The scope of California’s lemon law is extremely broad. Everything from toaster ovens to sailboats can potentially fall within the parameters of the statute. With respect to automobiles, though, the lemon law contains a number of narrow exclusions, and these can come as quite a shock to unsuspecting car owners.
O’Connor Law Group, P.C. believes the first step toward helping consumers assert their lemon law rights is to ensure they understand what those rights entail. Below you will find a list of issues that the lemon law does not cover. Whether an exclusion applies to the facts of a given case requires an evaluation by an experienced attorney.
Defects Caused by a Car Accident
California’s lemon law covers product defects that existed at the time of sale. If a car owner is involved in a major accident after purchasing their vehicle, any resulting damage or issues would not be covered under the lemon law.
Fleet Cars
The lemon law does not cover vehicles purchased for business use and intended to be used as part of a fleet. However, if a business purchases a car for personal use, it may still be covered under the lemon law.
Improper Use or Misuse
The lemon law does not cover vehicles that have been misused or misused, causing damage to the vehicle. This can include off-roading in an unsuitable vehicle or using the incorrect fuel type.
Modifications or Alterations
If a car has been modified or altered after purchasing it, the lemon law will not cover any resulting defects. This includes modifications made by the car owner and those made by third-party companies not authorized by the manufacturer.
Have a Question Whether Your Vehicle is Covered or Not?
If you believe your car may qualify as a lemon, it is crucial to contact an experienced California lemon law attorney. O’Connor Law Group, P.C.’s team has years of experience handling lemon law cases, and we will work diligently to help you assert your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Contact our California lemon law attorneys today at (949) 390-9695 to schedule a consultation!