There has been a great deal of publicity surrounding the recent recall of Toyota and Lexus automobiles. As reported by ABC News, owners are rebelling over a series of more than 200 accidents caused by sudden acceleration.

Safety analysts have discovered more than 2000 instances among Toyota models including the Camry, Prius and various Lexus models, where cars were accelerating out of control up to 100 miles per hours without warning.  The manufacturer has consistently blamed the problem on floor mats saying the mats are getting stuck under the pedal, but drivers are rightfully skeptical. As a result, there was a national recall regarding the floor mats, affecting many vehicles.

NHTSA , The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration , has conducted six investigations on sudden surges in Toyota models since 2003 and has not found any defect in the electronics system, and yet the instances keep occurring.

Regardless of the cause, this is a scary situation for which every driver should be prepared. Based on suggestions from engineers at Consumer reports, here are some “Do’s and Don’ts” that every driver should find helpful:

Do:

Be Prepared – Familiarity with the vehicle, its operation and the geography is important to staying in control.
Stay Calm – Resisting the urge to panic will help in making good decisions.
Know How to Quickly Shut Down the Engine – Modern vehicles can be confusing to operate. Some require the turn of a key, while others depend on a power button. Drivers should read the manual to ensure that they can safely shut down the engine before encountering a dangerous situation.
Know How to Shift Into Neutral – Many modern vehicles can be complicated and finding Neutral can be difficult. This is compounded by the fact that most drivers rarely need to use it. So drivers should familiarize themselves in advance on how to shift their vehicle into neutral.
Break Hard and Consistently – Consistent pressure is of key importance when trying to slow a vehicle that is accelerating out of control.

Don’t:

Don’t Pump the Brakes – Many drivers are instructed to pump their brakes in a routine driving situation. Out of control acceleration is not routine and pumping the brakes may cause a complete loss of braking ability. Drivers facing this situation should break hard and consistently.

Don’t Shut the Engine Off While Moving – Initially, this may not make sense, but the engine provides power to other parts of the vehicle necessary to regain control, such as power steering. To quickly regain control of the vehicle, drivers should not shut off the engine.

Any driver that finds themselves in a situation where the vehicle is accelerating out of control should:

1. Apply Firm and Continuous Pressure to the Brakes
2. Shift the Vehicle’s Transmission Into Neutral
3. Shut Engine Down After You Come to a Stop

Often, small problems can develop over time to contribute to such a situation; if a vehicle exhibits symptoms of an acceleration problem, they should not be ignored.  Consumers should contact their dealer immediately and make sure that the situation is addressed by a service professional. If the dealer claims that there is no solution to the problem, consumers should document the service attempt by obtaining a repair invoice illustrating an attempt at having the condition repaired under the manufacturers warranty. Should this problem persist, consumers may want to consult a qualified lemon law lawyer in their state.

Lemon laws exist in almost every state, but can dramatically differ in how they define a lemon. Most give the manufacturer the opportunity to repair a defect in an established number of repair attempts. However, other states impose increased requirements on manufacturers, which act to broaden the state’s definition of a lemon. For example, some states give the manufacturer only one attempt to fix a problem that could cause serious bodily injury or death. Since this can vary by state, consumers would be wise to speak with an attorney familiar with the lemon laws in their state.

In conclusion, the recent recalls of Toyota and Lexus vehicles demonstrate that consumers must act to protect not only their personal, but also their financial safety. A daily activity for most, operating a vehicle can be a mundane part of life; however a dangerous condition can appear at any moment. Drivers must be prepared to protect their personal safety. Once assured that one’s personal safety is protected, drivers should then act to protect their financial safety by understanding their consumer rights and speaking with a qualified lemon law attorney when necessary.

