Don’t Settle for a Lemon
Stand Up for Your RightsPoint Loma Lemon Law Attorneys
How to Get a Refund for Your Lemon Vehicle
When you buy a new car, truck, or motorcycle, you expect it to be free of defects. Unfortunately, many vehicles are sold with serious problems that cannot be fixed, no matter how many times you take them to the dealership for repairs. If you are stuck with a lemon vehicle, you have rights under the California Lemon Law.
At CA Lemon Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping consumers throughout Point Loma and the surrounding areas get the refunds and/or replacements they are owed. Our Point Loma Lemon Law attorneys have a proven track record of success, having handled thousands of cases and recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We are ready to fight for you.
Call us at (818) 960-1550 or contact us online to request a free, no-obligation consultation with our team today.
What Is the California Lemon Law?
The California Lemon Law is a consumer protection statute that provides recourse for buyers and lessees of defective vehicles. Under the law, if a vehicle is sold with a defect that cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts, the manufacturer must either replace the vehicle, refund the buyer’s money, and/or compensate the consumer for losses suffered due to the defect.
California’s Lemon Law covers new and certified pre-owned used vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s original warranty. This includes vehicles that are:
- Leased
- Financed
- Purchased outright
It is important to note that the California Lemon Law does not cover vehicles that are no longer under the manufacturer’s warranty. Additionally, the law does not cover vehicles that have been damaged due to an accident, misuse, or neglect.
How Many Repairs Qualify a Vehicle as a Lemon?
Under the California Lemon Law, a vehicle is considered a “lemon” if it has a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety and the manufacturer has been unable to repair the defect after a “reasonable number of attempts.”
So, how many repair attempts are considered “reasonable” under the law?
- The law does not definitively state what number of repairs are considered reasonable. However, a minimum of two attempts is commonly recognized.
- If the vehicle has been in the shop for a cumulative total of 30 days or more for any number of repairs, the vehicle may also be considered a lemon.
If the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of attempts to repair the vehicle and the defect still exists, the vehicle is considered a lemon under the California Lemon Law.
How to File a Lemon Law Claim in Point Loma
If you believe that you have a lemon vehicle, you may be wondering how to file a Lemon Law claim in Point Loma. The process can be complex, which is why it is generally a good idea to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through each step.
Here is a general overview of what you should do if you believe you may have a lemon:
- Review your warranty: The first step in filing a Lemon Law claim is to review your warranty. Make sure that your vehicle is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty and that the defect you are experiencing is covered under the warranty.
- Keep records of all repairs: If you have a lemon vehicle, you will need to prove that the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of attempts to repair the defect. To do this, you should keep detailed records of all repairs, including the dates the vehicle was in the shop, the repairs that were made, and the amount of time the vehicle was out of service.
- Work with an attorney: The manufacturer may try to refuse to replace the vehicle or refund your money. However, you have rights under the law. Contact an experienced Lemon Law attorney. Your attorney will help you gather the necessary evidence, file the claim, and negotiate with the manufacturer on your behalf.
It is important to note that the California Lemon Law is complex and the process can be challenging. That is why it is generally a good idea to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through each step and help you fight for the best possible outcome.
What Compensation Can I Expect If My Vehicle Is Deemed A Lemon?
The California Lemon Law provides for a number of forms of compensation if your car is declared a lemon. These are meant to ease the financial strain and emotional distress that come with owning a defective vehicle. Manufacturers are required by lemon legislation to provide a replacement car or a refund. The purchase price of the vehicle, taxes, registration fees, and any other incidental charges like towing or rental car fees that you may have incurred while the vehicle was being repaired are usually included in the refund.
You can also be eligible for reimbursement for any monthly payments made toward a loan or lease, as well as the down payment. Since the goal of the law is to make you whole without putting you under further financial burden, Point Loma lemon law experts at CA Lemon Law Firm can help make sure that your refund also includes fair legal fees and costs.
If you decide to buy a new car, it should be a similar model if the old one isn't accessible, or a car of the same make and model. A fresh warranty ought to be included with this replacement as well.
It can be difficult to navigate these alternatives, so having knowledgeable Point Loma lemon law attorneys on your side will guarantee you get all the money you're due, giving you piece of mind and a calm finish to an otherwise trying scenario.
How Long Does a Lemon Law Case Take?
One of the most common questions we receive is, “How long does a Lemon Law case take?” Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The length of time it takes to resolve a Lemon Law case can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of the manufacturer to negotiate, and more.
That being said, most Lemon Law cases are resolved in one of the following ways:
- Settlement: Many Lemon Law cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. In a settlement, the manufacturer agrees to replace the vehicle or refund the buyer’s money in exchange for the buyer dropping the case. Settlement negotiations can begin at any time, even before the case is filed. In fact, in some cases, the manufacturer may agree to a settlement before the case is even filed.
- Litigation: If the manufacturer refuses to replace the vehicle or refund the buyer’s money, the buyer can file a lawsuit. The litigation process can be lengthy and complex, as it involves filing the necessary paperwork, gathering evidence, and more. In some cases, litigation can take several months or even years. That is why it is generally a good idea to work with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the process and fight for the best possible outcome.
At CA Lemon Law Firm, we understand that you want to resolve your Lemon Law case as quickly as possible. That is why we work diligently to negotiate fair settlements on behalf of our clients. However, we are always prepared to take a case to court if the manufacturer is not willing to negotiate in good faith.
How Much Does a Lemon Law Attorney Cost?
You may be hesitant to hire an attorney because you are worried about the cost. However, it is important to note that the California Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers, which means that the manufacturer may be required to pay the buyer’s attorney’s fees if the case is successful.
So, how much does a Lemon Law attorney cost?
At CA Lemon Law Firm, we handle all Lemon Law cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not have to pay any upfront costs to hire us and you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf. If we do not win your case, you do not owe us anything.
Do I Need An Attorney To File A Lemon Law Claim?
You can file a lemon law claim without an attorney, but having one can greatly enhance your odds of a positive outcome. Their skill in managing intricate details ensures you obtain the compensation you deserve swiftly. If you suspect that the vehicle you purchased is actually a lemon, do not hesitate to reach out to the experienced lawyers at CA Lemon Law Firm.
How Our Point Loma Lemon Law Attorneys Can Help You
At CA Lemon Law Firm, we have a comprehensive understanding of the California Lemon Law and the process for filing a claim. We can guide you through each step and help you fight for the best possible outcome.
When you choose to work with us, you can expect:
- Personalized service: We are a boutique law firm that is dedicated to providing our clients with the personalized, one-on-one attention they deserve. When you choose to work with us, you can expect to receive the highest level of legal service from start to finish.
- Aggressive representation: We are not afraid to take on large vehicle manufacturers and their legal teams. Our Point Loma Lemon Law attorneys are skilled negotiators and aggressive litigators who will fight tirelessly for you at every stage of the process.
- Proven results: We have a proven track record of success, having handled thousands of cases and recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We know what it takes to win and we will not back down from a fight.
Our Point Loma Lemon Law attorneys are here to help you get the refund and/or replacement you are owed. We will review the details of your case, explain your rights, and help you make an informed decision about how to proceed. If you choose to move forward, we will handle all aspects of your case so that you can focus on what matters most—getting your life back on track.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you have a lemon vehicle, you have rights under the California Lemon Law. Our Point Loma Lemon Law attorneys can help you understand your rights and fight for the refund and/or replacement you are owed. We offer free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose by speaking to a member of our team.
Call our Point Loma Lemon Law attorneys at (818) 960-1550 or contact us online to request a free, no-obligation consultation today.