If you purchased or leased a vehicle from a dealership, only to find out that the vehicle is defective, you might be asking what you can do. Thankfully, consumers have laws that protect them from car dealership fraud. Our California lemon law attorneys explain what to do if you believe a dealership deceived you.
Laws that Protect You Against Dealership Fraud
If you believe you have a valid dealership fraud claim, you may be entitled to compensation. You may be able to file a claim against the dealership if you’ve experience any of the following scenarios:
- The dealership sold you a vehicle with undisclosed past damage.
- The dealership did not disclose that the odometer had been changed or the dealership altered the odometer.
- 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 put a higher price on the contract than what was agreed to or advertised
- The dealership added unwanted options or accessories you did not agreed to on the contract
How to Sue a Vehicle Dealership in California
If the dealership failed to disclose information prior to selling you the vehicle, you might have a dealership fraud case. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the dealership to seek compensation for expenses caused by the dealership’s fraudulent activity (such as car repair and towing fees). You may also get compensation for the defective vehicle you purchased or leased.
Filing a lawsuit against a vehicle dealership for selling you a lemon can be an overwhelming process, but fortunately, in California, there are laws set in place to protect you, the consumer. California Lemon Law requires that a vehicle dealership ensures that any vehicle it sells is in good working order. If the dealer does not meet this standard, suing them may be your best course of action. Bear in mind suing the dealership may lead to lengthy legal proceedings and expensive fees, so consider all your options prior to taking this step.
Requirements for Suing a Dealership for Selling 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 successfully suing the dealership, you can get reimbursed for all costs related to repairs and replacements caused by the defects or lemon. If required, the court may also order the repurchase or replacement of the defective vehicle from the dealer.
How Do I File a Claim Against a Dealership?
Filing a claim against a dealership isn’t easy. The dealership will likely have a team of attorneys helping the dealership limit their liabilities. For such reasons, it is crucial you have an experienced dealership fraud attorney 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!