About LemonLaw.com

LemonLaw.com is operated by the law firm of Kimmel and Silverman, a lemon law firm that has achieved over 50,000 successful outcomes for distressed drivers free of charge. Operating throughout the Northeast in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland and Ohio, LemonLaw.com is committed to helping consumers protect their rights using automotive lemon laws. More information can be obtained by calling 1-800-LEMON-LAW or visiting http://www.lemonlaw.com/

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY –A little-known consumer law could be your key to getting thousands of dollars. It can also help alleviate headaches trying to get a product fixed. Consumer reporter Jeff Chirico is here with more on your rights.

It’s called the Magnuson-Moss Federal Warranty Act. A big name that offers big protection for consumers who buy products ranging from iPods to cars. “I was so frustrated. I had no thoughts except red and anger,” says Jill Urban of Swoyersville started having transmission and leaking problems with her Mazda tribute while it was still under warranty. “A lot of my anger came from their attitude with me when I came in with problems.” And the dealership wasn’t able solve the problems. Her car was no longer protected under the state’s lemon law –but Jill found she had rights she never knew about.

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a federal law. Michael Sacks of consumer law firm Kimmel and Silverman says the act ensures products with warranties are fixed immediately and effectively. If not –it could mean big bucks. “Most likely it will be thousands of dollars because you’re looking at diminished value of your vehicle.”

But the law covers other products too. Here are the requirements. It must cost more than 25 dollars. It must have an original or extended manufacturer’s warranty. It must have at least three unsuccessful repair attempts. Sacks recommends calling the manufacturer and ask for a replacement under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. “Now if they give you a hard time and say no no. No way. You may have to look into small claims court or look into hiring an attorney.”

“I was very surprised. I knew nothing about it.” Lemon law attorneys helped Jill recoup 6 thousand dollars from Mazda. The dealer has since fixed the problems –all because she learned her rights.

If you need to contact a consumer attorney, the law has a provision that covers attorney’s fees if you win.

For more information on the federal act and the state’s lemon law, Check out these sites

http://www.lemonlaw.com/wordpress/if-your-car-is-a-clunker-cash-may-still-be-available/

http://www.lemonlaw.com/wordpress/get-cash-plus-keep-your-car/

http://www.lemonlaw.com/wordpress/outside-lemon-law-try-the-mag-moss-act/

When buying a new car, many would expect that their purchase would be completely protected if that vehicle turns out to be a lemon, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. Every state’s laws can vary based on the definition of a “lemon,” the conditions covered and the remedies available. Understanding one’s rights can be very confusing and every car buyer should prepare themselves before going to the show room. With the recent changes in the New Jersey Lemon Law, educated car buyers in the state should take a moment to fully understand their rights to ensure that the new car of their dreams does not turn into a nightmare.

What is a Lemon Car?

Generally speaking, a “lemon” is a new vehicle that has been purchased or leased which suffers from a nonconformity. A nonconformity is defined as a defect or condition which substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the vehicle.

New Jersey Lemon Law: Already Among the Best

Before the recent changes in the law, New Jersey consumers have traditionally been afforded excellent protection: the Center for Auto Safety named the New Jersey Lemon Law as the second most effective law of its kind in the nation. Among the features that stood out to CAS Director Clarence Ditlow were: the ability to go to an attorney immediately rather than waiting for an arbitration process and the provision that entitles consumers to cost-free legal representation if the consumer prevails in the case. As a result, new car buyers can feel more secure in their purchase.

Improvements in the New Jersey Lemon Law

Just when most would consider the New Jersey Lemon Law an example for the nation, the state has improved it by broadening the law. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey, Assembly Bill 1954 was signed into law by Governor John Corzine in October 2009. The law expands the lemon law parameters to include problems that occur in the first 24,000 miles or 24 months.  Furthermore, consumers who suffer a serious defect which is likely to cause death or serious bodily injury if the vehicle is driven would be able to file a lemon law claim if the problem cannot be fixed after one repair attempt.

The New Jersey Lemon Law After the Changes

After recent changes, the New Jersey Lemon Law applies to new cars, both purchased and leased, which suffer a nonconformity; a defect or condition, which substantially impairs the use, value or safety; that cannot be repaired after three attempts by an authorized manufacturer’s dealership. This nonconformity must first occur within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles, whichever comes first. The New Jersey Lemon Law also applies to vehicles that are in the shop for repair twenty (20) or more calendar days during the first 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first), and those which have a serious defect which could cause bodily harm or death that is not fixed after one repair attempt.

What If a Vehicle Is Not Covered by New Jersey’s Lemon Law?

It’s important to note that even if your car falls outside of the limitations established by the New Jersey’s Lemon Law, Federal breaches of warranty laws may still apply. If your car has an original or extended manufacturer’s warranty and has a problem that can’t be fixed after three repair attempts, chances are you may have some recourse. Therefore, it’s suggested that you contact a qualified attorney familiar with the New Jersey Lemon Law to determine whether you are entitled to compensation

About LemonLaw.com

Operated by the law firm of Kimmel and Silverman, LemonLaw.com has more experienced NJ Lemon Law lawyers than any other firm in the State and is the only consumer law firm ever asked by the State to teach arbitrators and mediators the fundamentals of New Jersey Lemon Law and how to hear Lemon Law cases.

Buying a new car can be a fun and rewarding experience that most people enjoy. Whether out of necessity or for pleasure, car buyers spend a great deal of time carefully considering the qualities of each vehicle to decide on the vehicle that will be the right fit for them. Unfortunately, consumers occasionally find their dream car can quickly become a nightmare and in Pennsylvania this is no exception.

Occasional mechanical problems can appear even when a vehicle is new, however when these problems repeatedly occur, Pennsylvania drivers must protect their rights. Therefore, a brief review of the Pennsylvania Lemon Law should be useful to anyone that has a new vehicle or has ever considered buying a new car in the state of Pennsylvania.

What is a Lemon?

Generally speaking, a “lemon” is a new vehicle that has been purchased or leased which suffers from a repetitive nonconformity. A nonconformity is defined as a defect or condition which substantially impairs the use, value or safety of the vehicle.

How Does Pennsylvania Define a Lemon?

The Pennsylvania Lemon Law applies to new cars purchased or leased in Pennsylvania and registered in PA, OR purchased in another state but registered in PA by the first owner immediately after purchase. In order to qualify for remedy under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law, your vehicle must be used for personal use and must suffer its first non conformity (that’s a defect which affects the use, value or safety of the car) within the first 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. The problem must occur at least two more times under the Manufacturers warranty period OR the vehicle must be in the shop 30 days in the 12/12 period. The 30 days do not have to be consecutive, nor do they have to be for the same problem.

What If a Vehicle Is Not Covered by Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law?

It’s important to note that even if your car falls outside of the limitations established by the Pennsylvania Lemon Law, there are still Federal breaches of warranty laws which may apply. If your car has an original or extended manufacturer’s warranty and has a problem that can’t be fixed after three repair attempts, chances are you may have some recourse. Therefore, it’s suggested that you contact a qualified Pennsylvania Lemon Law Attorney to determine whether you are entitle to compensation

How to Avoid Buying a Lemon

Many people think that when buying a new car, the odds of getting a lemon can’t be reduced, but this isn’t the case. With a little extra effort, car buyers can greatly reduce the odds of having a sour experience by following this simple advice:

1. Review the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Complaints List – Avoid the Vehicle with a High Proportion of Complaints
2. Check out the Car Book by Consumer Advocate Jack Gillis and The Center for Auto Safety as a Guide to the Highest Rated Vehicles.
3. Inspect the Vehicle Thoroughly Including a Test Drive; Take Extensive Notes , You May Need Them Later
4. Carefully Document All Vehicle Repairs Keeping All Invoices and Documents
5. Understand Your Rights Under Pennsylvania Law

In conclusion, buying or leasing a new car in Pennsylvania does not have to be a risky proposition. By knowing your rights and taking active steps to avoid a “lemon” you can dramatically decrease the likelihood of problems with your new car and enjoy the new car experience without fear or concern.

