Did you know that road accidents are the top cause of fatalities in the United States, with over 38,000 deaths each year? When a lemon car gets in an accident, the consequences can be more complicated than they seem.
A “lemon car” is a vehicle that has manufacturing defects or issues that affect its safety, value, or use and make the car unreliable or unsafe to drive. Dealing with pre-existing mechanical issues in your vehicle will likely put you in a dangerous situation.
Looking at car accident statistics, mechanical failures often contribute to accidents and this is why regular maintenance is important in order to spot issues that could endanger you while driving.
So, what should you do if your lemon car is involved in an accident?
Lemon Car Definition and Characteristics
Lemon cars are vehicles with major flaws that compromise safety, value, or usability. Even after multiple manufacturer or dealer repairs, these issues persist. Lemon cars have chronic mechanical issues that affect performance, safety, or structure. Lemon cars may have faults that lower their value or make them unreliable. Frequent breakdowns, odd noises, warning lights, and unsolved recalls are indicators of a lemon car.
According to Orange County lemon law attorney Kimberli Zazzi, identifying these characteristics early on can help you take appropriate actions, such as seeking legal remedies or pursuing a vehicle replacement or refund.
Impact of Prior Mechanical Issues
Lemon car owners must understand how mechanical faults can affect the vehicle after an accident. A lemon car’s mechanical history can impair its performance and safety in an accident. If your car has brake, steering, or engine issues, these may fail in a crash and cause more significant damage or injuries.
Mechanical difficulties may also impede post-accident inspection and repair. Insurance companies may claim that pre-existing conditions caused the accident and this may cause coverage and responsibility issues, delaying your claim and increasing your out-of-pocket costs.
Insurance Coverage and Claims Process
When filing a claim, be prepared to provide detailed information about the accident, including photos, police reports, and any relevant documentation about the history of your lemon car.
Your insurance coverage may vary depending on the extent of previous mechanical problems your lemon car experienced. Insurance companies may try to deny your claim, citing pre-existing conditions. Review your policy carefully and understand your rights as a consumer.
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and legal experts working for them, so consider seeking assistance from a legal professional specializing in lemon laws to guarantee you receive fair compensation for the damages to your lemon car.
Be proactive in following up on your claim and stay informed throughout the process to protect your rights and interests.
Steps to Take After the Accident
After an accident involving your lemon car, the first step is to guarantee everyone’s safety and contact the authorities. If possible, check yourself and others for injuries and move to a safe location. Then, call the police to report the accident, even if it seems minor. Having an official record can be necessary for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Exchange information with the other parties involved, including names, contact details, insurance information, and vehicle details. If there are any witnesses, try to get their contact information. Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any damages. This documentation can help support your case in the future.
Once the immediate steps are taken, contact your insurance company to report the accident and start the claims process. Keep track of all communication and documentation related to the accident, including medical records and repair estimates for your lemon car.
You can also protect your rights and make sure you receive fair compensation for any damages or injuries incurred by hiring the right lemon law attorney.
Conclusion
After an accident, take precautions to protect yourself. Make sure you are thorough and you prepare all documents that the insurance needs. If you think that you are not being offered the right amount by your insurer, talk to a lawyer who can advise you about the best course of action to take.
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