Local attorney Henry Vorderbruggen recently launched Hammer Law PLLC, a new law firm focusing on helping consumers who purchased a vehicle qualifying as a “lemon” by Arizona law.

As a longtime advocate of consumer rights, Vorderbruggen has dedicated his career to helping Arizonans navigate the Lemon Law and breach of warranty claims, a press release stated. The Arizona Lemon Law, A.R.S.§ 44-1261 et seq., requires the manufacturer to pay the consumer’s attorney fees in addition to whatever other claims to which one is entitled.

At Hammer Law, consumers don’t have to pay out of pocket to seek legal guidance and consultation, the release explained. According to Arizona law, a “lemon” is identified as a motor vehicle “designated primarily for the transportation of person or property over public highways.” It’s designed to protect consumers who purchase a vehicle that has repeated defects or problems that cannot be repaired within a reasonable amount of time.

The law provides remedies for consumers who find themselves stuck with a lemon. To qualify as a lemon in Arizona, the eligible vehicle must be purchased, not leased, for purposes other than resale and during the duration of the warranty.

According to the Supreme Court of Arizona, the Arizona Lemon Law does not apply to a leased vehicle. However, a leased vehicle in Arizona may still qualify under the Federal Lemon Law – Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.

“For the most part, people are not familiar with the fact that if their car qualifies as a lemon, they have the right to retain the services of an attorney at no out-of-pocket cost to them to either get the car fixed, receive cash compensation or get a replacement vehicle,” Vorderbruggen said in the release. “Most clients don’t know about all of the legal remedies and options a consumer has under warranty and it’s important to inform people on how to use the law to their advantage.”

The law does not cover vehicles that were purchased without a warranty, such as those sold “as-is.” Qualification criteria typically includes the number of repair attempts made, the length of time the vehicle has been in the shop, and the severity of the defects, the release stated.

At Hammer Law, Vorderbruggen helps consumers navigate the process of filing a claim, negotiating with the manufacturer and seeking compensation. Ninety-five percent of Vorderbruggen’s cases are settled out of court.

Vorderbruggen lives in Scottsdale and is a single father to two sons. He’s a veteran of the United States Navy. He can be reached at 480-480-1014 or www.hammerlemonlaw.com.