About LemonLaw.com

Operated by the law firm of Kimmel and Silverman, LemonLaw.com is Pennsylvania’s oldest and largest lemon law firm, handling over 30,000 claims statewide since its inception. Committed to protecting Pennsylvania car buyer’s rights, Kimmel and Silverman have recently established Pennsylvania Lemon Law News , a blog focused on the intricacies of the Pennsylvania State Lemon Laws.

Coverage expands from 2 years or 18,000 miles to 2 years or 24,000 miles, with a provision for defects that could cause serious bodily injury or death.

Trenton, NJ (October 6, 2009)– A Bill designed to provide additional consumer protection to Garden State drivers was signed late last week by Governor Jon Corzine. The New Jersey Lemon Law has expanded coverage to assist automobile and motorcycle drivers who suffer a defect within the first two years or 24,000 miles which cannot be fixed after three repair attempts, or whose vehicles are in the shop 20 or more days during the 2 year or 24,000 miles period.

Senate Bill 454, sponsored by New Jersey Senators Barbara Buono and Nicholas P. Scutari was written to update the Lemon Law based on the needs of current commuters. “Drivers commute to work much farther than when the laws were enacted 18 years ago,” said Senator Buono in an interview with Politickernj.com. ‘Subsequently, consumers were finding that their Lemon Law rights were being limited to approximately a year of usage.”

In addition, if a defect which could cause serious bodily injury or death occurs in the first 2 years or 24,000 miles, the manufacturer has only one repair attempt to fix the problem before a consumer can file a New Jersey Lemon Law claim. There are similar provisions in other state’s Lemon Laws, including Ohio.

“This is a giant step in consumer protection,” says Cherry Hill-based Lemon Law attorney Robert M. Silverman, Founding Partner of Kimmel & Silverman (www.lemonlaw.com). ‘Once you combine the State’s top-notch judicial system with this powerful statute, car manufacturers better think twice before refusing to voluntarily comply with consumers’ rights under the New Jersey Lemon Law.”
In the past, the New Jersey Lemon Law received national accolades from the Center for Auto Safety which named the statute the second most effective Lemon Law in the Country. In a congratulatory letter sent to then New Jersey Attorney General David Sampson, the Center for Auto Safety lauded New Jersey for allowing consumers “to go to an attorney immediately to get rid of their lemon rather than waiting for the arbitration process.” In addition, Clarence Ditlow, CAS Executive Director, commended the state for providing cost-free legal representation under the Law. If a consumer prevails, the manufacturer is responsible for paying all attorneys fees.
Also in that letter, Mr. Ditlow suggested requiring only one repair attempt if a defect threatens death or serious bodily injury as a way to make the Law even stronger.
The New Jersey Lemon Law protects purchasers and lessees of automobile and motorcycles who purchase, lease or register their vehicle in the State. Maximum remedy under the Law is a complete repurchase of the vehicle, including taxes, tags, finance charges, and down payment minus a mileage offset to reflect when the problem was first addressed by the manufacturer. Consumers who do not fall under the NJ Lemon Law parameters but experience repetitive problems under their manufacturers warranty may be entitled to recourse under the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.

For more information on NJ Lemon Law rights, visit www.lemonlaw.com/nj-lemon-law.html or contact the offices of Kimmel & Silverman at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).
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The Car Allowance Rebate System (aka Cash for Clunkers) has ceased, but that does not mean you cannot get cash if your car is a clunker.

We repeatedly discuss the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, which provides distressed drivers with monetary damages if their car, truck or motorcycle has been back in the shop repeatedly for the same repairs, but does not fall under Lemon Law parameters.   Lemon Law Lawyer Craig Thor Kimmel recently joined Ukee Washington on Eyewitness News This Morning on the CW Philly to discuss the Magnuson Moss Law and how it works.

