A car is a big-ticket item for most individuals or families. When a buyerās new car develops a significant mechanical problem or they discover a defect, itās disappointing and concerning. Still, most buyers expect the dealership to make it right with a fast repair. But what if the problem persists despite a second, third, and fourth repair attempt? A disappointed car buyer might start smelling a lemon.
Fortunately, Californiaās robust consumer protection laws include the California Lemon Law, with a legal process for holding the manufacturer responsible through a cash settlement, refund, or replacement vehicle of similar style and value. If you suspect you have a lemon, you might wish to know, āHow does the Lemon Law process work?ā. Speak with an experienced Los Angeles lemon law attorneyĀ today.
First, Gather Documentation
Before you pursue a lemon law claim, itās beneficial to gather documentation and create a file. Youāll need the following:
Your vehicle purchase agreement or lease agreement
Invoices or repair orders for every repair attempt, with notes on what was done and the mechanicās findings
Routine car maintenance records
The vehicle registration
Copies of all communications between you and the manufacturer, including emails, letters, text messages or voicemail messages
Any other relevant documents, such as receipts for related expenses (Uber rides, rental vehicles, towing and other out-of-pocket expenses)
All of the above documents help yourĀ attorney evaluate the merits of your case and the documents become key evidence in the claim process if your lemon law lawyer believes you have a valid claim.
Hire an Experienced California Lemon Law Attorney
The frustrating experience of learning your car is a lemon and dealing with endless failed repair attempts is already overwhelming. Trying to navigate a complex lemon law claim alone only adds to the distressāespecially since powerful vehicle manufacturers are not anxious to write out large refund checks or supply replacement vehicles in exchange for a lemon. Instead, they protect their profits at your expense by disputing, denying, or endlessly delaying claims by requesting redundant paperwork in the hopes that youāll give up or theyāll run out the statute of limitations on your claim.
Instead, hiring an experienced lemon law attorney protects against these tactics by ensuring that all required paperwork and evidence are accurately produced and that your claim meets the requirements, with meticulous attention to detail. Best of all, you pay nothing for the evaluation of your case, and the manufacturer pays the attorneyās fees, so you enjoy the tremendous benefit of legal representation at no cost to you.
Settling Your California Lemon Law Claim
Your lemon law lawyer takes care of the claim process and negotiates with the manufacturer to obtain the outcome that aligns with your goals. Some lemon law claimants seek a buyback to fully refund their purchase price, while others prefer a cash settlement. A settlement could also include compensation for expenses such as rental car and Uber ride costs, towing expenses, and other costs related to the vehicle repair problems you experienced.
Going to Court for a Lemon Law Claim
Most California Lemon Law claims are resolved with a settlement. Only a small percentage of lemon law claims require a trial. If your case needs litigation in court, your lemon law attorney will ensure that you are well prepared and will present your argument in court. A well-executed strategy in court typically gains a favorable result. Contact us today.
