Ourisman Complaint Lawyers – Whitney, LLP

Used Car Purchased from Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda

Buying a used car should be a straightforward process, but for our client, dealing with Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda turned into a months-long ordeal involving frustration, wasted time, and then hiring Whitney, LLP’s Ourisman complaint lawyers to represent her after her concerns about no title being provided were not resolved.  This blog examines the allegations in the lawsuit, discusses the applicable Maryland law and administrative regulations regarding the title being provided after the purchase of a vehicle, and how the case resulted in an eventual $18,000 Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda settlement for our client.

The Purchase

In May 2024, our client purchased a 2019 Chrysler 300 from Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda for approximately $15,000. She paid in full by check and was told that the dealership would handle all titling and registration paperwork with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), as she lived in Pennsylvania and needed to register the car there.

Shortly after taking possession of the vehicle, our client realized she had not been provided with the title.  Without the title, she was unable to prove ownership of the vehicle and also unable to sell the vehicle.  While she decided to attempt to resolve the matter herself, eventually she came to require the assistance of Whitney, LLP’s Ourisman complaint lawyers.

Months of Delay In Providing the Title

Despite repeated calls to the dealership, our client alleged she was given conflicting information and empty assurances.  The lawsuit alleged she was told by various employees, including a manager and accounting staff, that the title would be available soon. At one point, she alleged she was instructed to pick up the title at PennDOT, and traveled there, only to be told by PennDOT that a lien still existed on the vehicle and the title could not be released.

Eventually, our client came to believe, based on what she learned from PennDot and other investigation, that at the time of sale, the vehicle had an existing lien on it from Chrysler Capital, which had not been paid off before Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda sold her the vehicle.  When a dealer sells a vehicle on which there is a pre-existing lien that has not been paid off, the consumer will eventually experience problems with obtaining the title in their name – sometimes this comes to light quickly, and other times this can take years to come to the attention of the customer.

After months passed and the title was not provided, our client realized she need to obtain legal counsel.  Our client then searched online to find a lawyer to sue Ourisman, and found Whitney, LLP’s Ourisman complaint attorneys.

Legal Violations Alleged in the Ourisman Complaint

After our client contacted Whitney, LLP, an analysis of the facts provided a basis for numerous allegations to be made against Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda.  In Maryland, consumers have many legal rights when it comes to the purchase of a vehicle.  Similarly, Maryland law imposes many requirements on car dealers which are designed to protect their customers.

In the Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda lawsuit, our client alleged she suffered economic loss and emotional distress, and asserted causes of action for fraud, fraudulent concealment, violation of the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, breach of warranty of title, breach of contract, conversion, and negligent misrepresentation.  She sought compensatory damages as well as attorney’s fees, and other relief.

Maryland Law on Vehicle Sales and Titles

Maryland law and administrative imposes strict requirements on auto dealers regarding the titling and sale of vehicles.

Some of those requirements are as follows:

• Md. Code Ann., Transp., § 13-113: Dealers must obtain the certificate of title within 20 days of acquiring a vehicle for resale and must deliver the certificate of title to the buyer within 30 days if the vehicle is registered out of state.

• Md. Code Ann., Transp., § 15-312: Prohibits material misrepresentations and fraud in vehicle sales transactions.

• Maryland Consumer Protection Act (CPA), Md. Code Ann., Comm. Law, § 13-301 et seq.: Prohibits unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices, including false statements, omissions of material fact, and knowing concealment.

• Md. Code Ann., Comm. Law § 2-312: Imposes a warranty of title.

Specific Allegations Against Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda

The Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda lawsuit included the following allegations:

• Fraud and Fraudulent Concealment: Misrepresenting that they could lawfully sell and title the vehicle, while knowing they did not possess clear title.

• Violation of the Maryland Consumer Protection Act: Engaging in deceptive trade practices by failing to disclose the existing lien and inability to provide title within the lawful time.

• Breach of Warranty of Title: Selling a vehicle without having clear title.

• Breach of Contract: Failing to deliver the title as required by law.

• Conversion: Retaining the buyer’s payment while failing to deliver the title/legal ownership of the vehicle.

• Negligent Misrepresentation: Negligently assuring the buyer that the title and registration would be provided promptly.

$18,000 Settlement for Ourisman Jeep of Bethesda Lawsuit

Without a title, our client was unable to prove ownership or sell the vehicle.  Without the title, she faced the risk of being unable to receive payment from her insurance company  in the event of a total loss of the vehicle, and suffered ongoing emotional distress, including anxiety, stress, and sleeplessness, as the result of the title problems with the vehicle.  These concerns were on her mind on a daily basis once she realized something was wrong after the title was not promptly provided.

The $18,000 Ourisman complaint settlement paid to our client resolved all of her claims, including for economic damages, emotional distress and payment of her attorney’s fees.

How to Protect Yourself When Buying a Used Car

• Demand to see the title before finalizing any purchase.

• If possible, confirm there are no existing liens on the vehicle.

• Act quickly if paperwork for titling or registration is delayed; delays can signal deeper issues.

• Consult an attorney if you suspect deception or if the dealership fails to deliver the title within 30 days.

Need Help with a Vehicle Title Issue?

If you have experienced similar problems with a Maryland dealership—delays in receiving your title, undisclosed liens, or other causes of concern—contact Whitney, LLP’s Ourisman complaint attorneys for a free evaluation.

Whitney, LLP helps consumers enforce their legal rights and fight back against car dealers that do not comply with Maryland law.

We have successfully represented many clients who purchased vehicles in Maryland and then encountered ongoing problems due to the dealer not complying with Maryland law. 

Daniel W. Whitney, Jr. and Daniel W. Whitney, Sr. of Whitney, LLP

Ourisman Complaint Lawyers – Whitney, LLP

If you experienced problems with a purchase from a Maryland Ourisman car dealer or any other car dealer in Maryland, call Whitney, LLP’s Ourisman complaint lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation.

We have experience representing consumers in a variety of claims against numerous new and used Maryland car dealers, including title and registration problems, spot delivery, financing problems, false advertised pricing, forgery, breach of contract and deception, fraud and negligence claims.

Contact Whitney, LLP for a Free Evaluation at 410 583 8000, or use our Quick Contact Form.