Under the Federal law, which provides protection for any consumer who purchases a product over $25, a consumer can receive monetary damages from the manufacturer to reflect the diminished value of the product as a result of the repeated problems.  At Kimmel & Silverman, we have used this Law to help folks with faulty vehicles, motorcycles, ATVS, computers and appliances.

The best part for drivers who use this law is that they are entitled to monetary compensation even if the vehicle is finally fixed after repeated attempts. You receive money PLUS you get to keep your car.  In addition, the car is not branded in any way on carfax, the warranty remains completely in effect, and you do not need to disclose that you received this money at the time of sale or trade.  Also, just like the Lemon Law, legal help is 100% cost-free.

Here are some recent Magnsuon Moss victories.  (Of course, each case is different and we cannot guarantee that you would be entitled to the same compensation).

2004 Mazda RX8: currently has over 57,000 miles
Engine flooded—replaced numerous components , including cat converter
Consumer received $6,000

2007 Suzuki SX4: currently has 60,000 miles
Defective engine block at 42,000 miles, out of service 2 months
Consumer received $4,500

2004 Volvo C70: currently has 37,000 miles
Car would not start x3
Consumer received $3,000

2007 Saturn Ion: currently has 43,000 miles
Loss of power starting at 15,000 miles—replaced wiring harness
Consumer received $3,000

2008 Cadillac Escalade: currently has 23,000 miles
Purchased used, replaced trailer hitch cover x3, stalling x2
Consumer received $4,000

2007 Subaru Impreza: Currently has 21,000 miles
Problem occurred right outside of Lemon Law
Check engine light x3—replaced left side cylinder & short block, out of service 46 days
Consumer received $7,500

2007 Hummer H3: currently has 23,000 miles
Car leased; Door lock & window malfunctions x6
Consumer received $3,000

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo: currently has 60,000 miles
Purchased used; check engine light x4 under warranty
Consumer received $2,750

2004 Cadillac SRX: currently has 43,000 miles
Purchased used; engine replaced plus power steering leak x3
Consumer received $6,000

2005 GMC Sierra:  currently has 38,000 miles
Check engine light starting at 18,000 miles—eventually replaced turbo
Consumer received $4,000

If your car is still under an original or extended manufacturers warranty, and you have been in the shop three or more times for the same problem, please drop us a line to see if you are entitled to remedy under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.

Kimmel and Silverman, Which Operates LemonLaw.com, Has Dramatically Improved the Reliability and Quality of its Inbound Telephone Service. The Move Has Increased Immediate Access to the Lemon Law Lawyer for Drivers Unlucky Enough to Have Purchased a Lemon.

Philadelphia, PA August 25, 2009 – Lemon Law Attorneys Kimmel and Silverman continue to improve customer service by proactively upgrading their entire telephone infrastructure. A concentration on customer service is among the many reasons why the firm has consistently received awards such as being named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, as well as having a number of associates named as Top South Jersey Attorneys.

Protecting drivers’ rights throughout the Northeast United States can be challenging, which is why Kimmel & Silverman made this move to ensure fast and reliable communication with not only drivers, but also the Lemon Law staff. The firm maintains five full-service offices, eleven experienced Lemon Law Lawyers, four ASE-certified automotive experts, and a support staff of over 30 paralegals, clerks and administrators all of which must communicate reliably to protect clients rights.

“We are determined to help our clients overcome their vehicle problems and the first step is clear and reliable communication” states Company Representative. “Our clients are widely dispersed over the Northeast; whether we’re dealing with Ohio, Massachusetts or Pennsylvania Lemon Law we need to be able to communicate” continues Company Representative. “Dependable communication is critical to obtaining the best outcome for our clients.”

