A defective vehicle can be a nightmare. Your car may not run right. It may not start when you need it. It may even pose a danger to your safety. The good news is that California’s Lemon Law could help you recover the cost of your vehicle and other related expenses. By carefully following the California Lemon Law, you may be able to get rid of your defective vehicle and get your money back.
At The Barry Law Firm, we understand how frustrating it can be to wind up with a lemon. Our California Lemon Law attorneys are committed to helping consumers seek the justice they deserve. We have a reputation for aggressive advocacy and outstanding service. We also have the knowledge and the resources to take on deep-pocketed manufacturers.
When you choose our firm to handle your Lemon Law case, we will represent you at no cost to you. Under California law, manufacturers are responsible for all fees and costs. That means you will never get a bill from us. We can also handle the entire process through email or fax. You do not even have to meet with us in person unless you want to.
If you have a lemon, let The Barry Law Firm help. For your free case review, call us today or contact us online.
What Does the Lemon Law Do?
Many people wonder how the Lemon Law works and exactly what it does. Simply put, the California Lemon Law protects consumers who have purchased a defective vehicle. The Lemon Law gives consumers legal rights and sets out a process for getting a replacement vehicle or your money back.
The Lemon Law protects your rights by:
- Limiting the number of times that a manufacturer can attempt to fix your vehicle’s problems
- Providing you with options for the replacement of your vehicle, but both you and the manufacturer must agree
- Potentially requiring manufacturers to repurchase your vehicle so you get your money back
If you have questions about what protections you have under the Lemon Law, talk with a lawyer now. The consultation is free, and you never pay any legal fees.
Determining Whether Your Car Qualifies
To qualify under the Lemon Law, your vehicle must be covered by a written warranty. A new vehicle comes with these warranties, and a used vehicle may also be covered. Some manufacturers sell certified pre-owned vehicles with these warranties. Other used vehicles, such as dealer demonstration models, may also be covered.
To qualify for California Lemon Law, you must have purchased or leased your vehicle in California. Vehicles that you bought or leased in another state will likely be covered by that state’s Lemon Laws.
Going Through the Repair Attempts
As part of the California Lemon Law process, the manufacturer must have the opportunity to repair your vehicle’s problems. The number of repair attempts varies from case to case. However, some general guidelines apply. If the problem is so serious that it may threaten your health and safety, manufacturers usually get two opportunities to fix it. If the problem is less serious, manufacturers may get several repair attempts, sometimes four or more.
If you are dealing with a lemon, save all repair orders and maintenance records for your vehicle. These records can be a crucial part of your Lemon Law case. They can help you prove that you have a lemon on your hands. Keep logs of the repair attempts and keep your records together so that you and your lawyer can easily review them.
Difference Between Arbitration vs. Lawsuit Against the Manufacturer
Many consumers wonder about the difference between arbitration and a lawsuit against a manufacturer. Simply put, arbitration is an informal way to handle the claim. A lawsuit, on the other hand, is a formal court process. Consumers have a choice of which method to use, and each method comes with its own considerations.
When dealing with a broken vehicle, many people get frustrated and wonder, “How long does Lemon Law take?” Manufacturers can take advantage of this frustration and may pressure a consumer to use arbitration. Manufacturers may argue that it can be the faster option. That may not be the case, though, and arbitration comes with downsides.
One important downside is that if the arbitrator rules against you, that decision could come back to haunt you. If you decide to pursue a lawsuit about your lemon in court, the manufacturers can use the arbitrator’s ruling as part of their case.
If you are considering arbitration, you still should speak with a lawyer. After all, you can be sure the other side will have a lawyer present. Before you make your decision, contact a California Lemon Law lawyer to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of arbitration.
If you are considering a Lemon Law lawsuit against a manufacturer, an attorney can review your case and explain your options for moving forward. Many lawsuits are settled with a manufacturer before ever going to trial. Also, California Lemon Law provides ways for you to get attorney’s fees from the manufacturer. That means that the manufacturer should pay your case’s legal costs.
How Attorney Fees Work in Lemon Law Cases
When a consumer wins a Lemon Law case, the manufacturer must pay the consumer’s attorney fees and other related costs. That means that you can pursue a Lemon Law claim without having to worry about out-of-pocket expenses. An attorney from The Barry Law Firm can review your case for free, explain the process for getting manufacturers to pay your legal fees, and help you build a claim to recover the cost of your vehicle.
