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Can You Sue a Dealership for Selling You a Lemon?

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If you purchased/leased a vehicle from a dealership, only to find out that the vehicle is defective, you might be wondering what you can do to get compensated. Thankfully, car buyers have laws that protect them from car dealership fraud. Our California lemon law attorneys explain what to do if you believe a dealership scammed you.

Laws that Protect You Against Dealership Fraud

If you believe you have a valid dealership fraud claim, you may be able to file a lawsuit to get compensated. Below we have put together a list of cases where you may be able to file a claim against the dealership:

  • The dealership sold you a vehicle with undisclosed past damage.
  • The dealership altered the odometer or failed to report that the odometer has been changed.
  • The dealership falsified documentation regarding the car’s mileage or flood damage (which impacts the price or performance of the vehicle).
  • The dealership failed to inform you that a manufacturer or dealership under California lemon law repurchased the vehicle.
  • The dealership quoted a higher monthly payment or purchase price than the vehicle typically sells or leases for.

How to Sue a Car Dealership in California

If the dealership failed to disclose information before selling the vehicle, you might have a dealership fraud case. You can file a lawsuit against the dealership to seek compensation for expenses caused due to the dealership’s fraudulent activity (such as car repair and towing costs). You can also get compensation for the defective vehicle you purchased or leased.

Filing a lawsuit against a car dealership for selling you a lemon can be an intimidating process, but fortunately, in California, there are laws set in place to protect you, the consumer. California Lemon Law requires a car dealership to make sure that any vehicle it sells is in good working order. If the dealer did not meet this standard and sold a lemon, then suing them may be your best course of action. Keep in mind that suing the dealership may lead to lengthy legal proceedings and expensive fees, so consider all of your options before making this step.

Requirements for Suing a Dealership for a Lemon

If you believe that you have purchased a lemon in California, you may be eligible to take legal action against the car dealership. To take appropriate legal action, your claim must include:

  • Proof of purchase
  • Service records
  • Repair attempts made by the authorized dealer

After suing them successfully in court, you can get reimbursed for all costs related to repairs and replacements caused by the defect or lemon. If required, the court may also order the repurchase or replacement of the defective vehicle from the dealer itself.

How Can I File a Claim?

Filing a claim against a dealership isn’t an easy task. The dealership will likely have a vast team of attorneys helping them limit their liabilities. For such reasons, it is essential that you have an experienced dealership fraud attorney in Orange County on your side who can protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve. The team at O’Connor Law Group, P.C. is fully prepared to handle your case.

Contact our California dealership fraud attorney today at (949) 390-9695 to schedule a case review!