the consumer is not covered.

In states with active state agencies and consumer groups, dealerships are coming to realize that their compliance with state lemon laws could earn or lose the trust of their customers. This direct translation to the bottom line is good news for the driver looking for reliability and a good response when things go wrong.

David J. Gorberg & Associates, The Lemon Law Attorneys, has arbitrated, settled and litigated thousands of lemon law claims to date, throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, recovering millions of dollars for it's clients . David J. Gorberg & Associates, The Lemon Law Attorneys , has become a household name throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey as a result of it's extensive TV, Radio and Billboard advertising, and use of it's famous 1-800-MY-LEMON jingle, and can be reached at 1-800 MY LEMON (1-800-695-3666) or www.mylemon.com.

Pennsylvania Lemon Law - 10 Facts Car Owners Should Know

2009-11-01T20:37:00.005-05:00

In order to better understand the Pennsylvania Lemon Law we have listed the most important facts which every Pennsylvania new car owner should know.

1. The Pennsylvania Lemon Law applies to all new vehicles purchased in the state, or originally registered in the state. The Pennsylvania Lemon law does not apply to used cars.

2. Only cars used for personal use are covered under the The Pennsylvania Lemon Law. Cars which are primarily used for business or commercial use are not covered under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law.

3. Motorcycles, trailers, campers, and ATV's are not covered under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law.

4. The Pennsylvania lemon law provides the manufacturer 3 repair attempts to correct a defect or condition that substantially impairs the use value or safety of the car.
If the manufacturer fails to correct a defect in 3 repair attempts, then the consumer is entitled to a new car or full refund.

5. The owner of a lemon new car must bring the defective car into the dealer for repair at least one time within the first year of purchase or 12,000 miles whichever comes first.

6. Under Pennsylvania Lemon Law, you must bring your car for repair to an authorized dealer. Vehicles, which are repaired at non authorized dealers are not covered by the Pennsylvania Lemon Law.

7. The Pennsylvania Lemon Law permits the consumer to hold the manufacturer responsible for towing charges.

8. Pennsylvania Lemon Law does not apply to defects resulting from abuse or the misuse of the vehicle.

9. The Pennsylvania Lemon Law does not allow a manufacturer or dealer to sell a vehicle that was repurchased as a lemon unless the dealer obtains a signed written acknowledgement from the buyer.

10. The Pennsylvania Lemon Law mandates that all attorney fees shall be paid by the manufacturer if the consumer prevails on his or her lemon law claim.

Changes to New Jersey Lemon Law - New and Improved!

2009-10-02T13:39:00.006-04:00

As reported in PolitikerNJ.com, Gov. Jon S. Corzine has signed into law a new and improved New Jersey Lemon Law. Thanks to Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey, the changes to the New Jersey Lemon Law enhance consumer protections and provides greater rights to owners of cars throughout New Jersey.

Under the old New Jersey Lemon Law, owners of defective cars in New Jersey were only covered if their vehicle was found to have non repairable defects, which could not repaired after 3 repair attempts within the first 18,000 miles or two years of operation, whichever comes first.

The changes to the lemon law now expand the coverage to 24,000 miles, instead of 18,000. In addition to the expansion of the mileage, the law also creates a distinction between the types of manufacturer’s defects covered under the Lemon Law.

Consumers who purchase a vehicle with a serious defect – one that is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven – are now able to declare the vehicle a lemon if the problem cannot be corrected after a single repair attempt.

All other types of flaws, continue to constitute a lemon only after three or more failed repair attempts

1-800-MY-LEMON, David J. Gorberg & Associates, Pennsylvania and New Jersey's premier lemon law firm, congratulate the state of New Jersey and, Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey, for Protecting Consumers Rights with the changes to the New Jersey lemon law.

Top 5 Reasons to Choose 1-800-MY-LEMON Attorneys For Your Lemon Law Case

2009-09-16T12:10:00.005-04:00

1. Free Lemon Law Help

Our lemon law representation is completely free to you. There is no cost to you and we recover our fees from the manufacturer.

2. Lemon Law Experience.

Our lemon law team, consisting of attorneys, paralegals, and automotive experts all have years of experience in handling lemon law cases. We have represented thousands of clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, recovering millions of dollars in settlements, and have become the leading lemon law firm to call for free legal help in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

3. Quick and Efficient Lemon Law Settlements.

Because of our years of experience we are able to settle many cases within a short time period, such as 30-60 days.

