In this article we will try to simplify the steps you will need to file a California Lemon Law Claim the proper way, although we always recommend having an experienced attorney doing it your side.
The California Lemon Law (Civ. Code, § 1793.22) protects you when your vehicle is defective and cannot be repaired after a “reasonable” number of attempts. In such instances, the manufacturer must either replace or repurchase the vehicle—whichever you prefer.
At KN Law Firm, we are committed to help consumers who have unknowingly purchased defective vehicles, which is why our practice focuses on lemon law. We understand how much people rely on their vehicles on an everyday basis, and know how an unreliable car can completely disrupt your life.
Many people purchase or lease a new or used vehicle with the expectation of a fresh start. The car has low mileage, no wear and tear, and comes with a warranty. However, some of these consumers quickly become frustrated when a problem arises that requires them to repeatedly bring the vehicle in for repairs. Their frustration only continues to grow when the problem still exists after multiple repair attempts. If you’re in this situation, it’s important to file a lemon law claim to obtain a refund or replacement vehicle.
Bring Your Lemon In For Repairs As Soon As Possible
This is number #1 factor to consider when filing a California Lemon Law Claim. If a problem arises with your vehicle, bring it to the dealership or manufacturer for repairs as soon as possible. Too many people put off fixing their vehicles. However, a car manufacturer is not required to fix a problem it does not even know about. To exercise your rights under the Lemon Law, the manufacturer must have an opportunity to fix the problem first.
Inform the staff about all of your concerns when you bring the vehicle in, and make sure they document each and every complaint. Always keep and maintain the records related to the attempted repairs, which can include repair orders and receipts. All this will help make your California Lemon Law Claim process goes much more smooth. Dealerships may misplace records or even go out of business, leaving you without access to records that you need to prove your claim.
Gather the Documents You Need to Prove Your Lemon Law Claim
Next, start gathering the documents that you need to prove your claim. Here are the documents you will need to collect:
- Proof of your vehicle purchase or your leasing contract
- Information regarding the warranty you received
- All repair orders, repair bills, and receipts for any work on your vehicle
- Notes regarding any additional conversations you had with a dealer or manufacturer, as well as emails or other correspondence.
Every case is unique, so it’s best to speak to an attorney about what kind of documentation you will need.
Seek Legal Representation From An Experienced Lemon Law Attorney
At this point, it’s recommended that you contact an attorney for assistance. You can access the paperwork that you need to submit online, but this does not mean you should file a claim on your own. Many people try to simply fill out the application and pursue a claim on their own, but they soon run into problems or become overwhelmed when the dealer or manufacturer tries to take advantage of them. Don’t try to tackle the consuming and time-confusing process of filing a claim on your own. Discuss your claim with an attorney who is thoroughly familiar with this process.
Discuss Your Case With A California Lemon Lawyer Today
Are you driving a lemon? Do not wait any longer to discuss your legal options with experienced lemon law attorney Chris Nalchadjian at KN Law Firm who will work tirelessly to help you obtain a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement. If you believe your vehicle is a lemon, it’s time to seek justice. Let the Law Offices of KN Law Firm help. Call our law firm now at +1 888 950 0011 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation regarding your case.