We all know that buying a vehicle is expensive, but what about when you find out your vehicle has been a lemon? It’s important to take action before the manufacturer releases it from its obligations. If you need help understanding your rights and remedies under California Lemon Laws contact a lemon law lawyer in San Diego.
What Qualifies as a Lemon Vehicle?
A lemon vehicle is a new vehicle that has at least one manufacturing defect which severely impacts the safety or function of the vehicle. Different states have different laws that specifically define what qualifies as a lemon, but in general it’s any used automobile with more than three outstanding repairs documented by service records provided to you by your dealership and still fails to work properly after all these fixes (i.e., major engine problems).
What Can I Do When I Have a Lemon Vehicle?
When your vehicle is a lemon you need to act fast. Under the lemon law the manufacturer has 3-4 tries to repair it, usually within 18 months of purchase date. Some state laws have even shorter windows for filing complaints and if they’re not fixed in that window then go ahead with the complaint process. There are other things that you can do to make sure you get justice through the lemon law:
Review Your Vehicle’s Warranty
Be sure to carefully review the manufacturer’s warranty and do your part to comply with the suggested maintenance schedule. Failure on either end can lead you down a difficult road when pursuing a lemon law case if there are any issues that arise for which it is deemed an abuse of the vehicle.
Report Your Problems to Your Dealership
When you notice a problem with your vehicle, don’t just keep it to yourself! Report the issue to both your dealership and manufacturer so that they are able to fix or repair any problems. You’ll also be showing them that you’re taking action by dealing with this potential defect which may help if there’s no progress made on repairs after doing so.
Provide All the Paperwork and Include All Receipts
Vehicle owners who want to prove their lemon vehicle has been repaired improperly can hold onto copies of all correspondence with automakers or dealers. This includes work orders and receipts from any repairs, which will provide a timeline for when the service occurred.
When you have a lemon, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your investment. You need accurate information when standing up for what’s right. Carfax Vehicle Recall Check can be used as a starting point in determining if there is an issue with your vehicle.
Take The Vehicle to a Registered Mechanic
There is no excuse for not taking your vehicle to the authorized auto expert if you notice any problems. This would be, by far, the best way of ensuring that whatever issue might arise does so in a timely manner and without hassle or inconvenience on your part. It’s also important to know what constitutes reasonable repair attempts before pursuing legal action under California Lemon Law provisions.
Hire a Lemon Lawyer San Diego
If you’re looking for legal counsel on a lemon law case, it’s best to hire an attorney who specializes in those types of cases. These attorneys are knowledgeable about the laws and may take your claim pro bono if they can’t win the settlement from the manufacturer themselves. They will procure expert witnesses that help prove your case while also being familiar with different state-specific regulations regarding these matters.
Final Words
If you have a lemon vehicle, it is important to understand your legal rights. A qualified Lemon Law lawyer can help you determine the best course of action when dealing with a defective product. McMillan Law Group knows how to get people their money back and put an end to the frustration that comes with driving around in a car that doesn’t work properly or breaks down often.
