FROM THE BLOG

What To Do if You’ve Been Sold a Lemon in California

Buying a new car can be exhilarating, especially if you’ve had your eye on a particular model for some time. For some new car owners, though, the excitement can eventually fade to frustration if the new car starts to suffer from mysterious and chronic issues. Perhaps the check engine light comes on for no apparent reason, or maybe the brakes do no engage properly when you attempt to slow down. If you have repeatedly asked the dealership for answers and they haven’t fixed the problem, you likely have a lemon on your hands. So, what can you do? Let’s take a closer look at how to successfully pursue a Lemon Law case to receive the replacement vehicle or refund you are owed.

Making Sure You Qualify

First, it’s important that you make sure that your vehicle is, in fact, a lemon. California Lemon Law specifies that a car can be considered a lemon if there have been at least two attempts within eighteen months or 18,000 miles to repair a major issue with the vehicle that could lead to serious injury or death. If the issue is not as serious, there need to have been at least four attempts to fix this problem in order for your car to qualify as a lemon. Or, if your car has been in the repair shop for more than thirty days, it qualifies as a lemon. Once you’re sure that you have a lemon on your hands, it’s time to take action.

Building a Successful Case

If you’re sure you can show that your car is indeed a lemon, you should act quickly. According to California’s Commercial Code, you have up to four years to file a lemon law claim. While this may seem like a long amount of time, it’s important to start the process as soon as possible so that you have enough time to build a strong case. To formally begin the process, you’ll need to contact the vehicle’s manufacturer. In order to prove that your car qualifies as a lemon, you will need to provide documentation. Keep detailed records of each repair attempt—document the date, purpose, and duration of the repair for each attempt you made to fix the issue. Finally, it’s recommended that you work with a skilled California Lemon Law attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure that your claim is as strong as possible.

After the Verdict

If your case is successful and you win, you will receive either a replacement vehicle or the cash value of the car (minus the mileage). If your case is unsuccessful and you lose, you still have the option to go to court.

For trusted and effective legal guidance regarding your lemon law case in the Bay Area, call Lemon Law Partners, LLP today at (800) 887-9362 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Are you having issues with your vehicle?

Lemon Law Partners can help.
(510) 944-0336