Don’t Settle for a Lemon
Stand Up for Your RightsBurbank Lemon Law Attorney
Successfully Protecting Consumer Rights in California
If you purchase or lease a defective vehicle in California, you may be protected under Lemon Law. The California Lemon Law in Burbank applies to vehicles that car dealerships have been unable to adequately repair within the warranty period, despite being given a reasonable number of opportunities. If a vehicle qualifies, the manufacturer is required to refund the buyer's money and reimburse the remaining loan balance or provide a comparable replacement vehicle. This law ensures that consumers are protected and provided with appropriate remedies for persistently defective vehicles.
Call CA Lemon Law Firm today at (818) 960-1550 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our lemon lawyer in Burbank.
What is California Lemon Law?
The California Lemon Law, also known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (SBCWA), is found in CA Civil Code Section 1790-1795.8. This law addresses implied or written express warranties and lays out the requirements for manufacturers of consumer goods. The Tanner Consumer Protection Act is a provision in Song-Beverly that specifically protects motor vehicle buyers. The act covers the first 18 months after purchasing a motor vehicle under manufacturer’s warranties or the first 18,000 miles on the odometer, whichever comes first.
Purchasing a new vehicle should come with peace of mind. The peace of mind that the vehicle’s only needs are to be washed and have basic maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. Sometimes, however, the car starts having problems shortly after driving it off the lot. That's when we recommend reaching out to a skilled and experienced Burbank lemon lawyer.
At CA Lemon Law Firm, our entire practice focuses on protecting the rights of buyers with valid lemon law claims. Our track record of success is a testament to our experience, knowledge, and insight in California Lemon Law.
Do you suspect that your vehicle is a lemon? Get in touch with a California lemon law attorney in Burbank at CA Lemon Law Firm. Complete an online form or call (818) 960-1550 to request a free initial consultation
What Types of Vehicles Are Protected?
The protection covers new cars, leased cars, and used cars still under the manufacturer’s warranty. The Lemon Law applies only to disputes involving the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty.
Cars aren’t the only vehicles covered by the lemon law. Other eligible vehicles in Burbank include the following:
- Trucks
- Vans
- SUVs
- Motorcycles
- Boats
- RVs
- Cars
- Trailers
- Motorhome
Misused vehicles, off-road vehicles, and after-market parts are not covered.
The state’s lemon law works in tandem with federal protections. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act requires manufacturers to be transparent in their warranties and ensures a mechanism to enforce them.
What is the California Lemon Law Requirement?
To be eligible for a lemon law case in California, your vehicle must:
- Be covered under the original manufacturer’s warranty
- Have been taken to an authorized dealership or manufacturer for service a reasonable number of times
- Continually have the same problem over and over that threatens your safety while you are operating the vehicle, stops the vehicle from functioning properly or significantly takes away the value of the vehicle
What Damages Can I Recover If My Car is a Lemon?
If you have a lemon vehicle in California, your Burbank lemon lawyer can help you potentially recover various types of damages, including:
- Refund of the purchase price.
- Reimbursement of expenses related to the lemon vehicle.
- Repayment of the remaining loan balance if the vehicle was financed.
- Compensation for incidental damages incurred due to the lemon vehicle.
- Possible coverage of legal fees and costs if you win a lemon law claim.
Consulting with a specialized Burbank lemon law attorney is crucial to determine the specific damages you can seek based on your unique circumstances.
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Lemon Law Cases?
In California, you have 4 years to file a lemon law claim. The “clock starts ticking” when you first experienced an issue with your vehicle. After the four years have passed, you will not be able to pursue a claim.
If you believe you have a lemon law claim, do not wait -- get in touch with CA Lemon Law Firm at (818) 960-1550. it is better to start sooner than later because you and your attorney will have more time to solidify your claim. Waiting to start a claim may have negative effects on the outcome of your case.
Who is Responsible for Lemons?
The lemon law holds manufacturers and authorized dealers accountable. They must repair the faulty vehicle. When that’s not possible after a reasonable number of attempts, they are required to either replace or repurchase the lemon. The manufacturer must compensate you for all related costs such as rental cars, towing, taxes, and licensing.
How to File a Lemon Law Claim in California
Filing a lemon law claim in the state of California involves several crucial steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to navigate the process:
- Document Everything: Keep meticulous records of all repair attempts, which includes dates, descriptions of the issues, and repair orders. This documentation is critical in building a strong case.
- Notify the Manufacturer: Before filing a claim, you will need to give the manufacturer a final opportunity to repair the vehicle. This is typically done by sending a certified letter to the manufacturer’s customer service department, detailing the issues and repair history.
- Consult a Burbank Lemon Law Attorney: Navigating the lemon law process can be very complex, which is why consulting our knowledgeable attorney is essential. Our Burbank lemon lawyer will evaluate your case, guide you through the necessary steps, and help you understand your rights.
- File a Lemon Law Claim: We will assist in filing the claim with the manufacturer. This typically involves submitting your documentation and a demand for a refund or replacement. The manufacturer may respond with an offer, or they may contest the claim, in which case further legal action may be necessary.
- Negotiate a Settlement: Many lemon law cases are resolved through negotiation. We will negotiate on your behalf to help ensure you receive a fair settlement, which may include a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.
- Legal Action: If a settlement cannot be reached, you may recommend filing a lawsuit. This process involves presenting your case in court, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome based on the evidence provided.
Get a Free Consultation With a Burbank Lemon Lawyer at (818) 960-1550
At the CA Lemon Law Firm, we comprehensively understand all aspects of state and federal lemon laws. You can count on our legal team to walk you confidently through the process. Our Burbank lemon law attorneys are ready to aggressively fight for your valid lemon law claim in court or in settlement negotiations.
If you have a lemon, the manufacturers or dealer may be held responsible. See if you have a case with a free case evaluation with a lemon lawyer in Burbank at CA Lemon Law Firm. Contact us or call (818) 960-1550.
Valid Lemon Law Claims in Burbank
Not All Bum Purchases Fall Under the California Lemon Laws
The lemon law requires the following:
- The vehicle is covered by a valid warranty
- The vehicle is presented for repairs within the warranty period
- The vehicle failed its obligations to repair, replace, or repurchase the failing product
Vehicles that are under extended service contracts are not eligible for California Lemon Law claims.
The manufacturer is given a reasonable number of attempts to repair the issue before they must replace or repurchase the vehicle.
The law offers guidelines on what qualifies as a reasonable number of attempts:
- When the problem could result in injury or death and hasn’t been rectified within two attempts
- All other defects that aren’t repaired within four attempts
- The vehicle has been in the repair shop for more than 30 days (not necessarily consecutively) for the repair of any problem covered by its warranty
The issue must be significant enough that it poses a safety risk, hinders the use of the vehicle, or lowers the car’s value.
Some of the most common defects include:
- Engine Problems. Stalling, not starting, and overheating are common concerns.
- Electrical Issues. Motor, lights, and internal systems are not functioning properly.
- Leaks. Oil, fuel, and transmission fluid leaks are frequent problems.
- Seatbelt Flaws. Not being able to properly secure a seatbelt reduces the safety of driving or riding in the vehicle.
Contact the CA Lemon Law Firm to schedule a no-cost consultation. Call (818) 960-1550 today!