4. Personalized Lemon Law Serviced.

Our firm prides itself on the outstanding personalized service. You are not just a number, but a valued client. We always make sure our clients are informed about the status of their lemon law cases and calls are always answered and returned.

5. The Top 100 Attorneys In Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

Select our firm because our founder, David J. Gorberg, is considered one of the best lemon law lawyers in the country. In addition, Mr. Gorberg was only lemon law attorney to be included in the Top 100 attorneys list as published by Philadelphia Magazine.

New Lemon Law Cases at 1-800-MY-LEMON, Fall in for September!

2009-09-14T13:12:00.008-04:00

Summer is over, fall is almost here, and our phones at 1-800-MY-LEMON are ringing off the hook with new lemon law clients. We have set a record for new lemon law cases signed up for the first 2 weeks of September.

Our TV and Radio lemon law ads are running in many Pennsylvania cities and so far the feedback has been fantastic.

If you are experiencing car problems we can help you get money back.

1. You call 1-800-MY-LEMON or visit us a MyLemon.com
2. We evaluate your lemon law case and provide cost free representation
3. We submit your case to the manufacturer, and get you a cash settlement.

Top 10 Signs Your New Car is a Lemon

2009-09-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

It's monday morning, so we thought we would start out the week with some lemon law humor. Our lemon law firm compiled a humorous list of the "Top 10 Signs Your Car Is a Lemon".

1. 1-800-MY-LEMON, the lemon law attorneys, written on dashboard.
2. Manufactured in Zchkynk, Crzyktjkystan.
3. Oil spills on your driveway prompt a visit from Greenpeace.
4. The rear-view mirror says, “Objects in Mirror Are Better Than This Piece of Junk.”
5. Turn on the wipers and two guys climb out of the trunk with squeegees
6. Traffic Watch warns other drivers what highway you’re taking.
7. The hood ornament? An ostrich with its head in the sand.
8. "Jaws of Life" in trunk.
9. Your tinted windows are also known as Hefty Garbage Bags.
10. When you approach hitchhikers, they put their thumbs down.

Top 2 Pennsylvania Lemon Law misconceptions by 1-800-MY-LEMON

2009-09-11T21:08:00.006-04:00

Top 2 misconceptions of the Pennsylvania Lemon Law

1) Misconception number 1: All cars are covered under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law

- Wrong! The Pennsylvania Lemon Law only applies to NEW vehicles. Used vehicles, regardless of the mileage are not covered under the PA Lemon Law. Used cars are covered under the federal warranty act, also known as the magnuson-moss act, which permits damages against the warrantor for failure to repair a defect.

2) Misconception number 2: Leased cars are not covered under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law.

- Wrong! The Pennsylvania Lemon Law specifically includes both purchased and leased cars. The PA Lemon Law was changed in 2002 to include leased cars.

Chrysler Seeks To Clarify PA Lemon Law and NJ Lemon Law Claims and Suits

2009-07-02T09:33:00.004-04:00

As reported in BankruptcyLaw360, the former Chrysler LLC has asked the bankruptcy court to approve a process to ease the implementation of the lemon law provision in Italian carmaker Fiat SpA's $2 billion agreement to purchase the company.

The sale agreement, consummated June 10, allows for the sale of Chrysler's principal assets to Fiat, creating a new company called Chrysler Group LLC, referred to in the bankruptcy proceeding as “New Chrysler.”

Under the deal, new Chrysler would also assume certain liabilities of the old company, and pay the old company $2 billion in cash.

Before the sale was approved, several state attorneys general and consumer groups pushed for the rights of consumers under state lemon laws be adequately protected under the deal.

To resolve these concerns, New Chrysler agreed to assume many of the lemon law obligations, including Pennsylvania lemon law and New Jersey lemon law claims, and a lemon law provision was inserted into the sale order.

Under that provision, New Chrysler took on many of the lemon law obligations, but did not assume certain forms of relief or liabilities, like punitive, exemplary or consequential damages or claims for personal injury. New Chrysler also did not take on liabilities for vehicles that were manufactured more than five years before the sale's closing.

In addition, the provision did not detail exactly how New Chrysler is to assume the lemon law liabilities, particularly the pending lemon law actions against the debtors. Upon entering bankruptcy protecting, Chrysler was a defendant in some 1,350 lemon law actions in various states.

