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In today’s digital age, consumers have more power than ever before. With just a few clicks, you can access endless amounts of information, compare products, and even engage with advocacy groups to help make informed decisions—especially when it comes to big-ticket purchases like buying a car. This shift toward consumer awareness and advocacy has been transformative in many industries, and the automotive sector is no exception. Now, more than ever, buyers can make smarter, educated choices before committing to a purchase.

The Power of Information

The biggest change has been the consumer’s ability to access detailed information about the products they are purchasing. Online resources have shifted the power back into the hands of consumers, helping them understand the features of cars in-depth instead of simply relying on persuasive sales pitches. Recently, more people have been turning to websites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Consumer Reports to stay informed, allowing them to make unbiased decisions based purely on vehicle information.

Social media platforms have also played a significant role in helping people connect with others about their experiences and concerns regarding their vehicles. Facebook groups, Twitter discussions, and Reddit threads provide communities for like-minded individuals, allows consumers to learn from others’ mistakes, discover issues with specific models, and receive real-time updates about recalls.

Online Reviews and Transparency

The internet empowers consumers now more than ever, as it helps hold companies accountable and places honesty at the forefront of every purchase. Websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot allow customers to leave feedback, whether it’s positive or negative. If a car manufacturer’s vehicle falls short of expectations or a dealership provides poor service, buyers can share their experiences online, helping others make more informed decisions.

Social media has the power to shape public perception. A handful of negative reviews or a viral post can cause irreparable damage to a company’s reputation. This puts pressure on automakers and dealerships to improve their offerings and be more transparent about their products, ensuring easily accessible information on recalls and defects.

Consumer Advocacy Groups: A Stronger Voice

On the legal side, consumer advocacy groups play a vital role in protecting buyers. Organizations like the Arizona Attorney General’s Office and the CIC prioritize ensuring consumers are treated fairly, investigating complaints, and mediating disputes between consumers and businesses.

These advocacy groups also help consumers understand the lemon laws, which are designed to protect individuals. They ensure consumers are fully informed of their rights and provide crucial support when things go wrong. Additionally, if consumers need to pursue legal action, these groups can refer them to an attorney who specializes in the issue at hand. Whether it’s a lemon law claim, faulty warranties, or safety recalls, these organizations offer valuable legal advice and support.

Fostering a More Informed Public

This new age of consumer awareness is leading to a more informed public. Consumers now have the tools, information, and support to make better decisions and protect their interests. Whether it’s reading reviews, joining advocacy groups, or holding companies accountable through transparency, buyers are empowered like never before.

As automakers adapt to the demand for transparency and improved customer service, the entire  automotive industry benefits from a shift toward consumer-first practices. In the end, consumers are the winners, equipped to make smarter, more informed choices in their automotive purchases.

If you think you purchased a Lemon vehicle, the best advice is to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.  Many people give up without ever contacting an attorney and are surprised to learn that the law allows you the right to hire an attorney for free.  The law is there to protect you, but it only works if you take advantage of it—before it’s too late!

For more information, contact Hammer Law PLLC to speak with an experienced Lemon Law attorney at (888) 705-6067 or hammerlemonlaw.com.

Sources:

Source: Consumer Reports. (n.d.). Car Buying Guide. Retrieved from https://www.consume rreports.org/cars/

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Kelley Blue Book. (n.d.). Car Values & Pricing. Retrieved from https://www.kbb.com

Automotive News. (2020, August 10). How Consumer Advocacy is Shaping Auto Sales and Buying Behaviors. Retrieved from https://www.autonews.com

Ma, J. (n.d.). Consumer rights and advocacy in Arizona. StateRegsToday. Retrieved February 4, 2025, from https://www.stateregstoday.com/living/consumer-protection/consumer-rights-and-advocacy-in-arizona

Picture this: You’ve just driven off the dealership lot in your shiny new car. That “fresh of the lot” smell fills the air, and the wind whips through your hair as you cruise down the highway, ready for adventure. Then, disaster strikes. Your brand-new car breaks down once, twice, and before you know it, it’s a regular at the repair shop. The techs know you by name, and you swear you can hear their collective groan every time you pull in. Your new car is giving you more trouble than a broken vending machine. It might be time to face it: your car could be a lemon. But what now? Should you handle this lemon law case yourself, or is it time to call in a lawyer?

