When tourists think of Los Angeles, many think of Hollywood, celebrities, and Disneyland. Locals think of heavy traffic.
There are nearly 8 million cars registered in Los Angeles County. There is no place for defective vehicles on the packed freeways and bustling city streets.
But what happens if you end up buying a vehicle with manufacturer defects?
Fortunately, you’re not out of luck – thanks to lemon law in Los Angeles.
Assuming the vehicle is covered under warranty, the manufacturer is obligated to repair any defects. If they are unsuccessful in doing so, you may be eligible for a lemon law claim. Recognizing a lemon and understanding your rights under the California lemon law are crucial steps toward a favorable resolution.
We created this guide to empower Los Angeles residents with knowledge and tools to properly address their defective vehicles.
The Importance of Education in California Lemon Law
Nearly everyone we’ve represented over the years for a Los Angeles lemon law claim is experiencing the process for the very first time. Unfortunately, manufacturers tend to use this to their advantage.
We always tell our clients that education is the most powerful tool you have in a lemon law claim. When you hire a California lemon law attorney to manage your case, they will do the heavy lifting for you in seeking fair compensation.
But we strongly advise knowing the basics of the law to ensure you don’t make any mistakes that can potentially compromise your claim.
Understanding California Lemon Law
Step one in a Los Angeles lemon law claim is to understand the overarching concepts of CA lemon law.
California lemon law – also referred to as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act – was enacted to hold manufacturers accountable for selling defective vehicles.
Now, simply noticing your vehicle has a defect does not automatically qualify it for a claim under California’s lemon law. The manufacturer must be given a reasonable number of repair attempts to fix the defect. If they are unsuccessful, you may be eligible to seek benefits.
For your vehicle to qualify for a claim under the lemon law in Los Angeles, the following criteria must be met:
- The vehicle was covered under the original manufacturer warranty or the dealer warranty when the defect was first reported to the manufacturer.
- The defect substantially impairs the vehicle’s safety, functionality, and/or value.
- The defect was not caused by driver abuse, error, or neglect.
- The manufacturer’s certified repair facility has made a reasonable number of attempts to fix the defects – which were unsuccessful; or
- The vehicle was in the manufacturer-certified repair facility for 30 or more cumulative days.
If you have a paper trail to prove your vehicle meets these qualifications – repair orders, communication with the manufacturer, warranty terms, etc. – you may take the next step in seeking compensation via the state’s lemon law.
The Role of an LA Lemon Lawyer
Most auto manufacturers have no intention of taking responsibility for selling you a defective vehicle. They have very high-powered legal defense teams in place to deny lemon law claims. This means the chances of earning a fair settlement without a skilled attorney are very slim – even if you believe you have a rock-solid case.
When you work with a skilled Los Angeles lemon law attorney, they will be instrumental in navigating the claims process. They will help you gather and organize all the necessary documentation to prove your vehicle is a lemon. Most importantly, they will manage the negotiation process with the manufacturer’s legal defense teams, ensuring you receive a fair settlement.
How Much Does a Los Angeles Lemon Law Lawyer Cost?
We have good news for you.
Hiring a skilled Los Angeles lemon law lawyer does not cost you anything out of pocket.
If you have a valid lemon, the manufacturer is required to pay for your legal costs and attorney’s fees. This means most California lemon law lawyers – including us – work on a contingency fee agreement. We won’t charge you a penny to take your case.
Steps to Take If You Have a Lemon
As a consumer, your role in a Los Angeles lemon law claim is not extensive or complicated, but it’s extremely important.
1. Know Your Warranty Terms
For starters, you need to understand the specifics of your vehicle’s warranty, as it forms the basis of your lemon law claim. This primarily includes the duration or mileage. For instance, Chevrolet provides new car warranties valid for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Your warranty needs to be valid when you first report the defect to the manufacturer.
Keep in mind, California lemon law applies to used vehicles in addition to new ones. If the vehicle is sold with a dealer warranty – and meets the terms of the state’s lemon laws – you may file a claim.
2. Keep Detailed Records
All lemon law cases are based on the documents you provide. Most importantly, you’ll need to keep and organize records of every repair attempt, including dates, descriptions of the problem, and the dealer’s response.
Additionally, a lemon law buyback should include all incidental costs. This would include towing fees, hotel stays, car/Lyft/Uber costs, and so on. When you meet with a lemon law lawyer in Los Angeles, they will advise you on all the documentation to prepare.
3. Consult a Lemon Law Expert in Los Angeles
Once you have documentation to prove you have a lemon, the next step is meeting with a lawyer with experience in Los Angeles lemon law. Most offer free consultations to determine the validity of your claim.
The lemon lawyer will evaluate your case and advise on the best course of action.
4. Your Consumer Rights Under Lemon Law in California
If you win a California lemon law claim, you may request the following compensation:
- Vehicle replacement with a new, identical model or one of equal value.
- A buyback of the defective vehicle, including reimbursement for the down payment, monthly payments, and any payoff of the loan balance.
- Recovery of costs and attorney fees.
- Recovery of all incidental costs associated with the lemon.
Lemon law attorneys work to hold vehicle manufacturers accountable for everything listed above.
Conclusion: Empowerment Through Knowledge
Los Angeles residents dealing with a lemon need to arm themselves with the basic knowledge before they take the next steps.
Manufacturers know you’re facing this situation for the first time – and most have no problem misguiding you to their benefit. Understanding your rights under the lemon law in California and taking timely action can turn a frustrating situation into fair compensation. At Cline APC, we work closely with Los Angeles car owners to manage lemon law claims and earn rightful compensation. Get in touch with our firm for a FREE consultation. Call 888-982-6915, email us at info@clineapc.com, or schedule a free consultation online.
