Unfortunately, car dealerships are not always honest, and in some cases, they flat-out break the law. If you’ve recently discovered that you’ve been wronged by a car dealership, there is a very good chance that you are wondering whether you can resolve the issue on your own or whether it is time to speak with an attorney. The truth is, car dealerships will fight hard when accused of wrongdoing, which is why you should strongly consider hiring an advocate who will fight even harder for the justice you deserve. Please continue reading and contact an experienced New Mexico car dealer fraud and consumer lawyer to learn more about your rights and how our firm may be able to help. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Types of Problems Can Lead to a Legal Claim Against a Car Dealership?
First and foremost, it is important to understand that not every disagreement with a dealership automatically constitutes fraud. However, there are many situations where a dealership’s actions may violate state or federal consumer protection laws. Some of the most common examples include the following:
- Misrepresenting a vehicle’s condition
- Failing to disclose prior accidents or significant damage
- Selling a vehicle with a salvage title without disclosure
- Rolling back or falsifying odometer readings
- Selling a vehicle with known defects
- Including unauthorized fees in a sales contract
- Providing false or misleading financing information to a bank
- Advertising a vehicle under false pretenses
- Failing to honor warranty obligations
- Failing to title and register a vehicle (resulting in delays in getting license plates)
- Failing to pay off a trade in
Simply put, dealerships are required to conduct business honestly. When they fail to do so, consumers can suffer significant financial consequences. Fortunately, both state and federal laws exist to help protect consumers from deceptive business practices.
Can I Fight a Car Dealership Without a Lawyer?
Though technically speaking, you can raise any issue you’d like with a car dealership without an attorney, it is always best to have a legal advocate in your corner. Oftentimes, these cases are more complicated than they initially appear, and when consumers try to settle disputes without an attorney, they will likely run into the following challenges:
- Dealerships denying wrongdoing
- Complex contracts and financing agreements
- Difficulty obtaining evidence
- Strict legal deadlines
- Settlement offers that fail to fully compensate consumers
- Consumer protection laws that can be difficult to navigate
Furthermore, dealerships often have substantial resources available to defend against claims. Because of this, many consumers find themselves at a disadvantage when attempting to pursue a dispute without legal representation.
You should also note that even if you believe a dealership acted improperly, proving fraud or deceptive conduct requires you to gather, analyze, and present evidence effectively, which is something best left to an experienced attorney who has gone toe-to-toe with dishonest car dealerships for years.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me Take Action Against a Car Dealership?
There are several ways an attorney may be able to assist you.
The first step is reviewing the facts of your case and determining whether the dealership may have violated any applicable consumer protection laws. Once that determination is made, an attorney can develop a strategy designed to protect your interests and pursue the relief you deserve. Some of the ways a lawyer may be able to help are as follows:
- Reviewing contracts and financing documents
- Investigating potential fraud
- Collecting and preserving evidence
- Communicating with the dealership on your behalf
- Negotiating a settlement
- Calculating damages
- Filing legal claims when appropriate
- Representing you throughout litigation
In many situations, the involvement of legal counsel alone can change the entire dynamic of a dispute. Dealerships often recognize when a consumer has retained representation and may become more willing to engage in meaningful discussions regarding a potential resolution.
Additionally, you should note that not every case ultimately proceeds to trial. In fact, many disputes are resolved quickly once a lawyer is involved. It is important to have someone on your side who understands the law, understands the tactics dealerships sometimes use, and understands how to protect your rights throughout the process.
If you have any additional questions or you would like to speak with a seasoned New Mexico consumer lawyer about your case, simply contact Feferman, Warren & Mattison for a free initial consultation today.
