Have you found yourself constantly visiting the repair shop for your new car? Are you frustrated with a vehicle that seems to have more problems than features? You might be dealing with a “lemon” case. At Bohloul Law, APC, we work to turn these sour situations into sweet victories for California consumers. We put our clients first and ensure you get a call back on the same day.
What Exactly is a “Lemon” in California?
In California, a “lemon” isn’t just a nickname for a troublesome car. It is a legal term with specific implications. Under the state’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a vehicle may qualify as a lemon if it has a defect or defects that:
- Substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle
- Are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty
- Persist after a “reasonable number” of repair attempts (plural)
But what’s “reasonable” when it comes to repairs? California law provides some guidelines:
- Two or more attempts for a defect that could cause death or serious bodily injury
- Four or more attempts for the same defect
- The vehicle is out of service for repairs for more than 30 days (not necessarily consecutive)
It is important to note that these are guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. Each case is unique, which is why having an experienced lemon law attorney is crucial. Contact us today at 310-525-5116 or fill out our contact form to get started today!
The Costs of Driving a Lemon
Many car owners underestimate the true cost of dealing with a defective vehicle. It is not just about the inconvenience of repeated trips to the mechanic. Consider these hidden costs:
- Lost wages from missed work due to car troubles
- Alternative transportation expenses
- Towing charges
These factors underscore the importance of addressing lemon law issues promptly and effectively.
Steps to Take if You Suspect You Have a Lemon
If you believe your vehicle might be a lemon, follow these crucial steps to protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Document and report problems: Start by keeping detailed records of all issues with your vehicle. Note dates, descriptions of problems, and any repairs performed. Use written communication when possible to maintain a paper trail. This documentation is crucial evidence if you need to file a lemon law claim. Take photos and videos of the issue when it is safe to do so and report it to the dealership and your attorney immediately.
- Understand your rights and warranty: Talk to a lemon law attorney to learn more about your rights, or even better, work with Bohloul Law, APC, who will walk you through every step of the way free of charge!
- Allow reasonable repair attempts: Give the manufacturer or their authorized repair facilities a reasonable opportunity to fix the issues. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and keep records of all routine maintenance. Use authorized service centers only.
- Seek professional legal advice: If you believe your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, consult with a specialized lemon law attorney. Bohloul Law, APC, offer free initial consultation. An experienced California lemon law attorney can evaluate your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process if necessary.
Common Defects That Lead to Lemon Law Claims
While any persistent, unfixable problem can potentially qualify a vehicle as a lemon, some issues are more common than others. Here’s a closer look at frequent culprits:
- Engine problems: Frequent stalling, loss of power, excessive oil consumption, or persistent check engine light warnings can indicate serious engine issues.
- Transmission issues: Problems may include difficulty shifting gears, sudden acceleration or deceleration, or complete transmission failure, affecting the vehicle’s drivability.
- Electrical system failures: Battery drain, malfunctioning infotainment systems, or faulty wiring causing multiple electrical issues can significantly impact the vehicle’s functionality.
- Brake defects: Unusual noises, increased stopping distance, or a spongy brake pedal feel are signs of potentially dangerous brake problems.
- Safety system malfunctions: Issues with airbags, seat belts, backup cameras, or driver assistance features can compromise the vehicle’s safety features.
For these defects to qualify under the Lemon law, they must substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety and persist after reasonable repair attempts. Your attorney can decide whether the defect is substantial enough to warrant filing a lawsuit.
Manufacturer Responsibilities and Consumer Rights
Under California’s Lemon Law, vehicle manufacturers have specific obligations:
- Timely repairs: Manufacturers must make a good faith effort to repair vehicles under warranty within a reasonable timeframe.
- Buyback or replacement: If a vehicle qualifies as a lemon, the manufacturer must promptly either repurchase the vehicle or provide a comparable replacement.
- Fair compensation: This includes reimbursement of money paid towards the vehicle, registration fees, and certain other related expenses, minus the mileage offset for the use of the vehicle before the first problem at issue. This involves a statutory calculation. Ask your lemon law attorney about that to learn more.
- Disclosure: If a repurchased lemon is resold, the manufacturer must disclose its lemon history to future buyers.
- Cover legal fees: If your lemon law claim is successful, the manufacturer is required to pay your attorney fees and costs. So you do not have to pay anything out of pocket!
As a consumer, you have the right to:
- Receive a vehicle that conforms to the manufacturer’s express warranty
- Have warranty repairs completed within a reasonable time
- Receive a refund or replacement if your vehicle is a lemon
- Pursue legal action if the manufacturer fails to fulfill its obligations
Stay informed about your vehicle’s potential issues and recalls. If you have experienced persistent problems with these or any other models, you may have grounds for a lemon law claim.
We are Here for You
Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline the best course of action for your specific situation. With Bohloul Law, APC on your side, you can turn your lemon into lemonade and get back on the road with confidence. We will walk you through every step and even help you prepare your file for a lemon law case all free of charge. Call us today at 310-525-5116 to schedule your appointment. Our lemon law attorney will call you back usually the same day!
Why Choose Bohloul Law, Apc?
Bohloul Law, Apc is a boutique law office focused only on Lemon Law, Dealer Fraud and Personal Injury matters.
Bohloul Law, Apc is not another large law firm where your case is nothing but another folder in a drawer. All cases are managed in real-time and electronically, which allows the office to represent you anywhere in California.
The office regularly receives cases from other attorneys in the community for handling. All cases are reviewed and strategized by the founding attorney of the office individually, and you will get a personalized case plan and all your questions will be answered so you know your options. You will have access to your attorney whenever you have a question, not just a case manager who is unable to provide legal advice, or does not know about your case. You can be sure that your calls will be answered and returned within a reasonable time. You can read reviews here.
Lemon Law cases are handled completely free of charge to clients and the office won’t get paid without a win. It is written in our contract. When the case settles, the manufacturer will pay us your attorney fees and costs.
Call (310) 525.5116 and ask for a Free consultation today, or fill out a Form and let us know when to reach out to you and an attorney will reach out to you to get the ball rolling.
Note: This content is not legal advice and is for informational purposes only. The law is due to change and you should consult with an attorney about your specific case. Each case is different and requires its unique evaluation. As such, it’s important that you consult with a lemon law attorney for any questions you have.
