New Jersey Lemon Law Explained

Our “Get to Know Your Lemon Law” series continues with a look at the Great Garden State, New Jersey.  The NJ Lemon Law is the second strongest in the Nation, according to the Center for Auto Safety and as we have previously reported on the blog, we are hoping Governor Corzine will actually sign an amendment this Fall which will increase the coverage even more.

As of now, the New Jersey Lemon Law provides remedy to those who purchased, leased or registered their new  or demo vehicle in New Jersey and suffered a repetitive non-conformity that starts within the first 24 months or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first.  The problem must occur two more times within the manufacturers warranty period OR the consumer needs to be in the shop 20 days within the 18,000 miles/24 month period.  These days do not have to be consecutive nor do they have to all be for the same problem or defect.   In addition to cars and non-commercial trucks, the NJ Lemon Law also cover motorcycles and ATVS as well.

If you feel you have a potential NJ Lemon Law claim, we will be happy to discuss your situation with you to see if/how we can help.  I know we sound like a broken record when we remind you that under New Jersey’s Lemon Law, and all the Lemon Laws we work with, consumers are entitled to 100% cost-free legal help.  If we prevail, the manufacturer must pay all attorneys fees and legal costs ON TOP OF what the consumer receives.  Under these laws, consumers could receive a complete repurchase including taxes, tags, finance charges and any down payment (minus a small mileage offset reflecting when the car first went into service), a brand new car with the same amount of equity in the new car as in the old one (essentially a trade without depreciation),  or at the very least, significant monetary compensation to reflect the diminished value of the car (PLUS they get to keep their car).

Kimmel and Silverman has been named “a pioneer in New Jersey Lemon Law Litigation” in a front page Star Ledger newspaper story and has been featured numerous times on News 12 New Jersey and the New Jersey Network for our efforts, which include meeting with State arbitrators and mediators to teach them the fundamentals of the New Jersey Lemon Law so they can better understand and mediate claims. In addition, our Firm has been honored many times in Law & Politics annual New Jersey Super Lawyers poll and SJ Magazine’s Awesome Attorneys poll.

As always, we remind you that even if your car falls outside of the New Jersey Lemon Law, you still may have rights.  It is important to contact us or another consumer law firm to discuss your problems and how they can be resolved.

Stay tuned for the next entry in our “Get to Know Your Lemon Law” series where we travel to Massachusetts.