Consulting a California Attorney Regarding Lemon Law?

Answer 1

Automobile purchases and leases in California are subject to the Song- Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, otherwise known as the Lemon Law, which obliges the vehicle manufacturer to repair defects within a reasonable amount of time or repurchase the vehicle after a reasonable number of defects have been discovered. Although this is a very brief interpretation of the law (see a more thorough explanation here), the devil is in the details, as they say. What is considered a 'reasonable' amount of time for repairs or a 'reasonable' number of defects depends on the nature of the defect or defects. The California Lemon Law provides some consumer protection with regards to vehicles purchased in California. To ensure the best possible result for California Lemon Law claims, a California attorney may have to be engaged by the consumer client. Thousands of consumers have been represented by attorneys in their Lemon Law cases in California since the enactment of the law.

If you believe you have a case that may require consulting a California attorney regarding the Lemon Law and your vehicle, you'll need to gather the following documents at a minimum:

• your vehicle purchase or lease agreement
• your vehicle's repair invoice and service history
• your vehicle's current automobile registration
• any other documents you have encountered relating to the discovered defects

When determining whether you have a valid claim for a Lemon Law case, these documents will help your attorney a great deal. If you have difficulty obtaining these documents, your attorney or his or her staff may be able to assist you in obtaining these documents.

The California Lemon Law applies to consumer purchases or leases of a motor vehicle primarily for use as personal, family, or household transportation. Persons who bought or leased a vehicle for commercial purposes are not protected under this law, but may be protected under contract law instead.

The California Lemon Law refers to 'new motor vehicles', which also includes vehicles sold with a manufacturer's approved new warranty. For example, if a two-year-old used car is reconditioned and sold with the remaining one-year portion of a three-year manufacturer's warranty, that sale qualifies under the California Lemon Law.