Don’t Settle for a Lemon
Stand Up for Your RightsCalifornia Lemon Law Qualifications: Know Your Rights
Helping You Understand Lemon Law Eligibility in California
Our California Lemon Law Firm assists clients in navigating the intricacies of the state's Lemon Law, which holds automakers accountable for faulty vehicles. We can assist if your car shows ongoing substantial defects affecting its use, safety, or value. Contact CA Lemon Law Firm for guidance on your Lemon Law rights, and let our experienced attorneys protect your interests and seek appropriate compensation.
Call CA Lemon Law Firm today at (818) 960-1550 or contact us online to learn more about the Lemon Law qualifications in CA. Serving clients in Burbank, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, and throughout CA!
Understanding the California Lemon Law
The Song-Beverly Warranty Act, also known as the California Lemon Law, applies to automobile manufacturers who sell their cars to consumers in the State of California. When a new car is sold or leased in the State of California, it is covered by an express warranty, so if there are problems, the manufacturer or authorized dealer must repair the faulty vehicle and make it conform to the warranty. Otherwise, they must either replace the Lemon with a comparable vehicle or buy it back from the consumer.
Criteria for Identifying a Lemon Vehicle in California
In California, a car is considered a Lemon if it meets specific criteria:
- It must have a substantial defect that impairs its use, value, or safety.
- The defect must persist after a reasonable number of repair attempts by the manufacturer or its authorized dealer.
- The defect occurred within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first.
If the vehicle meets these requirements, the owner may be entitled to:
- A refund
- Replacement of the vehicle
- Cash compensation under the California Lemon Law.
- It is advisable to consult an attorney for specific guidance regarding your situation.
Eligibility Requirements for California Lemon Law Claims
There is some subjectivity in determining how much your vehicle qualifies for compensation. For example, if you own a vehicle with a five-year warranty and file your claim three years into that time frame, you squarely fall under the Lemon Law. However, the manufacturer can still whittle down the compensation they must provide if your vehicle has been used consistently and has racked up many miles. That being said, your vehicle must meet some relatively set criteria to be eligible.
California Lemon Law qualifications mean that the vehicle in question must
- Still be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.
- Have been brought to an authorized dealer or manufacturer for repairs a reasonable number of times
- Have a recurring issue that is proven to either impair the full functionality of the vehicle, present a real threat to safety while the vehicle is in operation, or take away a significant portion of the vehicle's value
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lemon Law Claim in California
The statute of limitations to file a Lemon Law claim in California is four years. The California Lemon Law time limit starts when the consumer first experiences warrantable problems with their vehicle. If four years go by, and the Lemon Law claim has not been made, you will be barred from pursuing a claim.
Even though consumers have a four-year time limit with California's Lemon Law, it is important to act sooner rather than later with their claim. Postponing or delaying a Lemon Law claim can negatively affect the overall outcome. It is important that a consumer can establish their vehicle meets the legal definition of a Lemon to qualify for the Lemon Law buyback.
Safeguarding Your Rights Under California Lemon Law
To protect the nearly perfect reputation we have built for ourselves, our CA Lemon Law Firm only takes on clients that we feel have truly valid claims. Through this commitment, we have secured the respect of our colleagues, clients, and even the manufacturers we fight against. Before we can partner with you to pursue your claim, we must determine if your faulty vehicle meets the California Lemon Law eligibility parameters.
Get in Touch With Our Team Today to Begin Your Claim
Some firms draw attention to the size and scale of their practice to claim they are better equipped to take on your claim. However, most law firms fail to take Lemon Law cases seriously and give them only a portion of their time and focus. Our Firm exclusively prosecutes claims and boasts a lineup of attorneys who are each extraordinarily well-versed in every aspect and application of federal and California state Lemon Law.
Contact CA Lemon Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn more about California Lemon Law eligibility requirements!