First, let’s get on the same page: What is the lemon law?
Lemon laws protect consumers who buy new cars with major defects that can’t be fixed after several attempts or within a certain timeframe (usually the first 24 months or 24,000 miles). If your car qualifies, the manufacturer must either replace the vehicle or refund your money. Sounds straightforward, right? So why might you need a lawyer?

If the manufacturer isn’t cooperating or keeps dragging its feet, a lemon law attorney can help. Here’s why:

1. The Manufacturer Isn’t Cooperating – Dealing with big corporations can be a nightmare. They know the law, and they’re often not quick to resolve your case. An attorney, however, specializes in negotiating with these giants and can level the playing field. They can push for quicker results, often getting you a better resolution than trying to go it alone.
2. Deadlines – Lemon law cases are time-sensitive, and missing a deadline can completely derail your chances of getting a fair outcome. An attorney is well-versed in the legal timeline and ensures your claim is filed on time, with all necessary documentation in place. No need to worry about missing out because of paperwork errors or missed dates.
3. Complex Cases – Not all lemon law cases are simple. If your car’s repair history is complicated, or it doesn’t meet all the specific legal criteria (such as the number of repair attempts), things can get tricky. A lemon law attorney has the expertise to assess your case and guide you through the best approach. They can also help if you’re dealing with a used car, lease, or any other situation that adds complexity to the case.
4. Beyond Refunds – Many people assume that the lemon law only covers vehicle replacements or refunds, but it can actually entitle you to other forms of compensation you might not expect. For example, towing fees, rental car costs, legal fees, and other out-of-pocket expenses. A lawyer can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive everything you’re entitled to, helping you recover additional costs incurred because of the lemon.
5. Expertise and Strategy – Lemon law attorneys have a deep and thorough understanding of the legal process. They know how to frame your case, handle negotiations, and what strategies will maximize your chances of success. Whether your case goes to court or is settled outside, they’ll ensure you’re on the best path forward.
6. Avoiding Mistakes – Legal processes can be confusing, especially when it comes to paperwork, deadlines, and specific rules. An attorney ensures that everything is handled properly and that you don’t make mistakes that could weaken your case. They can also advise you on the best way to communicate with the manufacturer to avoid pitfalls.

While it might seem tempting to take on a lemon law case yourself, hiring an attorney can save you valuable time, stress, and money. From navigating the complex legal process to negotiating the best possible outcome, a lawyer’s expertise gives you the best shot at getting the compensation or replacement you deserve.

If you think you purchased a Lemon vehicle, the best advice is to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.  Many people give up without ever contacting an attorney and are surprised to learn that the law allows you the right to hire an attorney for free.  The law is there to protect you, but it only works if you take advantage of it—before it’s too late!

For more information, contact Hammer Law PLLC to speak with an experienced Lemon Law attorney at (888) 705-6067 or hammerlemonlaw.com.

Sources:

National Consumer Law Center. (n.d.). Lemon laws. National Consumer Law Center. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.nclc.org/issues/lemon-laws.html

DMV.ORG. (n.d.). Arizona lemon laws. DMV.ORG. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.dmv.org/az-arizona/lemon-law

U.S. Department of Justice. (n.d.). Lemon law protection – Know your rights as a consumer. Retrieved January 31, 2025, from https://www.justice.gov/consumer/lemon-law

At some point, you or someone you know has likely received a recall notice from your car manufacturer. Whether it’s for a small part or something more major, the manufacturer is legally required to inform you if the vehicle has a defect that causes it to not meet federal safety standards. In addition, they must repair, replace, or refund the affected vehicle part—or, in some cases, the entire vehicle. Sounds straightforward, right? However, there are times when manufacturers inform consumers but don’t have a solution ready. It’s like saying, ‘Hey, your car has a problem, but there’s nothing we can really do about it. Good luck.’ Automakers must follow strict protocols, which means sometimes recalls are issued while they’re still working on a solution.

Well why are things delayed? What’s the hold up?

There can be a number of reasons for the “hold-up.” Several factors can contribute to the length of time it takes to complete the recalls, including:

Availability of Replacement Parts: Remember, it’s not just you who is affected by this recall, but everyone else who received the recall notice. Trying to obtain the necessary parts for the vehicle, especially in cases where the part is specialized or in high demand, can cause an extended amount of repair time.

