Are you stuck with a defective vehicle that’s left you physically and financially stranded? You’re not alone. We’ve helped countless clients in similar situations.
Here, we’ll break down the critical aspects of the California Lemon Law to ensure you understand your rights and the steps you need to take to file a successful consumer rights claim.
Understanding California Lemon Law
Our state does provide legal protection for consumers who have purchased a faulty new or certified pre-owned vehicle. However, to be categorized as a “lemon,” it must have:
- A valid manufacturer’s warranty. Even if that warranty expires, your vehicle may still be protected under California Lemon Law if the car underwent repair attempts for the same recurring issue while the warranty was still active.
- Recurring issues. These issues can be mechanical or non-mechanical. The key is that they are ongoing, documented, and cannot be fixed by the manufacturer or authorized dealer.
- Multiple documented repair attempts. An authorized dealer or manufacturer must attempt to repair the same issue twice or more.
If your car has been off the road and in repair for at least 30 days, you may also have grounds to pursue a defective vehicle claim.
Filing a Consumer Rights Claim
If your vehicle meets Lemon Law eligibility requirements, take the following next steps:
- Document vehicle issues: Whether you are experiencing mechanical problems like stalling or non-mechanical issues like faulty sensors, write it down. Explain the problem in detail, including when it first occurred, how often it happens, and how it affects your ability to use the vehicle safely.
- Gather documents: Every time you take your vehicle in for repairs, request an itemized invoice that details what the manufacturer attempted to fix and how much the work cost. These records will help establish the number of repair attempts made and the time your vehicle was out of service.
- Maintain communication records: Keep copies of any correspondence with the dealership or manufacturer if possible. Often, dealerships send letters and text messages regarding appointments. Additionally, document phone calls, including the time, date, and name of the person you spoke with.
- Act Quickly: California Lemon Law has a four-year deadline for filing a claim. Once that timeline expires, we cannot help you pursue a consumer rights claim.
- Choose the Right Legal Team: Not all legal teams are experienced in in California Lemon Law. We are. Not only do we understand the nuances of the law, we know how to negotiate with manufacturers and will advocate on your behalf. If we cannot reach a swift resolution, we will pressure the manufacturer and, if necessary, escalate to ensure your rights are protected.
We Put California Consumers On the Road to Relief
Your vehicle may have left you stranded, but our experienced legal team won’t. The dedicated attorneys at CA Consumer Law have a proven track record of successfully handling defective vehicle claims. We know what it takes to hold manufacturers accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us now!
