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 or used 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 or used 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 or used 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 used 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.
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Can My Case Be Resolved Without Having to go Through Formal Court Proceedings?In some cases, yes. The manufacturers have no incentive to engage in costly litigation for a case they believe they will lose. As such, some of our cases are resolved without a lawsuit.
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What Fees Will I Have to Pay to Hire O’Connor Law Group, P.C.?
We do not charge our clients any up-front fees. The California Lemon Law includes an attorney’s fees provision which allows us to collect our fees and court costs from the automobile manufacturer at the successful resolution of the claim.
Pursuing your California lemon law claim, therefore, is economically feasible, even if you weren’t in a position to hire an attorney. Moreover, our contingency fees would not be due until we recover settlement proceeds.
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Can O’Connor Law Group, P.C. Help Me if I Live in a Rural Town Hundreds of Miles Away From the Nearest Major City?
Yes. We handle lemon law cases throughout California. If needed, we will travel to your local area at no cost to you. If it is necessary to file a lawsuit in your case, the matter will be filed and litigated in your local county or district court.
