A lawyer for dealership fraud specializes in representing parties in cases where a car dealership has been accused of fraud or similar misconduct. You should consult a lawyer for dealership fraud if you believe a car dealership defrauded you. A lawyer can assist you by filing a claim against the dealership for damages caused by their fraudulent actions.
What Does a Lawyer for Dealership Fraud Do?
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Fraudulent Misrepresentation
If you've been lied to about the value of a vehicle and were misled into buying it at a higher price than what you should have paid, you may be able to file a lawsuit for fraudulent misrepresentation. This is especially true if the salesperson knew that their statements weren't true or needed to be more knowledgeable about the vehicle's real value.
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Theft
If your car was stolen from the dealership, you can contact local law enforcement and file a police report. You can also contact your car insurance company and get information on how to file an insurance claim for theft. If you suspect someone stole your car from the shop, you may want to consult with an attorney about whether or not filing charges against them would be appropriate for your situation.
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Fraudulent Concealment
Fraudulent concealment is when someone intentionally conceals important information from you that would have affected your decision to agree with them. For example, if a car dealership conceals that their cars have been in an accident or have been flooded, this is considered fraudulent concealment, and you could sue them for it.
How Much Does a Lawyer for Dealership Fraud Cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer can vary depending on your case type, the complexity of your issue, and how much experience your attorney has. In general, however, a car dealer's fraud lawyer will charge between $100 and $500 per hour for their services, depending on the lawyer's experience, the complexity of the case, and other factors.
When looking for a lawyer for dealership fraud, asking about any additional fees involved with your case is important. You should also ask whether or not there are any costs associated with filing documents with the court or other administrative procedures.
What Are the Tips to Remember While Having a Dealership Fraud Lawsuit?
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Know the Laws and Regulations
When you're in a dealership fraud lawsuit, you must know exactly what laws and regulations apply to your situation. The best way to do this is by consulting with a lawyer. You can also ask the dealership's lawyer for help with this. If you don't have access to a lawyer, you can look online or at the library for information about relevant laws and regulations.
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Seek a Consultation With a Lawyer
Once you know what laws and regulations apply to your case, it's time to seek legal counsel. A consultation will help you understand your options and how best to proceed in your case. You should also be able to know how much representation will cost before making any decisions about hiring an attorney.
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Keep Documentation of All Communications.
You must keep documentation of all communications related to your dealership fraud lawsuit—especially if you've been communicating directly with the other party involved (or their representative). This includes phone calls, emails, text messages, social media posts, etc., and any documents shared between parties via these mediums (e-signatures included).
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File a Lawsuit Within the Statute of Limitations
It's important to file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations because if you do not, you may lose your right to sue. The statute of limitations is the period in which you can file a lawsuit. It is usually two years from when an event occurred or three years from when it was discovered.
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Check With Your Credit Union or Bank
Before filing a lawsuit, check with your credit union or bank to see if they have any insurance that covers fraud or other legal issues with dealerships. If they do, they can help you with your case without taking legal action against the dealership.
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Make Sure that You Have a Copy of Your Signed Contract
Make sure you have a copy of all documents related to your purchase and any verbal agreements between yourself and the dealership employee(s).
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Key Terms Related to Dealership Fraud Agreement
- Warranty: A warranty is a written guarantee that the manufacturer or dealer will repair or replace a defective part of a vehicle. If you sell a vehicle with a warranty, it must be included in the agreement.
- Liability and Exclusions: Liability refers to who is responsible for any losses caused by accident or malfunction of the vehicle. Exclusions are parts that aren't covered under the agreement, such as window tinting and tires.
- Return Policies: Return policies are important to set up before agreeing, so everything is clear later on about what they entail. For example, do you have to drive back home before returning a vehicle? Or can you return it at any dealership?
- Advertising, Promotional Material, and Other Representations of Vehicles or Services: Advertising is often misleading and might not accurately represent the product being sold. This section of your contract should outline what advertising materials are allowed to avoid any confusion later on.
Conclusion
ContractsCounsel is the right choice if you're looking for a lawyer who will work with you to get the best outcome possible. We have years of experience helping dealerships and other companies negotiate contracts, and we are committed to ensuring that you get exactly what you need from your contract.
