Bakersfield Lemon Law Attorney

Lemon Lawyer in Bakersfield, CA

If you purchase or lease a new vehicle in Bakersfield, you have a reasonable expectation that the vehicle should perform as advertised, and you should not be compelled to pay for necessary repairs shortly after purchasing it. However, many people buy new or used vehicles only to discover serious problems with their functions. A Bakersfield lemon law attorney is a valuable asset if you find yourself in this situation.

Helping Consumers Exercise Their Rights Under the Lemon Law

Lemon Law Pro offers comprehensive legal counsel for Bakersfield clients who need to file claims regarding the statewide Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly called the lemon law. A lemon is a newly purchased or leased vehicle that:

• Does not meet the performance standards claimed by the manufacturer.
• Requires critical repairs shortly after purchase.

The lemon law is one of the most robust in the country, providing affected consumers statewide with broad flexibility to seek refunds or replacements of vehicles that meet the legal definition of a lemon. However, parsing through the various terms and conditions of these claims can be challenging for any affected consumer on their own. Our team can make filing your complaint easier and more likely to yield positive results.

Lemon Law Pro can carefully assess your situation, reviewing the details of the problems you have experienced with your vehicle. We can look at the terms of the manufacturer’s express warranty and determine whether the vehicle meets the legal definition of a lemon under the law. If so, you can rely on our firm to handle the proceedings ahead, seeking a favorable resolution from the manufacturer.

What Qualifies as a Lemon?

A vehicle qualifies as a lemon under California’s lemon law when it does not meet the performance standards in the manufacturer’s express warranty. The state’s law may be one of the broadest in the country, and it offers substantial legal protection to affected consumers, but it can still be difficult for the average person to understand.

When you have a Bakersfield lemon law attorney representing you, they can clearly explain the lemon law as it applies to your situation, and they can help you take full advantage of the remedies available to you. The term “nonconformity” commonly arises in lemon law cases when a vehicle fails to meet the manufacturer’s performance standards.

The general timeframe used to determine whether lemon law applies is 18 months following the consumer taking delivery of the vehicle or within driving 18,000 miles following taking delivery.

The vehicle qualifies as a lemon if:

• Any nonconformity creates a condition that has a high chance of causing severe injuries or death.
• The buyer has directly notified the manufacturer of the nonconformity.
• The vehicle has been repaired two or more times by the manufacturer or its licensed agents.

The same applies to less serious issues that require four or more repairs within the applicable timeframe.

The state’s lemon law also applies once a vehicle has been out of service for more than 30 cumulative days following the buyer’s taking delivery of the vehicle. However, an extension may apply if forces beyond the manufacturer’s control prevent them from completing the required repairs. Your Bakersfield lemon law attorney can explain how the lemon law applies to your case.

Resolving Your Lemon Law Claim in Bakersfield

Manufacturers often attempt to settle lemon law claims for as little as possible. If you try to manage your case on your own, you should expect the manufacturer to take advantage of your situation as much as possible. However, if you have a Bakersfield lemon law attorney representing you, they can tenaciously pursue a fair and reasonable settlement from the manufacturer. Most lemon law claims are resolved through refund or replacement.

If you seek a refund for your lemon in Bakersfield, you may recover the purchase price that you paid for the vehicle, minus a charge for the number of miles you added to the odometer while it was in your possession. You may also seek repayment for any repair costs you paid out of your own pocket. If both the claimant and the manufacturer agree, the manufacturer may arrange for a replacement vehicle instead.

Working with a seasoned Bakersfield lemon law attorney is the most effective method of streamlining your claim and pursuing you receive a fair offer from the manufacturer. Remember that while the lemon law is one of the most robust and flexible in the country, it is still difficult for the average person to understand on their own. Lemon Law Pro can provide comprehensive guidance through every stage of your case.

