Unmasking Common Myths About California’s Lemon Law

As experts in lemon law, The Barry Law Firm understands how confusing and aggravating it can be for some consumers to go through the legal process. Our objective is to help clients navigate this experience so they better understand their rights as consumers and the outcome of a lemon law claim.

There are many myths about what does and doesn’t qualify as a lemon under California law. To help, we will address several common myths about California’s lemon law below. Of course, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation to further discuss the details of your potential case.

Myths and Facts About California Lemon Law

Myth	Fact
You cannot file a lemon law claim if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.	You can still file a lemon law claim in certain circumstances if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired.
Lemon law does not apply to used cars.	Used cars may also qualify for lemon law claims.
Lemon law does not apply to leased cars.	Lemon law does indeed apply to leased cars.
Lemon law is only for cars.	Lemon law applies to vehicles such as cars, trucks, RVs, motorhomes, motorcycles, and many others.
Vehicles have to be in excellent condition to be covered under lemon law.	Vehicles do not have to be in excellent condition to qualify for a lemon law case.
Lawyers take a percentage of your damages for their legal representation.	Manufacturers are responsible for paying attorney fees and legal costs under the California lemon law.

#1 – You cannot file a lemon law claim if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. 

This is a common myth around lemon law that you should not believe! Consumers can still file a lemon law claim in certain circumstances if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Generally, if the problems with your vehicle began while under warranty which covered the repairs AND if there were multiple repairs made at a certified dealership while your vehicle was still under warranty, you may still qualify to bring a lemon law claim.

#2 – Lemon law does not apply to used cars.

False. Used cars may also qualify for lemon law claims. It is possible for your used car to qualify if it has a written warranty issued by the vehicle’s manufacturer such as those included with certified pre-owned vehicles.

#3 – Lemon law does not apply to leased cars.

False. Lemon law does indeed apply to leased cars. If you have leased a lemon, you have rights and options under California lemon law.

#4 – Lemon law Is only for cars.

Lemon law applies to vehicles such as cars, trucks, RVs, motorhomes, motorcycles, and many others. You may qualify for a lemon law claim if you purchased a vehicle with a written warranty that was not fully repaired by the dealership or manufacture after multiple attempts.

#5 –  Vehicles have to be in excellent condition to be covered under lemon law.

Vehicles do not have to be in excellent condition to qualify for a lemon law case. However, please note that significant damages caused by collisions or vandalism may need to be repaired. Our team can provide further guidance on possible repairs after reviewing your potential case.

#6 – Lawyers take a percentage of your damages for their legal representation. 

This widely held myth is simply not true. Manufacturers are responsible for paying attorney fees and legal costs under the California lemon law. There is truly no risk to getting professional legal help with your lemon law claim. Regardless of the outcome of your case, you will never get a bill from us. You are entitled to receive 100% of your actual damages recovered from a settlement or successful verdict (actual damages may include down payments, monthly payments, sales taxes, finance charges, out of pocket repair costs and registration fees). All attorney fees and costs are paid directly by the manufacturer or dealer and never out of your recovery.

Conclusion

Talk to California’s Premier Lemon Law Firm Today

Contact The Barry Law Firm today if you believe your vehicle may be a lemon. Our experienced team has helped bring justice to thousands of consumers in California who have ended up with defective vehicles.

Rest assured, our law firm will neither bill you for our legal services or nor take a penny fromy our damages as our fees and costs are paid by manufacturers. We will completely handle your lemon law claim at no cost to you so there’s nothing to lose! Call us today or contact us online for a FREE consultation.