In the motion filed Tuesday, Chrysler requests that the court approve a clear process to allow pending and future lemon law claims against old Chrysler to be switched to New Chrysler, allowing the remaining debtor and the bankruptcy court to be freed of involvement from the cases.

“The debtors have been contacted by numerous lemon law claimants, including the lemon law firm David J. Gorberg & Associates, seeking to determine how to assert the assumed lemon law liabilities. The debtors have also received inquiries from various states seeking clarification regarding the best means to proceed in administering lemon law actions,” the motion said.

“Without a clear process to address these issues, the debtors anticipate that certain lemon law claimants may seek to proceed with their claims and lawsuits in a manner that violates the automatic stay or violates the limitations of the lemon law provision. Likewise the debtors expect that the may be faced with numerous motions to modify the automatic stay to permit the pursuit of the assumed lemon law liabilities,” the motion said.

Old Chrysler is asking the bankruptcy court to allow a plaintiff to switch its lemon law case to New Chrysler in one of three ways.

The first method would involve filing the appropriate papers in the lemon law case to indicate that New Chrysler is being substituted for a defendant, and stating that only the assumed liabilities are being pursued against New Chrysler.

The second method involves dismissing the lemon law action and filing a new action solely against New Chrysler.

The third allows for any similar arrangement deemed acceptable by both the debtors and New Chrysler, as long as no claims are pursued against the debtors and no excluded liabilities are pursued against New Chrysler.

Any lemon law plaintiff who follows those procedures will not be deemed in violation of the automatic stay, the debtors proposed.

Responses to the request are due July 10; a hearing will be held July 16.

*The above information was reported in BankruptcyLaw360.

Cars - Which Auto Companies Own What

2009-07-01T22:17:00.003-04:00

The car industry is very convoluted these days, with continued change around the world. The poor economy has resulted in widespread cost reductions and new partnerships in auto ownerships.

To help clarify the confusion, here is a list of which auto companies owns which brands. Despite the changes, the one consistent factor is that all consumers are still fully protected from defective autos through the state lemon law.

BMW owns: BMW, Mini, and Rolls Royce

Fiat owns: Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Lancia, Maserati; Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep–20-percent stake

Ford Motor Company owns: Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo (for now), and still owns 13.4 percent of Mazda

General Motors owns: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC. Also owns a controlling interest in Daewoo, as well as Opel and Vauxhall in Europe and Holden in Australia. (Pontiac to be discontinued)

Honda owns: Honda, Acura

Hyundai owns: Hyundai, Kia

Tata Motors (India) owns: Jaguar and Land Rover

Mazda (partially owned by Ford)

Mitsubishi

Daimler AG owns: Mercedes-Benz and Smart

Nissan owns: Nissan and Infiniti (Nissan is owned by Renault--France)

Porsche owns: Porsche and a majority share in Volkswagen

Subaru (A controlling interest of Subaru is owned by Toyota)

Suzuki

Toyota Motor Company owns: Lexus, Toyota, Scion, Daihatsu and Hino Motors, with a stake in Fuji Industries (Subaru’s parent company) and Isuzu

Volkswagen owns: Audi, Volkswagen, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and overseas SEAT and Skoda.

In formal negotiations to be sold:
Hummer: Tengzhong (China)
Saturn: Penske Automotive Group
Saab: Koenigsegg (Sweden)

New Jersey Lemon Law - More Rights for Consumers

2009-06-27T14:28:00.006-04:00

The New Jersey Assembly has given final approval to strengthen the
New Jersey lemon law. It's now up to Governor Jon Corzine whether to sign the approved bill, giving greater rights to the original lemon law which was enacted 17 years ago.

Under the new act, New Jersey residents who purchased or leased a new vehicle with a defect that could not be repaired in three attempts would have lemon law protection for the first 24,000 miles, up from the current 18,000. Defects that endanger health and safety would have to be corrected in one attempt.

David J. Gorberg, the lemon law lawyer, says strengthening New Jersey's lemon law will give consumers peace of mind and may also help the auto industry.

David Gorberg Named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for A 6th Year In A Row!

2009-06-06T10:41:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to PA lemon law lawyer, David Gorberg, for being named a 2009 Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for a 6th year in a row! The Super Lawyer List was published in the June 2009 edition of Philadelphia Magazine and Law and Politics Magazine.

