Lemon Law Attorneys in California
Purchasing a new vehicle is often an exciting experience. Whether it’s your first new car or you’re simply buying something to replace your old vehicle, it’s normal to have a certain set of expectations about what you’re getting and the enjoyment you will receive from it.
Unfortunately, things don’t always go the way you would like, and despite your initial excitement, you soon discover troubling issues with your new vehicle. According to the Consumer Federation of America, issues involving automobiles ranked #1 on their list of Top Ten Consumer Complaints in 2020. Like many other states, California provides a solution for faulty vehicles and their owners through what is referred to as a “Lemon Law.”
If you discover a serious defect in your automobile and the dealer is unable to fix the issue, you may qualify to receive a refund or have your vehicle replaced under California’s Lemon Law. For more than 25 years, attorney Alex Simanovsky has been helping individuals pursue fair dealings and favorable solutions to Lemon Law matters.
If you believe your vehicle qualifies under California’s Lemon Law, call 866-86-LEMON to reach out to Alex Simanovsky & Associates, LLC for help today.
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California Lemon Law
Many states throughout the country have Lemon Laws in place to protect consumers from being stuck with a faulty vehicle that cannot be fixed. There are, however, some unique aspects of California’s Lemon Law that set it apart from similar laws in other states.
If you are a California resident, and you are having problems with your new vehicle, there are some things you should know. California’s Lemon Law (California Civ. Code, § 1793.2) applies to:
- Cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs
- Vehicles purchased — or leased — for personal & family use
- Many vehicles purchased — or leased— for primarily business purposes
While Lemon Laws typically involve new cars, California’s Lemon Law also offers protection to some used cars as well. Additionally, California’s Lemon Law allows California-based active-duty members of the armed services to pursue claims on vehicles that were purchased in other states.
Is My Car a Lemon?
Though many people experience problems with their vehicles at different times, there are specified requirements for eligibility in a Lemon Law claim. In order for your vehicle to qualify for potential coverage under California’s Lemon Law, it must meet the following criteria:
- The vehicle’s problem must still be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty
- The problem is resulting in the vehicle being unusable or unsafe to operate
- The problem has not occurred as the result of your abuse of the vehicle
- The issue was discovered during the first 18 months of your ownership of the vehicle or within the vehicle’s first 18,000 miles of use (whichever comes first)
In some cases, the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s warranty also requires you to have notified the manufacturer of the issue in order to pursue a Lemon Law claim. If your situation meets the criteria listed above and you have made a reasonable number of attempts to have the problem fixed, you have grounds to pursue a claim.
California’s Lemon Law offers owners of faulty vehicles the option of choosing either a replacement vehicle from the manufacturer or a refund of their purchase price (and, in some cases, reimbursement of their legal costs to pursue the claim).
What is a “Reasonable” Number of Repair Attempts?
California’s Lemon Law clearly stipulates the circumstances under which a consumer can claim eligibility for reimbursement or replacement for their faulty vehicle. In order to meet the requirements for a “reasonable” number of repair attempts, one of the following statements must be true:
- You’ve taken your vehicle in for repair four or more times for the same problem without it being fixed
- You’ve taken the vehicle in at least twice for an issue that could cause serious injury or death and the problem has not been fixed
- Your vehicle has been in the repair shop for at least 30 days (not necessarily in a row) for a problem that is supposed to be covered under its warranty
When you are the owner or lessee of a vehicle that meets the above requirements and you are still unable to get the vehicle’s issue resolved, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement for the faulty vehicle.
Why You Need Legal Representation
In the event of a potential Lemon Law claim, while it is conceivably possible to pursue a resolution on your own, your best option is to speak with an experienced Lemon Law attorney for proper guidance. Having a knowledgeable attorney in your corner can not only provide you with peace of mind that your claim is in good hands but also prevent you from making avoidable mistakes that could endanger your claim or harm your chances of reaching your desired outcome.
When you’re dealing with continual problems with your vehicle on top of the other concerns and responsibilities you have in your daily life, your stress and frustration will only increase. Instead of facing these problems alone, let a skilled Lemon Law attorney take the load off of your shoulders and lead you in the right direction.
An attorney with experience in Lemon Law claims can explain all of your legal options, guide you through each step of the claims process, and make sure you are in the best position possible to pursue a favorable outcome in your situation.
Lemon Law Attorneys Serving California
You don’t have to be stuck with a malfunctioning automobile. As a consumer, you have rights, and there are provisions under California law that allow you to pursue the replacement or refund you deserve.
For more than 25 years, attorney Alex Simanovsky has been fighting for the rights of consumers as they pursue solutions to complex problems, including Lemon Law claims. If you are experiencing ongoing problems with your leased or purchased vehicle and you believe your situation meets the requirements listed above, call 866-86-LEMON to contact Alex Simanovsky & Associates, LLC today and get started with a consultation.
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