Kimmel and Silverman chose to install Alteva LLC’s Edgewater Networks product that will ensure continual contact between frustrated drivers in need of help and the firm’s lemon law lawyers. The solution includes the use of VOIP, also known as Voice Over Internet Protocol, sends voice traffic over the internet and provides a redundant connection to both power and network communication. As a result, the firm has clearly made a commitment to spare no expense in improving service to clients, or those seeking help.

The Lemon Law Firm’s forward thinking approach has already paid big benefits. Recently, the local carrier that had a fiber cut near the firm’s suburban Philadelphia headquarters. Normally, all communication with clients would have been disrupted; regardless of location, questions about Ohio, New York or Pennsylvania Lemon Law were going unanswered. Thankfully, Alteva’s system gracefully shifted traffic around the break preventing client inconvenience and confusion. “We never lost connectivity” said Jeff Ehrmann, Director of IT, Kimmel & Silverman. “The process took about 30 seconds and we were fully operational despite the fiber cut.”

About Kimmel & Silverman

Kimmel & Silverman is the oldest and most successful lemon law firm in the Northeast. Serving Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Maryland and New Hampshire, Kimmel and Silverman has worked with over 50,000 distressed drivers to protect their rights and obtain a successful outcome free of charge. More information can be obtained by calling 1-800-LEMON-LAW or visiting their website: http://www.lemonlaw.com/

Eye on Ocean County interviews 1800-Lemon-Law representatives Amy Benecoff and Michael Sacks who offer tips and advice for New Jersey residents and car buyers to ensure that they make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing a new car. These videos are in 3 parts and are 30 minutes in total, offering a wealth of resources and information regarding the New Jersey lemon law.

New Jersey Lemon Law – Part 1

New Jersey Lemon Law – Part 2

New Jersey Lemon Law – Part 3

Courtesy of LemonLaw.com.

If you have some money in your pocket, now is the time to consider buying a new set of wheels. The incentives are very attractive, there are many dealers out there who are hungry to make a great deal with you, the cash for clunkers program is in effect, and there are still plenty of 2009 models out there for the picking. Heck, you can even consider a certified pre-owned car, but as we have repeatedly reminded you, if you buy a used car, please make sure it has a manufacturers warranty.

Just remember the five golden rules you need to keep in mind when aiming to buy your next auto:

KNOW YOUR NEEDS. Identify what you need a car for. Is it to get to work an hour away and use as little gas as possible? Consider a hybrid. Is it to taxi your brood of children from soccer games to ballet to Chuck E Cheese and then back to ballet because you daughter forgot her slippers? You may want to consider a minivan or crossover. Figure out your daily schedule and that will help you narrow down the search immensely.

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH. It’s so important we say it three times. The internet provides so many incredible opportunities to gather information about cars. There are reviews on such sites as vehix.com, where you can even put together a side-by-side comparison. There is a complaint and defect database at the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Every manufacturer from Kia to Jaguar has a comprehensive website where you can examine a model inside and out, review its features and its pricing. Plus, there are so many automotive forums out there, the king being at edmunds.com. And lastly, don’t forget about our car complaint index and best bets, furnished by consumer advocate Jack Gillis and the good people at the Center for Auto Safety. Before you drive to the dealer, take a trip down the information superhighway and learn everything you can about the car you are looking at. Remember, an educated consumer is an effective consumer. (And if you do have a gas guzzler you are thinking of trading in, read up on the Cash For Clunkers program before going to the dealer. Don’t rely on the salesman to give you the most accurate information. Know your stuff beforehand and correct him if necessary.)

TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT. And we are not talking about a car like the one you are planning to buy; we are talking about the EXACT car you are buying. BEFORE you sign on the dotted line, take the car out for a long test drive and go through every single feature from the air conditioner to the trunk release. Make sure you ask every question and if something is not working, tell them to fix it NOW. Never settle for an IOU. This is your one chance to demand satisfaction. Take advantage of the opportunity.

