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We Provide Illinois
Lemon Law Representation
with NO Attorneys’ Fees
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Common Questions
What rights do I have?
What does Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® do after they get my information?
What if my repair records don’t show that a problem was found?
Valuable information we need to investigate a claim
My car has clear problems. Can’t I just get the manufacturer to replace
the car myself?
Should I pay a lawyer a retainer to handle my case?
How do I get in touch with Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center®?
What rights do I have?
Your rights are defined by state law and the warranty that came with the vehicle.These
rights can be far greater than you thought.
When we accept a case for representation, many different claims are pursued against
the manufacturer to provide the most effective and widest recovery possible for
our clients. Dependent upon the claims, this may include the Lemon Law, breach of
warranty and unfair trade practices (i.e. damages for failing to repair the vehicle
properly). Since each case is different, we tailor the claims to the facts of that
specific case.
What does Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® do after they get my information?
It is important for you to give us the details of the purchase and the service and
repair history of the vehicle including dates and work performed. This enables us
to know how the problems have affected the use, value, personal satisfaction or
safety of the vehicle and how to proceed to the next step.
What if my repair records don’t show that a problem was found?
The information uncovered in our investigation sometimes surprises even our clients.
Each time a vehicle is brought to the dealer for repair, several copies of the repair
order are generated: a customer copy, a warranty payment copy, a bookkeeping copy
and a hard copy. The hard copy contains mechanic’s notes for each repair.
This information is never seen by the customer. The customer’s copy usually
will just list the problem the customer brought the car in for, but the invoice
may read, "could not duplicate customer’s concern." Yet, when the
hard copy is read, it is not uncommon to see that the mechanic did find a problem
which he has not been instructed to try and repair!
The customer may then be left with the impression that the problem isn’t there
and will continue to drive the vehicle with a potentially dangerous defect. Why
is this done? Perhaps the most common reason is that a certain make or model may
suffer from a uniform problem (i.e. door latch defect), which the manufacturer has
yet to correct in the design of the car. Since the "repair" is not officially
recognized by the manufacturer, the dealer either writes, "could not duplicate"
or perhaps "vehicle operating as designed" and sends the customer on his
way.
Valuable information we need to investigate a claim:
- The representations by the dealer to the customer at the time of sale
- The full repair history of the vehicle
- The dates when each repair was attempted
- Did the dealer accurately note your complaint?
- Did the dealer make a good faith attempt to diagnose the problem?
- To your knowledge, does that model have a history of such problems?
- Were you told the problem would go away on its own?
- Did the dealer say they "could not duplicate" the problem (a typical way
of trying to convince the customer there is nothing wrong with the vehicle even
though there is)?
- Was the vehicle involved in an accident before it was sold to the customer and if
so, was the damage disclosed before customer delivery?
- If there was damage before the customer took delivery of the vehicle, were all the
repairs performed properly?
- Were the details and information in the warranty clearly explained to the customer
before the sale was made?
- Did the dealer make any false representations?
- Did the dealer make any false statements about a customer’s legal rights and
Most importantly...
- Did you get what you paid for or are you unsatisfied with the performance of your
vehicle?
My car has clear problems. Can’t I just get the manufacturer to replace the
car myself?
In most cases, the answer to this question is "No!".
Each manufacturer has departments they refer to as "customer satisfaction,",
"quality care," etc., which the customer must call in case of problems.
Usually, these departments were created to give the customer a "caring feeling"
when he/she has a concern or problem with a vehicle. However, if you use the words
"lemon law", "lawyer", or "replacement vehicle", the
conversation typically ends. Some of the promises made to the unhappy customer include
further review of the situation, consulting with your dealer, speaking with a superior
or some other claim. The manufacturers’ strategy is to delay you from doing
anything, thus you continue to believe they will resolve the situation.
To their way of thinking, you may get fed up and sell the car or trade it in and
buy another one. Then the manufacturer will not have to accept the financial obligation
and disclosure requirements that go along with their buying the car back as a "lemon".
Even in those cases when a refund or replacement is offered, the manufacturer may
not give you what you are entitled to under the Lemon Law. You may end up paying
thousands of dollars in mileage fees, taxes and other charges, which the law requires
them to pay!
Since our clients pay no attorney’s fees, there is no reason for you to represent
yourself in these cases
Should I pay a lawyer a retainer to handle my case?
Wrong choice in a lawyer! A consumer shouldn’t pay ANY fees when Lemon Law
and/or warranty claims are pursued. Consumer’s rights are protected by requiring
the manufacturer/warrantor to pay all fees for a successful case. An attorney who
is unfamiliar with how to win and collect a fee would want a retainer due to inexperience
with these types of cases.
How do I get in touch with Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center®?
If you think your car is a lemon and you would like us to investigate further, you
can fill out the Lemon Information form,E-Mail
Us or call toll free 1-(888) MY-LEMON (888-695-3666). A few minutes of your
time could bring you what you are entitled to!