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Motor vehicle defect law in Illinois addresses issues when a car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle has a flaw in its design, manufacturing, or warning labels. These defects can cause accidents, injuries, or financial losses for owners and passengers. Illinois laws related to motor vehicle defects provide consumers with protections and avenues for recourse if their vehicle is unsafe or does not perform as promised. These laws cover both new and, in certain cases, used vehicles, and work alongside federal safety regulations enforced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Legal professionals play a critical role in helping individuals who have been affected by motor vehicle defects. Common situations where a lawyer may be necessary include:
A lawyer can help gather evidence, negotiate with companies, and represent you in court or settlement discussions.
Illinois law provides several key protections for those impacted by motor vehicle defects:
Understanding these laws is the first step in protecting your rights if you are dealing with a possible motor vehicle defect.
A motor vehicle defect is a problem in the design, manufacturing, or warnings related to a vehicle that affects its safety, value, or performance. Examples include faulty brakes, airbags that do not deploy, or engines prone to failing.
Illinois’s Lemon Law generally covers new vehicles purchased or leased in Illinois that have a substantial defect within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. It requires that the manufacturer be given several chances to fix the issue.
The Illinois Lemon Law does not typically cover used vehicles, though there may be other consumer protections for used car buyers. Detailed information should be reviewed for each specific sale.
Manufacturers are generally allowed four repair attempts or 30 days out of service for the same issue within the coverage period under the Illinois Lemon Law.
You may be entitled to a replacement vehicle, a refund, repair costs, compensation for injuries, property damage, lost income, and sometimes punitive damages if the manufacturer’s conduct was especially harmful.
You can check for recalls via your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website or by calling a dealership for your vehicle’s make.
Yes, recalled vehicles should be taken to an authorized dealership for the necessary repairs, which are generally provided at no cost to the vehicle owner.
If you were injured, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or others involved with the vehicle. It is important to seek medical care and legal advice as soon as possible.
Yes, you may file a lawsuit against the vehicle manufacturer or other responsible parties under product liability laws if a defect caused injury, death, or property damage.
The statute of limitations is generally two years for personal injury and five years for property damage, but meeting with an attorney promptly is crucial to protect your rights since some cases have shorter filing deadlines.
If you are seeking more information or assistance regarding motor vehicle defects in Illinois, consider the following resources:
If you believe your vehicle is defective or you have been involved in an accident caused by a defect, take the following steps:
Taking swift action and getting competent legal guidance can make the difference in securing compensation, repairs, or other remedies if you are affected by a motor vehicle defect in Illinois.