Severity of Damage: The severity of the issue being repaired also impacts the repair time. Not all recalls are created equal—things like software updates will be quicker to address than dealing with a malfunctioning engine.

Dealer and Workshop Load: The current workload of the dealership or repair shop can affect how long it takes for your vehicle to be serviced. High-traffic service centers often lead to longer wait times.

How Does This Relate to the Lemon Law?

Lemon Laws are designed to protect consumers from defective vehicles that cannot be repaired after multiple attempts. While these laws vary by state, they all focus on ensuring that buyers aren’t stuck with a vehicle that significantly impacts their safety, value, or use. Simply having a recall issue does not automatically constitute a Lemon Law claim. However, if the recall issue is unfixable and the vehicle has been in the repair shop for an extended period, it could potentially qualify for a Lemon Law case. In Arizona, if a vehicle has been in the shop for 30 days or more and the issue falls under the manufacturer’s warranty, the vehicle could qualify for the Lemon Law.

Documenting repair attempts related to the recall is crucial for vehicle owners, as it helps establish a record of unresolved issues. If the repairs do not fix the problem, these attempts may count toward the “reasonable number of repair attempts” requirement under Lemon Law provisions, allowing the owner to pursue a claim. Multiple recalls could strengthen the case by showing ongoing vehicle problems.

In addition to documenting recall attempts, it’s important for car owners to stay informed about the recall process. If your car is under recall, there are websites like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or your manufacturer’s website that can help you stay up to date on any recall news and provide additional information on expected repair timelines.

Even if the recall issue is resolved, owners may still be entitled to compensation for additional costs, such as towing or rental car fees. Consulting a Lemon Law attorney is essential to ensure the proper steps are taken, which can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

If you think you purchased a Lemon vehicle, the best advice is to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.  Many people give up without ever contacting an attorney and are surprised to learn that the law allows you the right to hire an attorney for free.  The law is there to protect you, but it only works if you take advantage of it—before it’s too late!

For more information, contact Hammer Law PLLC to speak with an experienced Lemon Law attorney at (888) 705-6067 or hammerlemonlaw.com.

Sources:

AutoInsurance.com. (2021, August 25). Car recall facts & statistics. AutoInsurance.com. https://www.autoinsurance.com/research/car-recall-facts-statistics/

DMV.ORG. (n.d.). Arizona Lemon Law. DMV.ORG. https://www.dmv.org/az-arizona/automotive-law/lemon-law.php

Ez Cleanup. (n.d.). How long do recalls take to fix? Ez Cleanup. https://ezcleanup.com/how-long-do-recalls-take-to-fix/

Lemon Law Firm. (n.d.). Vehicle owners’ recall rights. Lemon Law Firm. https://lemonlawfirm.com/vehicle-owners-recall-rights/

Hammer Law hits the airwaves! Henry Vorderbruggen makes a special appearance on the Networking Arizona Radio Show and Podcast. Watch the video to get a closer look inside the face of Hammer Law, his backstory and why he chose to get into the consumer protection legal space.

New Scottsdale Firm Assists Consumers With Lemon Law Claims

The Scottsdale Independent is a local newspaper connecting and celebrating communities in the East Valley. A recent article about Henry Vorderbruggen’s new Lemon Law practice delves into his long experience in this important consumer protection segment. It highlights his passion as an advocate for vehicle owners’ Lemon Law consumer rights. The article also goes into details of Arizona’s Lemon Law landscape. And it spells out what vehicle owners need to know before they give up. Many drivers don’t believe the David vs. Goliath battle can be won. With a 95% success rate, Henry’s newly opened practice is ready to help everyone with legitimate vehicle issues that fall under Arizona’s Lemon Law statues. He helps vehicle owners fight the good fight with the goal always focused on protecting the rights of his clients.

You can reach Henry by calling  (480) 480-1014 or visit the website at www.hammerlemonlaw.com.

A special edition of AZ Foothills called Trendsetters featured Henry as a business leader spotlight. Trendsetters is a feature focusing on professionals and entrepreneurs from all over the state of Arizona who are leading their respected professions as they set new trends in their field of expertise.

Click here to read the full article and get to know more about Henry and his career goals!