Do you need a lawyer to handle your lemon law case? The answer is: It depends.

There are currently no states that require you to hire an attorney. However, it may simply be a wise idea. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your state laws. A formal letter written on law firm letterhead can also show an unresponsive manufacturer that you mean business.

Filing a claim on your own

If you’re going to file a claim on your own, be sure to have all of the proper documentation in place. You start by writing a letter to the manufacturer describing the problem and outlining all of the steps you’ve taken to try and correct it.

You will also need to send copies of the letter and backup documentation to your state’s attorney general. You’ll need to prove:

1. That the problem interferes with the operation of the vehicle or impairs its safety.

2. That you gave the manufacturer a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem.

Hiring an attorney

To hire an attorney, research law firms online, or contact your state Bar Association. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so it’s relatively easy to shop around for the firm that’s right for you.

After the attorney files your claim, the next step is typically arbitration, where you appear before a panel to present your arguments and evidence.

Who pays?

About 25 states allow lemon-law claimants to recover attorney fees if they win the case. If your state law does not explicitly provide for fee reimbursement but allows your lawyer to sue under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, you can still recover fees.

Under most lemon laws, attorney fees are based on actual hours worked and not on a percentage of the recovery. Note, however, that in some states if you lose the case you may have to pay the manufacturer’s attorney fees in addition to your own.

For more information on the lemon laws in your state, contact a qualified attorney.