Many California consumers hesitate to pursue a lemon law claim because they’re worried about legal fees or court costs. The good news is that the state’s lemon law is designed to protect consumers, not punish them for seeking justice.
If you believe your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, filing a claim with the help of an experienced California lemon law attorney will likely cost you nothing up front. In fact, many clients may not have to pay a dime out of pocket at any stage of the process.
Why Santa Monica, California Lemon Law Claims Cost You Nothing Up Front
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, which contains the lemon law, includes a “fee-shifting” provision. This means that when you win your case, the manufacturer must pay your attorney’s fees and court costs.
This law helps level the playing field between individual consumers and large automakers. You can hire a top-rated lemon lawyer and pursue your claim without worrying about hourly billing or hidden fees.
If you don’t win your case, reputable law firms like My Lemon Firm typically won’t charge you at all. That’s because we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our payment depends entirely on securing a recovery for you.
Other Potential Costs (and Why the Manufacturer Covers Them)
Most lemon law cases are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than lengthy court battles. However, even still, your attorney may need to hire experts, gather evidence, and pay filing fees as part of the process.
Under California law, all reasonable costs necessary to prove your case are also reimbursed by the manufacturer if you prevail. These might include:
- Filing and court costs
- Vehicle inspections and expert analysis
- Administrative fees
- Other reasonable attorney expenses
This setup ensures that consumers can take legal action against powerful car companies without facing financial risk.
Why Hiring an Experienced Santa Monica Lemon Law Attorney Helps You Recover More
Although you can technically file a lemon law claim on your own, having a skilled lawyer on your side could make a significant difference in your case’s outcome. Manufacturers often try to minimize valid claims, trying to argue that, for instance, your vehicle doesn’t meet the legal definition of a lemon or that your repairs weren’t properly documented.
An experienced attorney can:
- Evaluate whether your claim qualifies
- Collect and organize repair records
- Handle all communications with the manufacturer
- Negotiate a full refund, replacement, or cash settlement
- File a lawsuit if the automaker refuses to comply
Since your attorney’s fees are covered by the manufacturer if you succeed, it may be in your best interest to have a lawyer on your side throughout the process.
Contact a Santa Monica California Lemon Law Attorney Today
If you purchased or leased a vehicle that keeps breaking down, don’t let fear of legal costs stop you from asserting your rights. At My Lemon Firm, our attorneys have years of experience and a record of substantial recoveries for clients across California.
We’ll handle your case from start to finish, and we only get paid if you do. Contact My Lemon Firm online or call (844) 40-Lemon today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.