Navigating California’s Lemon Law process begins with understanding your rights. If your vehicle is suffering from a defect that the dealership cannot fix, the law may protect you and allow you to recover compensation. While every case is unique, the Lemon Law process generally follows a similar series of steps.
Contact American Lemon Law Group online or call (877) 311-1133 today for a free consultation. We have a 99% success rate helping over 1,000 Californians receive compensation for their defective vehicles.
Why Is Hiring American Lemon Law Group the Right Choice for Me?
At American Lemon Law Group, we don’t just handle Lemon Law claims; we focus exclusively on them. That means we know exactly how manufacturers operate and how to hold them accountable. With over 35 years of combined experience and more than $50 million recovered, our track record speaks for itself.
When you hire us, you get a legal team of Los Angeles lemon law lawyers that:
- Knows California’s Lemon Law process inside and out
- Has successfully handled claims against nearly every major car manufacturer
- Understands how to challenge delay tactics and low settlement offers
- Keeps you informed every step of the way
- Works quickly to resolve claims
We also never charge upfront fees for our legal services. Our firm works on contingency, and under California’s Lemon Law, the manufacturer is typically required to pay your legal costs if your claim is successful.
Read on to learn about how the California Lemon Law process works, and contact us today if you’re ready to start with your case.
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Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Not every car qualifies under California’s Lemon Law. The law applies to new vehicles purchased or leased from a dealer that came with a manufacturer’s warranty. Certified pre-owned vehicles and certain other used cars may also be covered if they were sold with a factory-backed warranty.
The defect must affect the use, value, or safety of the car in a meaningful way. It can be a serious safety concern, like a braking issue, or a persistent performance problem, like a stalling engine. You also need to give the manufacturer enough chances to fix the problem before filing a claim.
Step 2: Keep All Records
Good documentation can make or break your claim. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. You should save things like:
- Repair invoices and dealership work orders
- Written communications with the manufacturer or dealer
- Receipts for towing, rental cars, or rideshare services
- Any warranty documents or service contracts
- Notes about how the defect has affected your ability to drive safely
Small details, such as how often the car had to be towed or the number of days it was in the shop, can support your claim. It can also help to organize your records in one place so your attorney can review them quickly.
Step 3: Give the Manufacturer a Fair Chance
Under the law, the manufacturer must be given a “reasonable” opportunity to fix the issue. This is an issue that many cases hinge on. The rules vary depending on the type of defect:
- If the problem could cause serious injury or death, two failed repair attempts may be enough
- For less serious issues, four or more repair attempts may be required
- If the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more total days due to warranty repairs, it may qualify regardless of how many visits occurred
The goal is to show that the dealership or automaker had a real chance to fix the problem but failed to do so.
Step 4: Start Your Lemon Law Claim
If the problem still exists after giving the manufacturer a fair chance, you may be ready to file a Lemon Law claim. Some consumers attempt to resolve this on their own. However, manufacturers are usually represented by legal teams who may try to delay, dismiss, or undervalue your claim.
Hiring a lawyer sends a clear message. Your attorney can submit a formal request for relief that complies with California law. If the automaker doesn’t cooperate, your case may proceed to arbitration or court.
Step 5: Work Toward a Resolution
When a claim is successful, you could be eligible for a buyback or a replacement vehicle. You might also recover:
- Sales tax and registration fees
- Towing and rental car expenses
- Incidental costs related to the defect
- Attorney’s fees
If a buyback is issued, the manufacturer must return most of what you paid. That includes your down payment, loan payments, and applicable taxes, minus a small deduction for mileage driven before the defect appeared.
How Our California Lemon Law Lawyers Can Help
Lemon Law cases often look simple on the surface, but involve strict rules and deadlines. A single mistake could weaken your claim, which is why it helps to work with a firm that knows how to handle manufacturers and insurance companies alike.
Our attorneys with American Lemon Law Group have 35+ years of combined experience and understand the tactics used by car companies and how to fight back effectively. We can:
- Review your paperwork and explain your legal options
- Build a case file with the right documentation
- Communicate with the manufacturer on your behalf
- Negotiate a settlement or proceed to litigation if needed
Ultimately, our goal is to help you maximize the value of your claim so that you can be made whole again.
What Happens After You File?
Once your claim is filed, the manufacturer will have a chance to respond. They may ask for more documentation or schedule a final inspection. In some cases, they’ll offer a settlement quickly. In others, the process may take longer, especially if the matter goes to arbitration or court.
Throughout this time, our team will stay engaged and prepared. We’ll push for a timely resolution and make sure no detail is overlooked. You’ll receive regular updates and can reach us at any time with questions about your case.
Call a California Lemon Law Attorney With American Lemon Law Group Today
You don’t have to deal with a defective vehicle on your own. If you believe your car may qualify under the California Lemon Law, speak with a California lemon law lawyer who understands the process inside and out.
At American Lemon Law Group, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights. If your case qualifies, we can take immediate steps to start the process and protect your interests. Call today at (877) 311-1133 or contact us online to learn more and to schedule a free case evaluation.