The Types of Compensation You Could Seek

In 2023, there were over 22,000 lemon law claims filed in the Golden State. Lemon law cases are a little different from other civil claims, as the types of compensation you can pursue are more limited. They can include:

• A refund. You could get all the costs associated with purchasing your vehicle reimbursed, including your down payment, all monthly payments made, registration fees, and collateral charges, like sales tax. The remaining loan balance should be forgiven.
• A replacement. Another option is to have the manufacturer provide a new vehicle that is comparable to your old one.
• Cash settlement. In some cases, drivers can keep their cars but receive lump-sum payments to compensate them for their diminished value.
• Incidental and consequential damages. If you incurred incidental or consequential damages, such as rental car expenses, towing charges, prepayment or early termination fees on a lease, or necessary repairs performed at third-party shops, these can be reimbursed.
• Civil penalties. If the court determines that the manufacturer willfully violated the law, it may award civil penalties amounting to up to twice the actual damages.

What to Expect From Your Bakersfield Lemon Law Attorney?

One of the greatest benefits of choosing Lemon Law Pro to represent your case in Bakersfield is the fact that our services are entirely free of charge. The state’s lemon law requires a manufacturer to pay attorney fees. Therefore, if you choose our firm to represent you, we won’t ask you for any fees at all. We collect our fees directly from the manufacturer, and you can keep your entire settlement.

You likely have grounds for a lemon law claim if:

1. You have purchased or leased a new or used vehicle.
2. It meets the criteria set forth by California’s lemon law.
3. You have dealt with multiple repair and performance issues immediately after taking delivery of the vehicle.

It’s vital to seek trustworthy legal counsel as quickly as possible once you identify any such issue.

FAQs

How Much Does a Lemon Law Attorney Cost in California?

A lemon law attorney does not cost anything in California. California lemon laws have provisions in place that require vehicle manufacturers to pay the buyer’s attorney’s fees if the court finds in the plaintiff’s favor. Even if your lemon law case is not successful, you won’t have to pay anything in legal fees. We only get paid if we can secure compensation for our clients.

What Qualifies for the Lemon Law in California?

Any serious issue that affects the usability, safety, or value of a vehicle can qualify for the lemon law in California. If you’re not sure whether your mechanical, electrical, or body issue makes your vehicle a lemon, the next thing you should do is hire a Bakersfield lemon lawyer. They can help you determine the right way to move forward with your case.

Do You Need a Lawyer for the Lemon Law in California?

You do not technically need a lawyer for the lemon law in California, but there are compelling reasons to hire one and no reason not to. Your attorney can handle all the details of your case for you so that you don’t have to worry about them. They also get paid by the vehicle manufacturer, not the client. That means you won’t have to worry about attorney fees.

What Evidence Do I Need for the CA Lemon Law?

Your attorney can help you gather the evidence you need for the California lemon law. It can include:

• Documentation of your vehicle’s repair history
• An inspection report detailing the ongoing problems your car is having
• Proof of purchase from the dealership

Your lawyer may also need to work with expert witnesses who can testify as to the serious nature of your vehicle’s problems.

Hire a Lemon Law Attorney Today

Not only can swift legal action greatly improve your chances of resolving your case efficiently, but it can also reduce the risk of you experiencing a dangerous mechanical failure on the road. The team at Lemon Law Pro can work hard to seek the refund or replacement offer you deserve from the manufacturer, and we provide our legal services at zero cost to you.

You should hire a lemon law attorney right away if you might have grounds for a claim. Contact Lemon Law Pro today to schedule a free consultation with a Bakersfield lemon law attorney and discuss your case.

Bakersfield, CA Lemon Law Resources

• California Used Car Return Law
• How Old Can a Car Be For Lemon Law in California
• Can You Return a New Car After Purchase in California?
• Are Lemon Law Settlements Taxable?
• Lemon Law For Out-of-State Purchase
• California Lemon Law Mileage Limit
• Does Lemon Law Apply to Used Cars in California?
• What Happens If the Dealer Can’t Fix Your Car?