How the Lemon Law
Protects Consumers in Indiana

Lemon CarPurchasing a new vehicle should be an exciting experience filled with confidence in the reliability of your car, truck, or SUV. Unfortunately, for many consumers in Indiana, the excitement quickly fades when their vehicle begins to show repeated and unresolved defects. If you’ve bought a new car that seems to spend more time in the repair shop than on the road, you may have what is commonly referred to as a “lemon.”

The good news is that Indiana has strong consumer protection laws in place, known as the Indiana Lemon Law, to help you if you’ve been sold a defective vehicle. At HC Bradley LLC, we dedicate our legal expertise to guiding Indiana consumers through this process and holding manufacturers accountable.

Understanding Indiana’s Lemon Law

The Indiana Motor Vehicle Protection Act, more widely known as the Indiana Lemon Law, was established to protect consumers who unknowingly purchase defective new vehicles. This law requires manufacturers to repair, replace, or repurchase a vehicle that suffers from substantial defects which cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts.

A key aspect of Indiana’s Lemon Law is the timeline of protection. The law applies to new vehicles within the first 18 months after delivery to the consumer or the first 18,000 miles of operation, whichever comes first. If your vehicle experiences ongoing defects during this period, you may qualify for legal relief under the statute.

The law covers:

  • Passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs purchased in Indiana
  • Vehicles under 10,000 pounds
  • Vehicles registered in Indiana
  • It does not apply to motorcycles, motorhomes, or off-road vehicles.

What Qualifies as a “Lemon”?

Not every vehicle problem will meet the definition of a lemon under Indiana law. To qualify, the defect must:

  • Substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle.
  • Persist despite the manufacturer having a reasonable number of attempts to repair it. The law defines “reasonable attempts” as:
    • At least four unsuccessful repair attempts for the same issue, or
    • The vehicle being out of service for 30 or more cumulative business days due to repairs during the 18-month/18,000-mile period.

If your car meets these conditions, you may be entitled to either a replacement vehicle of comparable value or a full refund, including the cost of the vehicle, taxes, and certain fees.

Why the Lemon Law Matters for Indiana Consumers

Without the Lemon Law, consumers would be left to fight against powerful manufacturers and dealerships with little leverage. Vehicle repairs can be costly, inconvenient, and frustrating, especially when you rely on your car for work, family responsibilities, or daily commuting. The Indiana Lemon Law levels the playing field by ensuring:

  • Accountability for manufacturers – Car companies are required to stand behind their products and correct serious defects.
  • Financial protection – You don’t have to keep making payments on a defective vehicle.
  • Consumer confidence – The law gives buyers peace of mind knowing there’s a remedy if things go wrong.

Unfortunately, while the law is clear, manufacturers often resist claims or try to minimize their obligations. That’s why legal representation from a skilled Indiana lemon law attorney like HC Bradley LLC is crucial.

How HC Bradley LLC Helps Lemon Car Victims

At HC Bradley LLC, we specialize in Lemon Law claims throughout Indiana. Our firm has extensive experience holding car manufacturers accountable and ensuring consumers receive the compensation or vehicle replacement they deserve.

Here’s why hiring us can make all the difference in your case:

  1. Knowledge of Indiana Lemon Law
    The legal process can be complex. We know the ins and outs of the Indiana Motor Vehicle Protection Act, and we understand how manufacturers and their attorneys operate. Our knowledge allows us to build strong cases that maximize your chances of success.
  2. Strong Advocacy
    Manufacturers and dealerships often push back, arguing that defects are “normal” or that you haven’t given them enough chances to fix the problem. We fight back aggressively to ensure your rights are respected and that your claim is taken seriously.
  3. No Out-of-Pocket Cost for Consumers
    In many cases, Indiana law requires manufacturers to pay your attorney’s fees if your claim is successful. This means you can pursue your case without worrying about legal expenses.
  4. Personalized Guidance
    Every lemon case is unique. We take the time to understand your specific situation, review your repair records, and advise you on the best path forward. Our goal is to get you back on the road with a reliable vehicle, or your money back, as quickly as possible.

Call HC Bradley LLC today at (317) 564-5060 or fill out the form on this page and we will get back to you shortly.

Common Mistakes Consumers Make with Lemon Claims

Many Indiana drivers don’t realize how important documentation is in a Lemon Law case. To strengthen your claim, always:

  • Keep all repair invoices and work orders.
  • Note the dates your vehicle was out of service.
  • Save all communication with the dealership or manufacturer.
  • Act quickly, don’t wait until after the 18-month/18,000-mile window has passed.

Failing to maintain this documentation can make it harder to prove your case. HC Bradley LLC helps clients organize and present this evidence effectively.

Why Choose HC Bradley LLC Over Going It Alone?

You may wonder if you can file a Lemon Law claim without a lawyer. While technically possible, the reality is that manufacturers have teams of attorneys working to protect their bottom line. Without legal representation, you risk:

  • Accepting a settlement that is far less than what you deserve.
  • Getting your claim denied on a technicality.
  • Spending months in frustration without a resolution.

By working with HC Bradley LLC, you gain a dedicated advocate who knows how to cut through the red tape and force manufacturers to honor their obligations. Call HC Bradley LLC today at (317) 564-5060 or fill out the form on this page and we will get back to you shortly.

Taking the Next Step

If your new car in Indiana has been plagued by repeated defects, don’t assume you’re stuck with it. The Indiana Lemon Law was written to protect consumers like you, and HC Bradley LLC is here to ensure that protection is enforced.

With our experience, determination, and client-first approach, we’ve helped countless Indiana drivers resolve their lemon cases successfully. Whether you need a replacement vehicle or a refund, we fight for the outcome you deserve.

Don’t let a defective vehicle continue to drain your time, money, and peace of mind. Let us handle the legal battle so you can move forward with confidence. Call HC Bradley LLC today at (317) 564-5060 or fill out the form on this page and we will get back to you shortly.

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Contact us to see how we can help. The initial consultation is free.

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Harry Bradley

P:  630-453-5159
F:  630-447-0058
E:  harry@hcbradleyllc.com

About Harry Bradley

Mr. Bradley appears primarily in Indiana and Illinois courts but has also appeared pro hac vice in Ohio, Florida, and California state courts as well as in the United States District Court for the Central District of California as pro hac vice counsel on difficult cases. 

After 10 years practicing in law firms in Chicago and the western suburbs Harry opened his own business law firm in 2013.  The practice has expanded to include commercial and civil litigation, and representation of small businesses, as well as consumers (and sometimes dealers) with dispute resolution involving a new product, warranty, or service contract. 

Harry’s practice has focused on various business issues including sales and service agreements, product warranties, FTC compliance, arbitration agreements, fraudulent sales litigation, and has also represented clients with issues arising under the state commercial code.  Additionally, he has represented clients in insurance defense litigation, subrogation, and collections.

Harry is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Fife, receiving the National Defense and Southwest Asia Service Awards for his participation in Operation Provide Comfort following Desert Storm.

Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, Harry now resides in Naperville, Illinois. His hobbies include automobiles, fishing, astronomy, and barbecue cooking. 

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