When you buy or lease a new vehicle, you expect it to be safe, reliable, and free from major issues. However, when that isn’t the case and your car ends up spending more time in the repair shop than on the road, you may have legal options. The California Lemon Law provides important protections for consumers stuck with defective vehicles. Knowing how the process works can help you decide what to do next.
Contact the Los Angeles Lemon Law lawyers at American Lemon Law Group today if you’re ready to get started. We offer free consultations, and you can hire our award-winning California Lemon Law attorneys without paying anything out of pocket.
Why Hire American Lemon Law Group?
Choosing the right legal team can substantially impact the results of your Lemon Law claim. At American Lemon Law Group, we’ve built our reputation on results. Our California Lemon Law lawyers have:
- Over 35 years of combined experience
- More than $50 million recovered for clients
- A 99% success rate across 1,000+ Lemon Law cases
We also focus solely on Lemon Law cases, which means we understand how manufacturers operate and what it takes to win. Get in touch today to learn more, and read on to learn about how the Lemon Law process works in California.
Step 1: Determine Whether You Qualify
Before starting a claim, it’s important to figure out whether your vehicle meets the basic Lemon Law requirements. While each case is different, some common eligibility factors include:
- The defect must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety
- The issue must persist despite multiple repair attempts
- The vehicle must be under warranty when the problems begin
- You must give the manufacturer or dealership a fair chance to fix the defect
In many cases, consumers aren’t sure whether their situation qualifies. That’s where an experienced California Lemon Law attorney can step in and review your records to confirm whether you have a valid claim.
Step 2: Gather and Organize Your Records
Documentation plays a critical role in any California Lemon Law case. If you think your car might be a lemon, you’ll want to collect:
- Repair invoices and service orders
- Written descriptions of the issues
- Warranty details
- Communication with the dealer or manufacturer
- Purchase or lease agreements
Make sure your repair documents show the dates the car was brought in, what was done, and how long it was out of service. You should also keep notes about when the problem first appeared and how it affects your daily life.
Step 3: Provide Final Opportunity for Repairs
Under California law, manufacturers must be given a “reasonable” number of chances to fix the defect. The law doesn’t define this number exactly, but generally:
- Two or more failed repair attempts for serious safety issues may be enough
- Four or more failed repair attempts for other issues may also qualify
- If your car has been out of service for 30 days or more total, that could count too
Once these thresholds are met, you don’t have to keep taking your vehicle back. Instead, you may be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.
Step 4: File a Lemon Law Claim
If the problem still isn’t resolved, it may be time to file a claim. Most Lemon Law cases start by notifying the manufacturer and requesting a remedy under the law. This part of the process involves preparing a formal claim package that includes all your documentation.
The manufacturer might respond by offering a buyback, a replacement vehicle, or a settlement. However, they may also deny responsibility. If that happens, you have the right to pursue the claim further, often with legal help.
Step 5: Negotiation and Resolution
Once your claim is submitted, there are several potential outcomes. In many cases, manufacturers settle with consumers to avoid the cost and risk of legal proceedings. Your attorney will negotiate with the company to reach a fair resolution.
If the manufacturer won’t agree to a reasonable outcome, the case can be taken to arbitration or court. Either way, having an attorney can level the playing field and improve your chances of success.
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What Outcome Can You Expect?
If your case is successful, you may be entitled to one of the following:
- Vehicle repurchase (buyback): You return the vehicle and receive a refund for your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, and other qualifying costs
- Vehicle replacement: The manufacturer gives you a similar new vehicle at no extra charge
- Cash settlement: You keep the vehicle and receive a lump sum payment to account for the defect’s impact
Our lemon law lawyers will work with you to figure out which option fits your goals best. The final outcome depends on the details of your situation, but the law gives you the right to be made whole.
How a Lemon Law Attorney Can Help
The Lemon Law process can be confusing and time-consuming, especially if the manufacturer is fighting back. A skilled lawyer with our team at American Lemon Law Group can simplify everything and guide you every step of the way.
Some of the ways our California Lemon Law attorneys can help include:
- Reviewing your service records to determine if you qualify
- Preparing your legal documents accurately and efficiently
- Handling all of the communications with the manufacturer
- Negotiating for the best possible outcome on your behalf
- Filing a lawsuit or going to arbitration if necessary
We handle Lemon Law claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. In successful cases, the manufacturer is typically required to cover your legal fees. This gives you access to experienced legal help with no financial risk.
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Contact American Lemon Law Group for Legal Help Today
If you think you may have purchased or leased a lemon, don’t wait to act. These cases are often time-sensitive, especially when your warranty is about to expire.
Let our team put decades of experience to work for you. We’ll review your case for free and explain what options you have under the law. With no fees unless we win, there’s nothing to lose by reaching out. Call American Lemon Law Group today or contact us online or call (877) 311-1133 to get started.