Understanding the Illinois Lemon Law

For some unlucky Illinois consumers, the excitement of purchasing a new car quickly turns into frustration when their new car starts exhibiting serious mechanical issues. If you’ve found yourself making repeated trips to the dealership for repairs on a new car, truck, or SUV, you may have purchased a “lemon.” Fortunately, the Illinois Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers just like you.

At HC Bradley LLC, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of the Illinois Lemon Law. If you suspect your car is a lemon, you don’t have to deal with it alone. Call HC Bradley LLC today at (630) 453-5159 or fill out the form on this page and we will get back to you shortly.

What is the Illinois Lemon Law?

The Illinois New Vehicle Buyer Protection Act, commonly known as the Illinois Lemon Law, provides legal remedies for consumers who purchase defective vehicles. Under this law, manufacturers must either replace or repurchase a vehicle if it has a substantial defect that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

What Vehicles Are Covered?

The Illinois Lemon Law covers:

  • New cars, trucks, and vans purchased or leased in Illinois.
  • Vehicles under the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
  • Used vehicles, motorcycles, boats, and trailers are not covered under this specific law, but other consumer protection laws may apply.

What Qualifies as a Lemon?

To qualify as a lemon under Illinois law, the vehicle must have:

  • A significant defect or condition that substantially impairs its use, safety, or value.
  • A defect that persists despite a reasonable number of repair attempts, typically four or more trips to the dealership for the same issue, or if the car has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative business days.

If your vehicle meets these criteria, you may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund from the manufacturer.

How HC Bradley LLC Can Help You File a Lemon Law Claim

Navigating the Illinois Lemon Law can be complex, especially when dealing with auto manufacturers and dealerships that may try to deny your claim. This is where our firm comes in. At HC Bradley LLC, we have extensive experience handling Lemon Law claims and ensuring that our clients receive the justice they deserve.

Here’s how we can assist you:

  1. Evaluating Your Case
    The first step is determining whether your vehicle meets the criteria for a Lemon Law claim. We will review your repair history, purchase agreements, and other relevant documentation to assess the strength of your case.
  2. Communicating with the Manufacturer
    Manufacturers often try to deny or delay Lemon Law claims. We will handle all communications with the manufacturer to ensure they take your claim seriously and act in compliance with Illinois law.
  3. Filing a Claim on Your Behalf
    If the manufacturer does not voluntarily resolve your claim, we will take the necessary legal steps to file a claim and advocate for your right to a replacement vehicle or a refund.
  4. Negotiating the Best Possible Outcome
    Our goal is to secure the best possible resolution for you. Whether through negotiation, arbitration, or litigation, we will fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

If you think you have a Lemon Law claim, don’t wait. Call HC Bradley LLC today at (630) 453-5159 or fill out the form on this page and we will get back to you shortly.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

Under the Illinois Lemon Law, if your vehicle is determined to be a lemon, you are entitled to one of the following remedies:

  • A full refund, including the purchase price, sales tax, and any collateral costs like registration fees.
  • A replacement vehicle of similar make and model.
  • Additionally, you may be entitled to reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees, making it even more beneficial to seek legal representation.

Common Misconceptions About the Illinois Lemon Law

Many consumers hesitate to file a Lemon Law claim due to misinformation. Here are some common myths and the facts behind them:

Myth: Only brand-new cars qualify.

Fact: As long as your vehicle is under 12 months old or has less than 12,000 miles, it can qualify.

Myth: You must have an identical issue four times.

Fact: If the vehicle has been out of service for 30 days due to multiple issues, it may still qualify.

Myth: Filing a claim is expensive and time-consuming.

Fact: With HC Bradley LLC, we make the process smooth and cost-effective by pursuing your claim aggressively and efficiently.

Why Choose HC Bradley LLC?

At HC Bradley LLC, we understand how frustrating it is to deal with a defective vehicle. Our team is dedicated to protecting Illinois consumers from being stuck with a lemon. We offer:

  • Years of experience handling Lemon Law claims
  • Aggressive representation against manufacturers
  • No upfront legal fees, meaning you don’t pay unless we win

If your car is spending more time in the shop than on the road, it’s time to take action. Call HC Bradley LLC today at (630) 453-5159 or fill out the form on this page and we will get back to you shortly.

Let’s Get Started

No one should have to endure the frustration of owning a lemon. The Illinois Lemon Law exists to protect consumers like you, and HC Bradley LLC is here to help you enforce your rights. Don’t let auto manufacturers take advantage of you, reach out to us today and let us help you get the resolution you deserve.

Contact Us

Our attorney can help with your legal issues.

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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