What to Do If a Defective Car Caused Your Accident: Understanding Lemon Law and Legal Help in Miami

Buying a brand-new car is supposed to feel like freedom on four wheels. But what if that shiny new ride turns out to be a ticking time bomb? If your “dream car” turned into a nightmare and caused a crash because of a defect, you’re not alone—and you may have a legal case.

Let’s break it all down—what steps to take, how Florida’s Lemon Law might help, and why calling a Miami car accident lawyer might be the smartest move you make after the crash.


🚨 Step 1: Safety First — Get Help and Report the Crash

Picture this: you’re cruising down US-1 in Coconut Grove, windows down, music up—and then your brakes suddenly stop responding.

You slam the pedal—nothing. You swerve, crash into a pole, and your airbag doesn’t even deploy.

That’s not driver error. That’s a defective vehicle.

Call 911 immediately. Get medical care and make sure the officer writes up an official report. Tell them exactly what failed on the car—brakes, steering, airbag, whatever it was. That report is the foundation of your case.


📸 Step 2: Collect Evidence Like a Detective

Think of this as a crime scene—and your car is both victim and suspect.

After the accident:

  • Snap photos of the vehicle damage, road, and anything that looks out of place.
  • Keep copies of any dashboard warnings or strange messages the car gave before the crash.
  • Get a mechanic to run diagnostics and give a written opinion.
  • Request your repair history from the dealer if the issue happened before.

Every detail counts. Your Miami car accident lawyer can use this to connect the dots and prove you weren’t at fault.


⚖️ Step 3: What Is Florida’s Lemon Law—and Does It Help You?

Florida’s Lemon Law protects people who buy or lease a new car that’s more trouble than it’s worth. But there are rules:

  • The defect must affect the car’s safety, value, or usability.
  • It must happen within 24 months of delivery.
  • You have to give the manufacturer a fair shot to fix it (usually three tries).

If they can’t fix it, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement. But here’s the catch: Lemon Law helps with the car, not with injuries. For that, you’ll need to file a personal injury claim—and that’s where your Miami car accident lawyer steps in.


🚗 Am I at Fault If the Car Was Defective?

Let’s say your car’s steering locked up on I-95, or your cruise control refused to turn off. You hit another car—or worse.

That’s not your fault.

Florida law recognizes product liability—meaning manufacturers, parts suppliers, and even dealerships can be held responsible if a dangerous defect caused your accident.

It’s like blaming the pilot for a plane crash when the engine failed. Doesn’t make sense, right?


🧑‍⚖️ Why You Need a Miami Car Accident Lemon Law Attorney on Your Side

Trying to fight a manufacturer or dealership on your own is like bringing a butter knife to a gunfight.

A skilled Miami car accident lawyer will:

  • Investigate what went wrong with your vehicle.
  • Work with mechanical experts to show the defect caused the crash.
  • File both a Lemon Law claim and a personal injury lawsuit if needed.
  • Demand compensation for:
    • Medical bills
    • Lost income
    • Pain and suffering
    • Property damage
  • Negotiate with the insurance companies and automakers so you don’t have to.

And best of all, most lawyers work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless they win.


💡 Final Word: Don’t Let a Lemon Wreck Your Life

Your new car should have been a blessing—not a lawsuit waiting to happen. If a defective vehicle turned your life upside down, it’s time to take back control.

Call a trusted Miami car accident lawyer today to explore your rights. You might not just get a new car—you might get the justice and compensation you truly deserve.

SEE ALSO: WHAT IS THE LEMON LAW?