F.A.Q
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the Lemon Laws?
The lemon laws are federal and state consumer protection laws that were enacted to protect consumers who have purchased (or leased) defective consumer vehicles or goods. The law provides that when a manufacturer cannot repair a vehicle or other consumer good after a reasonable number of repair attempts and the defect is substantial, it must either replace the defective good or refund the consumer’s money.
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How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Lemon Law Attorney?
There should be no up front costs or retainer fees when hiring a lemon law attorney. Both federal and state lemon laws require the manufacturer to pay for your reasonable attorneys fees and costs or make a reasonable contribution towards your attorneys fees and costs, for a successful case.
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How Long Does the Lemon Law Process Take?
The length of time related to each lemon law case is unique to each set of individual facts. Some of our cases resolve within 90 days and others can take much longer. In order to maximize your potential for recovery it is important that you discuss your case with an experienced lemon law attorney as soon as possible so that you will have proper guidance from the outset of your case.
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Does the Lemon Law Apply to My Leased Vehicle?
Yes. A leased vehicle is covered by California’s lemon laws as long as it was leased with a warranty.
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Does the Lemon Law Apply to My Used Vehicle?
Yes. A used car can and often does qualify under the lemon laws as long as it was sold with a written warranty. Often times, used vehicles are sold while still under the manufacturer’s warranty and/or a warranty from the dealer. If this is the case, then your used car may qualify under the lemon laws.
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What is a Vehicle Replacement?
A ‘vehicle replacement’ is where you will receive a vehicle that is of similar make and model to the one that is a lemon. However, the replacement will most likely be a vehicle in the current year model. Your current loan amount (or the term of your lease) will remain the same and for the same duration as the original loan or lease. Your sole expense will be payment for the time you enjoyed your vehicle prior to it being a lemon and additional taxes (if applicable).
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If I Qualify Under the Lemon Laws, What am I Entitled to?
If your consumer good or vehicle qualifies as a lemon, then you are entitled to receive a replacement or refund, which consists of your down payment, monthly payments, registration, taxes, and incidental expenses such as rental car or tow expenses, plus reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs. The manufacturer is entitled to deduct a usage fee for the value of the miles placed on the vehicle up to the first time it was taken in for repair work for the problem or defect that resulted in it being a lemon.