Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorneys

When you experience continuing problems within a few years of purchasing your vehicle, it may mean that the manufacturer skipped steps when testing your vehicle.

Some of the most common defects include:

• Defective Paint. Paint that may chip, dull, or fade unusually fast.
• Electrical Issues. Motor, lights, and internal systems are not functioning properly.
• Power Steering Failure. The wheel is difficult to turn.
• Sudden Acceleration. The vehicle speeds up without cause potentially causing collisions with cars and pedestrians.
• Seatbelt Problems. Not being able to properly secure a seatbelt reduces the safety of driving or riding in the vehicle.

Why Are Defective Products Called Lemons?

There are several theories on how the word “lemon” came to be used to mean an inferior product. One possibility is that the term is a continuation of early 20th century American slang, when lemon was a derogatory term referring to a person considered a simpleton. Other word scholars hypothesize the term has its origins in British pool hall slang, where a lemon game was a game played by a hustler who pretended to be a poor player to then swindle the competition. Others think the term comes from another British slang term “to hand someone a lemon.” This phrase meant a person was trying to pass off a sub-standard object as a good one.

No matter how the lemon term came into being, the associated California lemon laws are complicated, and whether a claim is successful often hinges on technicalities. Our Los Angeles lemon law attorneys have a deep understanding of the laws and their nuances. We are prepared to tackle confusing issues and support your best interests.

How to File a Lemon Law Claim in California

Here’s a general outline of the steps involved in filing a Lemon Law claim in the state of California:

Gather Documentation: The first step in filing a claim is to collect all relevant documents related to your vehicle, including:

• Sales or lease contracts
• Warranty information
• Repair orders and invoices
• Correspondence with the dealership or manufacturer
• Keep detailed records of every repair attempt, including dates, the nature of the problem, and how long the vehicle was out of service. This information will serve as critical evidence when building your case.

Notify the Manufacturer: Before pursuing legal action, you must give the manufacturer a final opportunity to fix the vehicle. This is called a “reasonable number of attempts.” It’s important to notify the manufacturer in writing, providing detailed information about the ongoing issues. Some manufacturers could require you to submit a formal Lemon Law claim through their customer service department.

Seek Legal Assistance: While filing a Lemon Law claim without a lawyer is possible, the process can be complicated, especially if the manufacturer disputes your claim. Hiring a lemon car lawyer in Los Angeles ensures that your case is managed effectively, maximizing your chances of a favorable result. A skilled attorney will:

• Review your documents and evaluate the strength of your claim
• Advise you on whether to seek a refund, replacement, or other compensation
• Handle communications and negotiations with the manufacturer
• File a lawsuit if necessary to enforce your rights

Manufacturer’s Response: The manufacturer will investigate the case once your claim is filed. They may offer to repair, replace, or buy back the vehicle. Sometimes, they may dispute the claim and argue that the defect does not qualify under the Lemon Law. Your attorney can take the case to court if the manufacturer refuses to cooperate.

Resolution: If your claim is successful, the manufacturer must offer one of the following remedies:

• Buyback: The manufacturer repurchases the vehicle and provides a refund for the purchase price, minus a deduction for usage.
• Replacement: The manufacturer replaces the lemon with a new, comparable vehicle.
• Cash Settlement: In some instances, you could be offered a cash settlement in lieu of a refund or replacement.

Don't get stuck with a lemon in Los Angeles. Contact us online or by calling (818) 960-1945 to schedule a free case evaluation with our lemon law attorney in Los Angeles.