Menu
  • By: Eloy Aguirre, Esq.
How You Can Prove Your Car Qualifies As A Lemon In California - The Law Office Of Eloy Aguirre

In this article, you can discover…

  • How to know whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon in California.
  • The steps to file a lemon law claim in California after repair attempts have failed.
  • How to prove that your vehicle qualifies as a lemon.

What Are The Legal Criteria For My Vehicle To Qualify As A Lemon In California?

In California, a lemon is a vehicle that is covered under the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty and that is not in good working order. Generally, a car that hasn’t been fixed after a number of repair attempts during the initial 18 months or 18,000 miles after its purchase could be considered a lemon.

If the vehicle cannot be fixed after more than four attempts or if the vehicle’s issues cause a death or bodily injury, it can be defined as a lemon. Additionally, a vehicle that has been in the shop for more than 30 days within the same 18-month or 18,000-mile period for any issues covered under its warranty could also be a lemon.

Which Vehicle Defects Qualify For California’s Lemon Law?

Any defect that impairs your car’s ability to drive or requires a dealer to keep it in their shop for three or four days can qualify for a lemon law claim. Though there are no precise rules regarding a vehicle’s defects, a general standard involves considering what a reasonable person would agree to be in “good working order” for a vehicle. If your vehicle does not meet that standard, it may qualify for California’s lemon law.

Can I File A Lemon Law Claim In California After Failed Repair Attempts?

If the dealer cannot fix your car in four or more attempts, you would have a fairly strong claim for a lemon law case. While four repair attempts are not legally mandated, a reasonable standard for working order should be applied. If you have to take your car in to be repaired every other week, you may have a lemon law case.

Do I Need A Lawyer To File A Lemon Law Claim?

While you do not need a lawyer to file your lemon law claim, an attorney can be very beneficial in ensuring that you receive the full benefits of your legal rights. Oftentimes, manufacturers will try to minimize benefits in order to prioritize their own savings, so working with a qualified lawyer can help you to receive the entirety of what you are owed.

How Can I Prove That My Vehicle Qualifies As A Lemon?

It is important to retain copies of service records to preserve any proof of the vehicle’s defects. These documents can also prove how many times your vehicle has been serviced and provide an estimated timeline of how long the car was unusable. Additionally, documenting any defects with photos and videos can greatly help to substantiate your case before a jury.

Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?

For more information on California Lemon Law Qualifications, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (626) 209-4057 today.

Translate »
Accessibility Accessibility
× Accessibility Menu CTRL+U