In November of 2008, Law & Politics Magazine mailed more then 34,000 ballots to attorneys across Pennsylvania requesting each lawyer to vote for the most effective attorneys they had personally observed in action. Each nominated lawyer was given a score based on the number of votes. The top point getters were then reviewed by a panel of experts to determine the final outcome for the Super Lawyer award. The final list of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers is made up of less then five percent of all Pennsylvania lawyers.

Chrysler agrees to lemon law changes to bankruptcy plan

2009-05-27T13:10:00.001-04:00

As reported in the Detroit News, Chrysler LLC said today it would honor lemon law claims from existing owners.

Under state and federal laws, owners of defective new vehicles can demand repairs or replacement vehicles if a new vehicle can't be fixed. Chrysler will agree to "recognize, honor and pay liabilities under lemon law for additional repairs, refund or replacement of a defective vehicle," the company said in a legal filing today. Chrysler had already agreed to honor existing warranties.

CHRYSLER SEEKS TO LEAVE LEMON LAW CONSUMERS HIGH AND DRY

2009-05-21T14:33:00.000-04:00

In the wake of Chrysler’s bankruptcy, many individuals have been effected. Most thoughts go first to the automakers themselves, then the suppliers, on down to the individual car dealerships and their employees. There is one group that remains forgotten - and now it seems Chrysler is seeking to keep it that way.

Those persons who have brought Lemon Law and Breach of Warranty suits for their defective vehicles are in a state of limbo. All cases that are currently filed in state and federal courts are stayed. Anyone who had settled a lawsuit but had not yet been paid at the time Chrysler filed for bankruptcy has yet to see their recovery. This means that in addition to countless persons being owed money by Chrysler for unpaid claims, there are others whose vehicles were to be bought back by the manufacturer or replaced, and are now stuck with defective vehicles, or in the worst cases left without vehicles that the manufacturer had taken possession of and without the money to replace them.

Normally when a company emerges from bankruptcy those cases that were stayed may be re-listed by courts; the settled matters, if part of a bankruptcy sale, will be paid, giving consumers a light at the end of the tunnel. Chrysler, in its agreement of sale to Italian automaker Fiat, appears to oblige the purchaser to honor warranties and warranty based claims, their conduct however, appears a complete contradiction.

Having advocated for consumer rights for years, this is a troubling sign of things to come. Should Chrysler have all claims filed prior to the bankruptcy discharged, those consumers who purchased these defective products will be without any recourse. If General Motors files for bankruptcy June 1, we could see the same issues emerge. I urge all consumers to contact their state representatives and tell them to fight for their rights.

This is what we love to see...Another happy lemon law client!

2009-05-08T11:52:00.006-04:00

Dear David Gorberg and Staff,

You recently helped me with a lemon law claim, I called about with my 2005 Mazda 6. I honestly wasn't expecting any kind of money, I was just looking to not be stuck with a "lemon" and getting stuck with payments. But everyone in your office was so courteous and friendly, it was just a pleasure to talk to Nicole and all the girls who helped me. It a good feeling to know that nice friendly people like all of you are still out there. Please please enjoy this card, hope it makes everyone smile. Thank you all very much.

Melissa D.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Click Here to see the Melissa's lemon law thank you note to our firm.

Spring Rain Causes Lemon Law Pain

2009-05-07T15:44:00.003-04:00

With the heavy rain we experienced today, our lemon law firm was inundated, or better yet, flooded with cases, 20 and counting, from Pennsylvania and New Jersey consumers requesting free lemon law help for car water leaks. So we decided to address this possible lemon law condition.

For most people, heavy rain results in congested rush hour roadways and perhaps increased travel time. However, for some unlucky car owners, driving in heavy rain means having to deal with annoying water leaks. Rainwater dripping steadily down from the bottom of the dash and causing water damage to the carpet and underlying pad. The water leak is not only aggravating, but if allowed to persist, can turn into a hazardous mold condition.

At 1-800-MY-LEMON we have discovered that water leaks are usually caused by 2 problems..defective seals and/or defective drains.

1. Seals – Window seals and weatherstripping are designed to keep interior air in and the outside air out. A hissing or whistle condition is a sign that the seal or weatherstripping is damaged. Inspect the windows for missing or damaged seals. Specifically, lumps or other imperfections may be preventing a seal and letting water in. There are 2 ways to check if the seal is working properly:

a. Chalk – Rub chalk on the surface of the weather strip. When you close the door, chalk will transfer from the strip to the door on areas that are sealed properly.

b. Dollar – Place a dollar bill in between the door and the car. Shut the door and then try and pull the dollar out. If your car is properly sealed, you will not be able to pull the dollar out.

