Buying a new car is one of the most exciting events in most people’s lives. But if your car has severe defects that the manufacturer cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts, you may have bought a lemon.
When looking for a lemon law attorney, watch for a suspiciously upbeat vibe in the consultation. This could be a red flag that the attorney is more interested in getting you a cash settlement than a full buyback.
They Only Work for the Manufacturer
Lemon law attorneys work as your advocates, fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive compensation. They understand California’s laws and have years of experience handling cases like yours. They will also know what steps to take and what documentation you need.
If you have an experienced lawyer, they can fight back against the manufacturer and dealership and get you a better settlement amount. They may even be able to get you a refund or a replacement vehicle.
It’s important to research a lemon law firm before working with them. Look for reviews from past clients and how they handled their cases. Look for a firm that specializes in your particular vehicle make and model. They may have pages or blogs dedicated to certain manufacturers that list specific problems that affect those vehicles.
Manufacturers often try to discourage consumers from hiring lemon law attorneys because they can be expensive. However, California’s strict lemon laws require that the manufacturer pay a consumer’s attorney fees as part of their judgment if they win.
They Only Work for the Dealership
California lemon law allows for several remedies, including a buyback or replacement vehicle. The best lemon law attorney in California will help you determine which remedy would best suit your situation. They can also ensure you get the full purchase price back or receive compensation for your time and inconvenience. Most lemon law attorneys work on a contingency basis, so they do not charge upfront fees to manage your case.
While some car dealerships and auto repair technicians may offer genuine advice, they need legal qualifications to give you a proper legal opinion. Any advice they offer could be considered unethical and should never be taken seriously.
Lemon law attorneys are a necessary resource for any California consumer who has purchased or leased a defective vehicle. A person can file a lemon law claim after having the manufacturer make three unsuccessful attempts to fix a non-safety-related defect or one unsuccessful attempt for a safety-related defect and provide written notice of the defects. In addition to cars, trucks, and SUVs, lemon law lawyers can help consumers with boats, travel trailers, 5th wheels, and other vehicles.
They Only Work for You
Working with an attorney who knows this area of the law is essential when you are in the middle of a lemon law claim. Manufacturers often try to confuse or distract you to make your case more difficult, and you deserve an experienced attorney in your corner who can cut through the noise.
California has one of the best lemon laws in the country, protecting consumers who buy or lease vehicles that spend more time at the dealership or mechanic than on the road. Depending on the nature of the defect, your vehicle may qualify for a refund or replacement under this law if it has been in the shop for a reasonable number of repair attempts or spent more than 30 days total (cumulative) at the dealer/mechanic for warranty-covered issues and repairs.
They Only Work in Arbitration
Manufacturers often encourage consumers to use arbitration programs to resolve lemon law cases. This is a mistake, as the manufacturers pay for them and are not neutral. Moreover, the outcome of an arbitrator’s ruling can be used against you in court.
In a small percentage of lemon law cases, taking a manufacturer to court may be necessary to get the compensation you deserve. Lemon law attorneys know how to take advantage of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which requires manufacturers to pay a consumer’s attorney’s fees when they prevail in court. A lemon law attorney will protect your rights and work tirelessly to ensure you get the best results possible for your case. They also understand the filing requirements and negotiation tactics required for success under California’s Lemon Law. This makes them a powerful ally in your fight against a defective vehicle.
They Only Work in Court
Many people mistake believe that they can handle their lemon on their own. Unfortunately, the automakers often have a team of attorneys in their corner when they compel consumers into arbitration.
Experienced attorneys know how to decipher these tactics and protect their clients’ rights. They have extensive knowledge of California’s Lemon Law, including filing requirements and negotiation tactics. They will also understand how aftermarket accessories and dealer-installed options may impact a client’s claim.
Additionally, a good lemon lawyer will offer free consultations to prospective clients without charging them any money. They will only get paid if they win their client’s case, so there are no upfront costs. If a firm requires that you pay them before they represent you, you should find another attorney. They should be able to explain their fees to you in detail. Ideally, lemon law firms will work on a contingency fee basis and will collect their fees from the manufacturer after they win your case for you. This ensures that you will only be out of money after you have won your vehicle back.
