A good Lemon Law Lawyer California consumers hire will be able to force manufacturers to replace or refund the purchase or lease cost of a vehicle that has a serious flaw that cannot be fixed. The Golden State has one of the strictest protections in place for safeguarding consumers from lemons. The information provided below will help consumers decide if their vehicle falls into this category, and what sort of measures need to be taken to prepare for what could be a disputed claim.
Vehicles which don’t measure up are often loosely labeled as lemons. Technically speaking, it only applies to vehicles with problems that seriously impair its usage and reduce its safety and value while the manufacturer’s warranty is still in force. It doesn’t matter if it is bought new or used, as long as it is still covered by the warranty. The problem must be discovered within 18 months or prior to logging 18,000 miles.
Specifically, the law protects customers who are being given the run-around by a dealer and/or manufacturer. Consumers must allow the car maker up to four attempts to fix the problem, unless it is a safety issue such as brake malfunctions which must be fixed in no more than two attempts. Also, the manufacturer can only keep the vehicle in the shop for a maximum of 30 days (cumulative over separate visits).
If the limits mentioned above are exceeded, it becomes a lemon and the customer may claim a refund or replacement. Customers seeking refunds will not get back the full purchase or lease price because there will be a deduction based on mileage. If the odometer shows that the customer has logged 6,000 miles after purchasing the vehicle, then 5% of the purchase price is reduced from the refund.
When it starts looking like there’s a problem that can’t be fixed, the customer needs to start preparing for a claim. Get repair orders or invoices every time the vehicle is taken in to be fixed. Ask for separate invoices even when the same problem needs multiple visits for repair.
For instance, the dealer may order a part after the first visit and ask the customer to come back in afterwards a second time once the part has arrived. This constitutes two separate visits requiring a separate invoice for each one. Maintain all the invoices and records associated with the vehicle and keep it handy.
If the dealer and manufacturer try to dispute the claim, consult a lawyer before taking any more action. The common defense cited by defendants in these cases is that the customer abused the vehicle, leading to a problem that cannot be fixed. Under such circumstances, both parties must either agree to arbitration or take the matter to court.
This would be a good time to get hold of the top Lemon Law Lawyer California has in its listings of licensed practitioners of the law. Attorneys experienced in handling such cases know very well how to claim the maximum compensation under different statutes. California’s Lemon Law favors consumers, so the onus in legal cases tends to be on the settlement amount.
You can visit the website www.tylerhinzlaw.com for more helpful information about Lemon Law Lawyer California Guide