Whether it’s in the shop every other week or barely runs at all, dealing with a lemon can be a nightmare. If your car is not running as much as it should be, chances are you have a situation on your hands, and the American Lemon Law Group is here to support you if you’re currently faced with this problem in California. Let’s take a moment to establish what a lemon is and how it allows you to get your money back.
What Qualifies as a Lemon Car?
A “lemon” isn’t just a slang term for a bad car. It is a legal term that applies to new or used vehicles with problems that significantly impair their value, use, or safety. These problems must remain after several repair attempts for the vehicle to qualify. The same applies if the car stays in a repair shop for too long. The lemon law in California was established to promote confidence amongst consumers and allows for a refund or a replacement if your car meets the above conditions.
However, while this law has advantages, it’s imperative to realize it’s not solely meant for severe issues. It could apply if your vehicle has any number of non-essential defects. Whether it is a persistently breaking-down engine, nonfunctional transmission parts, or consistent failures in the electronics, you have a potential lemon on your hands.
What Is the California Lemon Law?
California’s lemon law was created to ensure customer rights and allow for a refund or replacement for those who are sold a product that meets the definition of a lemon. A car purchase can be deemed a lemon under California law if it meets the following conditions:
Repeat Repairs: If your car has had the same issue fixed multiple times (often two or three times), it might be a lemon.
Serious Safety Issues: If your car were in the shop for a repair for a safety-related problem, it might be a lemon.
Excessive Repairs: If your vehicle was in the shop for 30 days or more for repairs since purchase, it might be a lemon.
Once your car meets these criteria, it is time to take the next steps. That’s where the American Lemon Law Group comes in. These experts will lead you through the process and ensure you get what you deserve.
Know Your Rights
California’s lemon law stipulates that if your car is considered a lemon, you have the right to a replacement or a refund. However, there’s a catch: you must have all your ducks in a row. That means you must be able to prove it. Keep track of all of your car’s repair documentation, and have a record of all communications with the manufacturer or dealer. The law doesn’t just apply to new cars bought at a dealership. The lemon law can also apply to a used car still under the original manufacturer’s warranty.
Why Hire an Experienced Lemon Law Lawyer?
California’s lemon law can be difficult to navigate. If the dealer or manufacturer doesn’t want to give you everything you deserve, it can be very difficult to obtain it. This is where an experienced lemon law lawyer from the American Lemon Law Group becomes an asset. Their specialized team can help you:
- Determine if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon
- File the necessary paperwork to begin the claim process
- Negotiate with the dealer/manufacturer on your behalf
- File a lawsuit on your behalf if necessary
When Do You Need to Act?
When it comes to how exactly to file a lemon law claim, one of the most significant factors you can’t ignore is time. The deadlines associated with filing a claim usually have no wiggle room. Typically, in California, a buyer has four years from the date of purchase to file a lemon law claim. So, the sooner you can get the process started, the better. A timely filing could strengthen your potential claim and increase your odds of full recovery.
Taking the Right Legal Steps
Although it can be a headache and take weeks to see a resolution, an attorney can be a key asset when filing a lemon claim. Don’t be trapped in a brand-new car thinking you have no choice but to make trips to the dealer constantly or sit during repairs.
Instead, use experts from the American Lemon Law Group to ensure you are treated fairly. When it’s all said and done, understanding your rights and taking prompt action will prevent the stress and strife of these vehicle issues. If you have a lemon on your hands, don’t hesitate to consult with the professionals and take the first step to resolution.
