Buying or leasing a car should give you peace of mind, not endless frustration. Unfortunately, some vehicles come with repeated defects that dealerships cannot fix. California’s Lemon Law offers strong protections, but many consumers aren’t sure when to bring in an attorney. Knowing the right time to call a lemon attorney can make the difference between ongoing stress and finally resolving your situation.
At My Lemon Firm, we focus exclusively on Lemon Law cases in California. With years of experience, our Stanta Monica lemon lawyers know exactly when and how to step in to protect your rights.
Read on to learn more, and contact us today at (844) 40-Lemon for a free consultation if you’re ready to get started with your claim.
Early Signs That You Might Need a Lemon Law Attorney in California
Some problems can be solved quickly with a dealership repair. But if you notice any of the following, it’s a strong signal that you may need an experienced lemon lawyer:
- Your vehicle has been in the shop several times for the same defect
- Repairs take weeks, leaving you without reliable transportation
- The dealership tells you the problem is “normal,” even though the issue substantially impacts your vehicle
- The defect returns shortly after each attempted fix
- The manufacturer refuses to take responsibility or delays communication
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to contact a lawyer who understands the lemon law process.
California’s Lemon Law Standards
State law is clear: a car may qualify as a lemon if it has a substantial defect covered under warranty that isn’t fixed after a reasonable number of attempts. In practice, that usually means:
- Two or more failed repair attempts for a serious safety issue
- Four or more failed repair attempts for a less dangerous but recurring defect
- The vehicle is out of service for 30 or more days due to repairs (those days do not need to be consecutive)
If your situation falls into any of these categories, you are not required to keep fighting with the dealership alone. A lemon attorney can step in to demand a refund, a replacement vehicle, or another fair resolution on your behalf.
What if the Manufacturer Offers a Settlement?
Sometimes, car manufacturers will offer a settlement directly to consumers once a lemon law claim is filed (or possibly even beforehand). While this may sound like a quick resolution, these offers are often designed to save the automaker money rather than to fully compensate you. Without legal guidance, you may agree to less than what you’re entitled to under the law.
A lemon lawyer can evaluate any settlement offer to ensure it includes the right amount of money or an appropriate replacement vehicle. Having an attorney review these deals helps protect your long-term interests and prevents hidden loopholes that favor the manufacturer.
California Lemon Law FAQs
What is California Lemon Law?
California’s Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles that substantially impair their use, value, or safety. If your vehicle has repeated issues that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may have a Lemon Law claim. This applies to both new and certain used vehicles.
Schedule your free consultation with an experienced Santa Monica Lemon Law attorney today
Do I Qualify Under California Lemon Law?
You may qualify under California Lemon Law if your vehicle meets these conditions:
- Purchased or leased in California.
- Has a significant defect covered by warranty.
- Underwent multiple unsuccessful repairs for the same issue within a specific timeframe.
- The defect substantially affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.
A Santa Monica Lemon Law attorney can help determine if you meet the qualifications.
How Does The California Lemon Law Process Work?
The Lemon Law process generally involves:
- Notifying the manufacturer of the defect.
- Allowing a reasonable number of repair attempts.
- Filing a claim with the manufacturer or taking legal action.
- If successful, receiving a refund or replacement vehicle.
An experienced Lemon Law lawyer in Santa Monica can handle these steps and ensure you receive the maximum compensation.
What Are California Lemon Law Consumer Rights?
Under California Lemon Law, consumers have the right to:
- A full refund or replacement if the vehicle qualifies as a “lemon.”
- Compensation for incidental costs (e.g., towing, rental cars).
- Legal representation to pursue claims.
Knowing your rights helps ensure manufacturers follow the law and provide fair remedies. Contact a Santa Monica Lemon Law lawyer today.
When Do I Need a California Lemon Lawyer?
You should consult a Lemon Law attorney if:
- Repairs are unsuccessful after multiple attempts.
- The manufacturer disputes your claim.
- You want to ensure maximum compensation.
A Santa Monica Lemon Law lawyer can handle the legal process, communicate with the manufacturer, and fight for your rights while you focus on getting back on the road.
Contact Our Lemon Lawyers Today To Schedule a Free Case Review
While you may not need a lawyer to handle every lemon law situation, there’s at least a chance an attorney can help you receive more compensation than you would otherwise. At My Lemon Firm, our attorneys have years of experience helping Californians with these kinds of claims and are qualified to help you from start to finish.
Contact us today at (844) 40-Lemon for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if you do. And, since the manufacturer must pay your attorney’s fees if your case is successful, you can hire our attorneys without paying anything out of pocket.