San Diego New Car Lemon Law Lawyers Fighting for Consumers’ Rights

A new vehicle is a significant and exciting purchase for most people. With the price of cars increasing yearly, it is often a major financial commitment to sign on the dotted line for your perfect vehicle. However, many find it a worthwhile expense in exchange for the reliability provided by a new car.

But what if your new vehicle isn’t working properly? California’s lemon law provides consumers with legal options if their dream car has become a nightmare. You have rights as a new vehicle owner, and you should not have to settle for a car that isn’t safe or functioning correctly. Our lawyers at San Diego Lemon Law can help you get a new vehicle or get reimbursed for the price of your malfunctioning car at no cost to you. Contact our office today for a free consultation to learn more: 619-434-0819.

What is California’s Lemon Law?

A lemon law protects consumers who have leased or purchased a new or used vehicle that is under warranty from the manufacturer. If a new car has not been repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, it can be returned for a replacement or a refund of the purchase price. Additionally, the manufacturer must pay the attorney fees for the consumer and reimburse them for incidental and consequential damages they had from the defective vehicle, such as towing fees or finance charges. The manufacturer may even be liable for civil penalties if it can be proven that they willfully violated California’s lemon laws.

How Do I Know if My Car Qualifies Under the Lemon Law?

Certain criteria must be met for a new vehicle to be eligible under the state’s lemon law. The qualifications include the following:

• The vehicle was purchased or leased in California from a dealer or manufacturer for family, business, or personal use.
• The vehicle is still under warranty.
• There must have been a reasonable amount of attempted repairs at an authorized dealer.
• The vehicle must have been inoperable for at least 30 days, but these days do not need to be consecutive.
• The defect must be severe and substantially alter the vehicle’s safety, ability to function, or value.

Our helpful lawyers are here to assist you if you have questions or concerns about whether your vehicle is a lemon. Call us today to get the tailored legal advice you need.

What Steps Should You Take if You Are Having Problems With Your New Car?

Under California’s lemon law, you must give the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to fix your vehicle. Unfortunately, there can be some leeway in what constitutes a “reasonable number.” In general, a more severe and potentially life-threatening defect, such as malfunctioning brakes, will require fewer failed attempts before the vehicle is deemed a lemon. A usual rule of thumb is two unsuccessful repair attempts for a severe problem and three to four attempts for a general problem, but this can vary from case to case.

The best advice for a new vehicle with an issue is always to bring it to an authorized dealer for repairs. Clearly explain the problem and ensure that your service orders correctly record what the mechanics attempted to fix. Keep this information with your vehicle’s warranty and purchase agreement to make it easier to file a claim if necessary. If the problem cannot be fixed after multiple tries, you may have a lemon law case, and you should contact a trusted attorney as soon as possible.

Will I Have to Pay if I File a Lemon Law Case?

One major benefit of California’s lemon law is that it makes the manufacturer liable for all reasonable attorney fees if you have to file a case for your defective vehicle. This means that if San Diego Lemon Law takes your case, you will likely pay nothing.

You’ve shelled out a lot of money for your new car. You don’t have to settle for a new vehicle that doesn’t work the way it should. It is risk-free to speak with an experienced lawyer to determine whether you have a valid case. Just call 619-434-0819 today to schedule your free case evaluation.