Contrary to what the dealership might have you believe, taking your new vehicle to the mechanic for frequent repairs is not normal. It’s something that has been normalized by incompetent manufacturers whose vehicles don’t meet the quality standards they advertise. As a result, it’s commonplace to see Californian car owners visiting dealerships without getting any permanent repairs done.
The Lemon Law in California exists to ensure that no one has to suffer for the automakers’ incompetence. The goal is to alleviate the stress and frustration a lemon brings to consumers. This way, carmakers pay for their own mistakes rather than passing it onto the owners.
To make the most of this law, however, you will need to search for the “best Lemon car attorney near me.” Here we’ll discuss why hiring an attorney is important and how it can get you more money in the long run.
Lemons and Defective Vehicles: Eggs in the Same Basket
To better understand why you need an attorney for Lemon Law near me, let’s first explore the concept of lemons.
In California, “Lemon” is a term describing a vehicle discovered to be below standard or less than average. It refers to cars that are subpar and, despite frequent repairs, still fail to conform to the quality depicted by the makers.
The word “lemon” is used to describe such vehicles because the unpleasant or sour taste of the fruit itself can be likened to how owners of defective products feel. At first, the term was used in a more subtle context, however, as time went on, it took a more concrete connotation and became widely accepted in the legal realm.
How About Used Cars?
Contrary to popular belief, the lemon classification is not reserved only for new vehicles. The term also covers used cars bought from a manufacturer-authorized dealership, so long as they are certified pre-owned. If a car you bought as a CPO displays repeated defects, there’s a chance it qualifies as a lemon.
What is the California Lemon Law?
This brings us to the California Lemon Law, the consumer protection act implemented by the state. Under this legislation, consumers who bought or leased new or used vehicles enjoy full-time protection under their warranty. With this protection, consumers may be eligible for a replacement vehicle, a refund, or a cash settlement from the automakers. All they have to do is find a computer, type “Lemon Law near me” and find an experienced attorney to help them get started.
Besides the remedy options and advice mentioned above, the lemon law also mandates that automakers must:
- Provide well-equipped dealerships in California to allow easy access to repair facilities
- Ensure that repairs don’t surpass 30 days total
- Attempt to fix the issue(s) at least “a reasonable number” of times
- Pay the fees of any attorney hired by the consumer
Eligibility Criteria
You must meet certain conditions to qualify for the California Lemon Law protections. These include:
- You must have had the same defect repaired at least two times by the dealer
- Your car must have had four repairs done for different issues
- The dealership must have attempted at least one repair to fix a serious safety defect.
Note that your vehicle must fulfill one of the above conditions in the first 18 months or 18,000 miles driven, whichever comes first, and you must file within 4 years of the first defect and repair attempt. This is based on the statute of limitations stated by California Law.
Keep in mind that the law only covers vehicles including:
- Personal cars, SUVs, trucks, and EVs
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Recreational vehicles and motor homes
Why You Should Hire a Lemon Lawyer Near You
Consumers with defective vehicles are encouraged to search for a “Lemon attorney near me” for the following reasons:
Experience in Lemon Law Litigation
A skilled lemon lawyer specializing in this field should have garnered sufficient experience in representing clients. As such, the attorney would have become well-versed in the nuances and intricacies involved in the legal process. This experience makes sure they’re familiar enough with the manufacturer’s antics to anticipate challenges and devise strategies. Combining this experience with their expertise, the final result is the best possible outcome for your claim.
Comprehensive Legal Guidance and Support
How familiar are you with the Lemon Law? Regardless of how knowledgeable or unfamiliar you are with Lemon Law, it’s best to begin with a search for “lawyers for Lemon Law near me”. These attorneys will provide valuable insights about the legal process and educate you on your rights. They can guide you on the best course of action and support you throughout the dispute resolution process.
Reduced Stress and Burden
Pursuing a Lemon Law can be stressful, especially when the carmaker tries to deny your claim. In such instances, having someone experienced to advocate for you helps reduce the stress and burden. Knowing someone is out there fighting for you can provide the peace of mind you deserve.
Increased Settlement With Legal Assistance
To maximize your potential settlement, you need legal assistance. Your attorney will help build a solid case supported by strong evidence of repairs. This will help ensure you have enough proof to convince the automakers that your vehicle is indeed a lemon.
Faster Resolution/Better Outcome
The duration of Lemon Law cases depends on each unique case, with some taking 3 to 6 months and others taking 1 to 3 years. However, with an expert, you can resolve your case as quickly as possible via skilled negotiation. Your lawyer will negotiate a reasonable compensation deal that reflects your case, ensuring a swift and favorable outcome.
In cases where automakers don’t agree during negotiations, your attorney may have to take your case to court through litigation. This may take longer to resolve, but it allows your lawyer to argue your case for a fair settlement before a judge and jury.
FAQs
How do I know my vehicle meets the state’s requirements?
As mentioned earlier, your vehicle must have had at least two repairs for the same issue or three attempts for multiple defects. You must also be within the manufacturer’s original warranty when the issues occur. However, for safety concerns, you may only need one repair to be eligible for California’s Lemon Law requirements.
Can I file a claim on a used vehicle?
Of course! A used vehicle also qualifies for the Lemon Law if the consumer bought it as certified pre-owned. If such a vehicle meets the lemon criteria, it is deemed a lemon, and the owner enjoys the accompanying consumer protection.
Can/Should I handle the Lemon Law process on my own?
While you can handle your legal claim on your own, it’s not particularly advisable. This is because you need a lawyer who specializes in Lemon Law to help you through the process and assist you in making a solid case. You have a better chance of getting the maximum compensation available when your attorney negotiates with automakers on your behalf. This is why every defective vehicle owner should begin by searching for a “ Lemon lawyer near me” and choosing the most experienced and specialized attorney that pops up.
Table Your Case and Start Your Journey to Compensation
To begin your journey to Lemon Law compensation, it’s best to contact an attorney specializing in this legal field. This will help reduce any unnecessary stress and give you the needed support to navigate the complex Lemon Law landscape. Before choosing a lemon attorney, make sure you do your homework and research Lemon law lawyers near me. Depending on your location in California, many competent law firms will pop up.
To help streamline your search, check out our lawyers at Quill & Arrow LLP. Our team of attorneys is dedicated to guiding you as we resolve your Lemon Law claim. So, if you have a lemon, reach out for your free consultation today.
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions