You worked hard and finally saved enough money to buy yourself a new car. You have been enjoying driving your car around for a few months, when you hear a strange sound. You think, this cannot be happening. It is a brand new car. You wonder what you are going to do now because you spent all your savings on the car.
Do not panic. You may be protected under California’s lemon law.
What is the lemon law?
The California lemon law protects residents who purchase or lease new and used vehicles in California, as long as the vehicles are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. According to the California Attorney General, if your vehicle requires repair and the manufacturer cannot fix it within a reasonable time, you are eligible for a replacement vehicle, or the manufacturer must buy it from you. The lemon law offers that protection to you.
Some dealers or manufacturers may not want to honor their commitment or may try to give you less money than they owe you. If that happens to you, you may want to contact an experienced attorney who routinely handles lemon law cases.
How much does an attorney cost?
An attorney working a lemon law case should not charge his client any money. You will personally pay no out-of-pocket fees, whether you win or lose. If you win, your attorney may receive a percentage of your settlement. In some cases, the defense can pay your attorney fees.
Remember, if you are having issues with a vehicle that is still under warranty, you are entitled to have it repaired by the manufacturer. If repairs do not fix the problem, California’s lemon law protects you. You may be entitled to a payment or replacement of your vehicle.