UNDERSTAND YOUR WARRANTY. Every warranty is different. You need to know the terms of the warranty and what it covers. Is it cheaper to buy an extended manufacturers warranty when you first buy the car or can you purchase it later? If this is a used car, is it covered by the company who is manufacturing your car? (We get so many folks calling the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline who are driving a used Toyota with a Kia warranty. Make sure if you are driving a Toyota, you have a Toyota warranty.) Are there deductibles? Is it bumper-to-bumper or does it just cover the powertrain components? Is roadside assistance offered? Are loaner cars provided? The warranty is your insurance that if something goes wrong with this car, and chances are it will at least once, you are covered. Which bring us to…..

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS. If something continues to go wrong with your car, or the car is in the shop for an extended period of time, contact a lemon law attorney to find out about your rights. The State and Federal Laws are on your side and help you go against the billion-dollar automobile manufacturers. Remember, the legal help is completely free, so take advantage of it.

Now, without further ado, get your motor running, head out on the highway, and good luck!

Founding Partners were honored for building the State’s oldest and largest lemon law firm and helping to recover $150 million for distressed drivers throughout the region.

For Immediate Release – For the sixth year in a row, Robert M. Silverman and Craig Thor Kimmel, founding partners of the Ambler and Pittsburgh-based lemon law and consumer advocacy firm of Kimmel & Silverman, have been named Pennsylvania Super Lawyers in a survey conducted by Law & Politics Magazine. In addition, Jacqueline Herritt, Managing Attorney for the Firm and a 11-year lemon law veteran, has also been named to the list for a third year running. Kimmel & Silverman is proud to have more Consumer Lawyers named to the list than any other Firm in the State.

The findings are published in the June 2009 edition of Philadelphia Magazine. More than 34,000 attorneys were asked to vote for the most effective counsel they have personally observed in action. Kimmel and Silverman were recognized among the top 5% of all attorneys statewide for building Pennsylvania’s oldest and largest full-service lemon law firm, and assisting more than 50,000 distressed drivers across the Northeast with cost-free legal representation.

Kimmel & Silverman is the only lemon law firm in the nation to be honored by the American Bar Association. Their efforts have been featured on Good Morning America, Extra, The CBS Early Show, and hundreds of newspapers and magazines including Kiplingers Personal Finance Magazine, Consumer Reports, Automotive News, Black Enterprise, and USA Today. The Firm, which started out of a small office in Blue Bell, PA in 1991, has grown to include five full-service offices across Eastern and Western Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Delaware with a team of 11 attorneys, three certified automotive experts and a support staff of over 40 employees. The firm’s Lemon Law attorneys have also successfully represented consumers against several automotive manufacturers in national class action suits, and expanded their practice to include automotive dealer fraud claims and unfair trade practice litigation.

In addition, Kimmel & Silverman is the only PA lemon law firm to work with the House of Representatives in expanding the Pennsylvania Lemon Law to include leased cars and tighter title provisions for used cars. The firm has also worked with the Consumer Affairs Committee on House Bill 2284, which they hope will become the nation’s first Computer Lemon Law, and testified on bills to include additional protection for Pennsylvania consumers with motorcycles and recreational vehicles.

Most recently, attorney Bob Silverman and Kimmel & Silverman associate Amy L. Bennecoff worked with Chrysler counsel Jones Day and Fiat counsel Sullivan Cromwell to revise the Master Sales Agreement between the two companies to include specific language which protects all present and future Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep drivers who suffer repetitive defects with their vehicles.

ABOUT KIMMEL AND SILVERMAN

Kimmel & Silverman has five full-service offices located in Ambler, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Wilmington, DE, Dayville, CT, and Cherry Hill, NJ, and provides lemon law and breach of warranty representation to consumers throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Ohio. For more information about Kimmel and Silverman, and the services they provide, please call 1-800-LEMON-LAW (1-800-536-6652) or visit the firm’s website at www.lemonlaw.com
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