2. Drains – Cars are made to channel water to places that are designed as drains. You may not realize it, but water flows all over the inside of a car body. Water can run inside the C pillars, the inside of doors, and through the cowl vents. Therefore it is important that you inspect your car for debris that can block the drains. This is especially true in cowling shields.

Needless to say, it is very important to service your car for any leaks at the dealer. By following the above you may be able to isolate the auto water leak and inform the dealer as to the location. Should the dealer fail to repair the leak, you should contact a lemon law firm, such as 1-800-MY-LEMON (1-800-695-3666) to obtain a refund or new car under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law or New Jersey Lemon Law.
posted by David Gorberg

MyLemon hangs out with BenFM at Suburban Square, Ardmore

2009-05-06T16:15:00.008-04:00

To our surprise BenFM showed up at the court yard of Suburban Square. Being big fans of the radio station, our lemon law crew rushed out to greet and welcome them to our lemon law headquarters.

Congrats to Kristy, Nicole, Jackie and Anne for winning gifts and appearing on BenFM's website video.

Click here to see the Lemon Law gang on the BenFM video.

Bankruptcy for Chrysler Probably Averted as Banks Agree To Reduce Debt

2009-04-28T13:33:00.002-04:00

Chrysler LLC and the U.S. Treasury Dept. have formed a tentative agreement with banks and private equity firms holding $6.9 billion of the automaker’s debt. The entities have agreed to accept $2 billion and a small equity interest in the new company, paving the way for Chrysler to avoid bankruptcy and merge with the Italian automaker Fiat.

The agreement to reduce debt was confirmed by a Treasury official who said: “The agreement from Chrysler’s principal banks is an exceptional accomplishment in line with the President’s firm commitment that all stakeholders sacrifice to make this deal succeed.”

A deal with Fiat is now expected to proceed forward, with the Italian automaker owning 35% of Chrysler, while the United Auto Workers will own up to 55%, and the Federal government up to 10%.

The Chrysler deal with bond holders is significant, not only for Chrysler, but also for GM, since it could be a model for a deal at GM, whose restructuring to avoid bankruptcy is also dependent on debt holders taking an enormous “cram-down” on what they are owed.

1-800-MY-LEMON Jingle ringtone on Crackberry.com

2009-04-23T13:06:00.003-04:00

We are proud to announce that our famous lemon law jingle is now available as a ringtone download on Crackberry.com. Crackberry.com is the #1 shop for blackberry users. Click here to download our lemon law ringtone.

GM on a course to bankruptcy? How to Protect Lemon Law Claims.

2009-04-01T08:47:00.006-04:00

Is GM heading for bankruptcy? According to the New York Times, a plan being worked out by the administration, G.M. would file for prearranged bankruptcy. It would then use a sale authorized under Section 363 of the bankruptcy code to quickly sell off the desirable assets to a new company financed by the government. These good pieces might include Cadillac and Chevrolet, as well as assets the company needs to run the business.

Less desirable assets, brands like Hummer and underperforming factories, would be left in the old company. Proceeds from the sales, including stock in the new company, would be given to the old G.M., helping to settle claims.

1-800-MY-LEMON, PA and NJ's Lemon Law Lawyers, urge the government to include all lemon law buybacks (both pre and post bankruptcy) as well as compensation to consumers for breach of warranty claims for all brands of gm cars, to be included with the new company. Failure to do so, may result in lengthy delays of payment, and or, a reduction of payments to consumers.

Obama Administration’s New Warrantee Commitment Program

2009-03-30T09:50:00.003-04:00

Today, the Treasury Department announced an innovative new program to give consumers who are considering new car purchases the confidence that even in this difficult economic period, their warrantees will be honored. This program is part of the Administration’s broader program to stabilize the auto industry and stand behind a restructuring effort that will result in stronger, more competitive and viable American car companies.

The Administration has committed to working with both GM and Chrysler during a finite period to develop improved restructuring plans. The goal in both cases is to help these companies emerge with a fresh start toward becoming competitive businesses without taxpayer assistance. During this period of restructuring, the Administration is committed to standing behind the process. The Administration is confident that GM will emerge as stronger company and is hopeful that Chrysler can reach an agreement with Fiat that leads to a viable future. However, no matter what the outcome, consumers should have confidence that if they buy new cars from either company their warrantees will be honored.

