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Motor Vehicle Defect law in Athens, Greece is governed by the general principles of product liability and consumer protection stipulated in both the Greek Civil Code and the European Union directives. The major rule concerning Motor Vehicle Defect is that every manufacturer is legally obligated to produce vehicles that meet a certain safety standard. If they fail to do so and defects occur, they can be held accountable for any damages or injuries caused due to these defects.
If you are experiencing issues with a vehicle due to a manufacturing defect, you may require the services of a lawyer to seek compensation. This extends to situations where the defect has led to an accident causing injury or property damage, or cases where a manufacturer has failed to duly address or rectify the defect. A lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process, help prove manufacturer's responsibility and achieve a fair settlement.
In Athens, like the rest of Greece, the EU Directive 1999/34/EC, is implemented. Under this law, a producer is liable for damage caused by a defect in his product. If a motor vehicle is defective, this can involve many parties: manufacturers of integrated parts, the car assembler, and the car seller. The damage must be actual and quantifiable, and there must be a causal link between the damage and the defect. The claimant must also act within 3 years from the date on which they became aware of the damage, the defect, and the producer’s identity.
Any inconsistency in the performance of the vehicle that reduces its safety, value, or functionality compared to the manufacturer's intended standards can be considered a motor vehicle defect.
Yes, you may still have legal rights even if your motor vehicle was purchased second-hand. However, the circumstances of the case and the sales contract may influence the specifics of your claim.
Responsibility for a car defect usually lies with the manufacturer of the vehicle or the related part. However, in some cases, it may also include the car dealer who sold the vehicle or commercial importers of the vehicle into the EU.
If successful, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost to repair the vehicle, any lowered value of the car due to the defect, and any damage or injury caused by the defect. The exact amount varies based on each case.
Even if the defect was discovered a long time after purchase, you could still have a claim, provided you can prove that the defect was due to the manufacturer's negligence and not due to general wear and tear or misuse of the vehicle.
The Hellenic Consumer Protection Centre could offer useful information and advice regarding consumer rights and motor vehicle defects. Also, the European Consumer Centre in Greece can provide assistance with respect to European product safety standards and related consumer rights.
If you need legal assistance for a motor vehicle defect, it's advised to first gather all related documentation: including proof of purchase, maintenance records and any record of correspondence with the manufacturer regarding the defect. Then, seeking a consultation with a lawyer specialized in product liability or motor vehicle defect cases to better understand your options and potential courses of action.
