Los Angeles Lemon Law Eligibility
Learn About the Requirements for Lemon Law Protection
The California Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease a new vehicle with a warranty that must go in for repairs more than once at an authorized dealership or service shop. The manufacturer or dealer must refund the purchaser or offer a replacement in such cases. An attorney can help you determine whether your vehicle meets the criteria under the Lemon Law and offer guidance on pursuing a just outcome.
At O'Connor Law Group, P.C., we understand how frustrating it can be to purchase a defective vehicle only to have it malfunction even after multiple repair attempts. That's why we offer personalized legal representation for clients who need assistance with their Lemon Law cases free of charge. Our experienced attorneys will work closely with you to understand the details of your situation, including the history of repair attempts and the extent of the defect. We are prepared to seek appropriate remedies through negotiations, litigation, and trial if necessary.
To learn about your eligibility under the Lemon Law in Los Angeles, please call us at (949) 390-9695 or contact us online today.
When Is Your Car Considered a Lemon?
If you have purchased a new car with a warranty and it has a defect that substantially impairs its use, safety, or value, you may have a lemon under the California Lemon Law.
Examples include major components such as engine, transmission systems, suspension, steering, electronics, HVAC, airbags, seatbelts, fuel system, infotainment, safety sensors, hands-free, brakes, cooling, emissions, and other vehicle concerns.
To qualify as a lemon under the Lemon Law, the vehicle must have been purchased or leased in California. You also must have taken the vehicle to an authorized dealership for repairs more than one time.
In California, specific legal presumptions exist defining what constitutes a reasonable number of repair attempts:
- The manufacturer made two or more repair attempts on a serious safety issue.
- You went to the dealer for repairs more than once for a major component problem.
- The car has been in the shop for repairs for 30 days (it does not have to be consecutive).
If you believe that you have a lemon, consult an experienced attorney at O’Connor Law Group. They can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through the process of seeking remedies from the manufacturer or dealer.
Are You Eligible to Pursue Remedies Under the Lemon Law?
If you have purchased or leased a new vehicle in Los Angeles, and it is covered by a warranty, you may be eligible to pursue a remedy under the Lemon Law. The Lemon Law applies to various vehicles, including cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs.
To be protected under the law, the following must be true:
- The vehicle is covered by a warranty.
- The issue substantially impacts the vehicle’s use, safety, or value.
- The manufacturer or dealer has attempted to repair the problem more than one time.
It is important to note that if you have purchased a vehicle that was sold “as is” and not covered under a warranty, you are not eligible to seek remedy under the Lemon Law.
What Remedies Are Available If Your Car Is a Lemon?
If your car is deemed a lemon, two main remedies may be available: repurchase (all your money back) or replacement of the vehicle by the manufacturer. You may also be eligible for compensation for damages, repairs, rental cars, attorney fees, and other costs.
The consumer can state their preference for the type of remedy provided. This means that you have the right to choose between repurchase or replacement of the vehicle. With a Lemon Law attorney, you may be able to seek compensation for damages including your down payment, your monthly payments, and the balance of your loan. You may also be entitled to other expenses such as maintenance, towing registration and insurance, and other costs associated with the vehicle.
You must typically file a claim with the manufacturer or dealer to pursue these remedies. An experienced lemon law attorney at O’Connor Law Group can help you navigate this process and seek the appropriate resolution for free.
If you need legal assistance determining Lemon Law eligibility in Los Angeles and moving forward with your case, schedule a FREE consultation with O’Connor Law Group, P.C. by calling us at (949) 390-9695 or submitting an online contact form.
Our FAQ
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What Am I Entitled to if My Vehicle Qualifies Under the California Lemon Law?
If your vehicle qualifies under the California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a refund of your down payment and monthly finance payments, as well as a discharge of your vehicle loan. You may also be entitled to reimbursement of incidental damages such as rental car expenses, repair costs, and towing expenses.
If offered by the manufacturer, you may choose to have your vehicle replaced with a similar vehicle instead of having your money refunded.
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Can I Have a Claim Under the California Lemon Law if My Repair Visits Did Not Occur Within the Vehicle’s First 18 Months and 18,Generally, your issue must have occurred within 18 months or within 18,000 miles (whichever came first). However, major defects that occur outside of this time frame may still present a viable claim. The court may assess situations on a case-by-case basis.
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How Many Times Do I Need to Take My Car Back to the Dealer Before I Have a California Lemon Law Claim?
The California Lemon Law states that dealerships must be given a reasonable number of opportunities to repair a vehicle. The law is fairly broad, leaving room for a variety of different circumstances. Since the law does not require any specific number of repair visits, each matter should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Typically, four visits for the same problem will qualify, but, depending on the defect, fewer visits may suffice. For example, a defect as severe as brake system failure may only require two visits. Moreover, if a vehicle spends a cumulative total of over 30 days in the shop for warranty repairs, it may satisfy the requirement no matter how many separate visits were made.
At O’Connor Law Group, we know how complex and confusing lemon law cases can be. That's why our team dedicates its time and resources to helping clients fight for their rights under California's Lemon Law so they can get the compensation they deserve. We handle all aspects of the process, including court filings, negotiating with manufacturers, and representing our clients in court.
With decades of experience protecting California consumers from unscrupulous and predatory corporations, we know what needs to be done to help ensure our clients get the results they deserve. Our lemon law lawyers are committed to providing personalized attention and creating customized legal strategies for every case we take.
Don't let a defective vehicle ruin your day; schedule an appointment with O'Connor Law Group today to learn more about how we can help you get justice.
If you think your vehicle may be a "lemon," don't wait any longer!