The warranty program will cover all warranties on new vehicles purchased from participating auto manufacturers during the period in which those manufacturers are restructuring. Both General Motors and Chrysler have agreed to participate in the program. Specifically, the program will:

• Create a separate account that will be funded with cash contributed by the manufacturer and a loan from the US Government to pay for repairs covered by the manufacturer’s warranty on each new vehicle sold by a participating domestic auto manufacturer during its restructuring period. The cash contribution will be 125% of the costs projected by the manufacturer to satisfy anticipated claims under the warranty issued on that vehicle; and

• In the event of a failure of a participating auto manufacturer, appoint a program administrator who, together with the US Government, will identify an auto service provider to supply warranty services.

The program will help provide much needed certainty to consumers, and a boost to the auto industry, during the restructuring period. While the Administration recognizes that general economic uncertainty may continue to impact new vehicle sales, and that the ultimate solution for a healthy auto industry is a broad restructuring of the industry and a general economic recovery, the program will support and encourage the continued viability and restructuring of the auto industry by mitigating consumer uncertainty that is depressing demand for new vehicles.

What does the program mean for consumers?

• If you buy a new GM or Chrysler car during this restructuring period you will be eligible.

• You do not have to do anything to receive the U.S. commitment to your warrantee. It is automatic.

• The U.S. Treasury will work with the auto companies to back-stop your warrantee, and will commit to honoring that warrantee in the event that the manufacturer cannot.

Program Operation:
As part of their normal business operations, auto manufacturers establish an accounting reserve for each new vehicle sold, which reflects the expected cost of providing warranty services on that vehicle. Under the Warranty Commitment Program, the participating auto manufacturer will contribute cash to a separate special purpose company whose sole purpose is to pay covered warranty claims. The total amount of cash to be contributed will equal to 125% of the expected cost of paying for warranty service on each covered vehicle. The manufacturer will contribute 15% of the projected cost from its own funds, and Treasury will provide additional funds to cover 110% of the projected cost. The company holding the funds will be run separately from the auto manufacturer and will be able to continue paying warranty claims even if the auto manufacturer goes into bankruptcy or goes out of business. In that case, the special purpose company will use the funds in that account to facilitate the transfer of warranty obligations from the issuing manufacturer to a new warranty services provider.

The program will be run by a third party program administrator with the backing of financial resources allocated from the Treasury Department’s Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

Eligible Auto Manufacturers:
Any domestic auto manufacturer is eligible to participate in the program. If a manufacturer decides to participate, it will work with the third party administrator to establish a warranty support program. Participating auto manufacturers will contribute 15% of the cash reserve for each new warranty they issue. The US Government will provide the remainder of the funding for the cash reserve on each new warranty issued by the participating auto manufacturer during the period in which it is enrolled in the program.

If the auto manufacturer goes out of business, the program administrator and the US Government will conduct a process to identify a qualified third party warranty service provider to assume responsibility for all of the manufacturer’s warranties covered by the program, in exchange for the assets of the program. Because of the significant funding of the reserve account, Treasury is confident that qualified third parties will be interested in taking over the warrantee obligations.

Eligible Warranties:
The program will cover the participating manufacturer’s warranty on every new car sold during its restructuring period

American Holding On To Their Cars

2009-03-25T08:00:00.003-04:00

Americans are holding onto their cars for longer periods. According to a recent report by the research firm R. L. Polk & Company, the median age of cars in operation hit a record 9.4 years in 2008, up from 9.2 in 2006 and 2007, while the percentage of cars taken out of circulation fell to 5.1 percent, from 5.5 percent in 2007.

“People are hunkering down,” said Dave Goebel, a consultant with R. L. Polk. “There is great uncertainty about what the future holds, so people are going to avoid anything out of pocket.”

A separate survey of 713 vehicle owners by R. L. Polk found that 64 percent of them were “very likely” or “extremely likely” to keep their vehicles longer and 81 percent said they were going to take better care of their vehicles so they would last longer.

The overall results of Americans holding onto their cars, may result in a future drop in lemon law claim, since less new cars are being sold. Presently, 1-800-MY-LEMON has actually experienced a rise in overall lemon law and breach of warranty claims this year and has seen a significant increase in new clients, seeking lemon law help, over the last several months.