Redlands Lemon Law Attorney

Lemon Lawyer in Redlands, CA

Getting fair compensation after purchasing a lemon should not be difficult, but it is a long process that requires careful documentation. A Redlands lemon law attorney can help you determine whether your vehicle is covered under California’s lemon law and complete any formal documentation required for submitting a claim to the manufacturer when requesting compensation. Knowing your rights is the first step toward fair compensation.

Hire a Lemon Law Attorney

When you hire a lemon law attorney, you want one who understands the changes to California’s lemon law and how it could impact your case. Lemon Law Pro’s Kimberli Zazzi is a former insurance defense attorney who uses that knowledge to help her clients get fair results. Our team works statewide exclusively with lemon law claims and knows the local, state, and federal regulations that govern lemon law cases.

California Lemon Law Enforcement

Redlands was home to nearly 73,000 people in 2023, and almost half of all California households (40.5%) owned two vehicles.

Many lemon law cases are handled between the consumer and the vehicle manufacturer through formal negotiations or arbitration. In instances where a satisfactory resolution is not found, consumers may file a complaint against the manufacturer. The California Department of Consumer Affairs tracks complaints made to the Bureau of Automotive Repair. During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2024-2025, a total of 4,801 complaints were received.

When a lemon law case cannot be settled through negotiations or mediation, you may need to file a formal claim in civil court and allow a judge or jury to determine the merits of the case. Redlands residents can file in the San Bernardino County Superior Court.

Steps in Filing a Lemon Law Claim

When seeking compensation under California’s lemon law, you can only do so within one year of the expiration of the vehicle’s warranty and no more than six years after the date of sale. Within these deadlines, there are a few steps you have to follow to file a claim. These include:

• Providing detailed records of the vehicle defect and the repair attempts made to correct the defect. Copies of any communications with the dealership, manufacturer, and repair shop are also useful as evidence.
• Submit a written notice to the manufacturer of your intention to seek replacement or compensation for the vehicle. Make your intentions clear and plainly state if you are seeking repurchase or replacement.
• Complete the required mediation with the manufacturer to come to an agreement. Mediation is required before a civil claim can be filed.
• If an agreement is not reached in mediation, or the mediator declares that the vehicle does not meet the requirements to be considered a lemon, you can file a civil claim in court so the case can be heard by a judge or jury for consideration.
• In court, the judge or jury decides if the vehicle meets the requirements to be declared a lemon and decides on an appropriate remedy. The manufacturer is then required to repurchase or replace the vehicle, as well as associated fees and expenses.

A Redlands lemon law lawyer is not required during this process, but lemon law claims often go more smoothly with experienced representation.

FAQs About Lemon Law in Redlands, CA

How to Negotiate a Lemon Law Claim in California?

There are some tips to keep in mind when negotiating a lemon law claim in California. Keep detailed records of all repair attempts. Review the criteria for a lemon law case to be sure your situation applies. Notify the manufacturer of the defect and your intention to pursue a lemon law claim. When negotiating with the manufacturer, make your demands clear and negotiate for a more favorable usage fee. Make sure to get any agreement in writing.

What Vehicle Qualifies for the Lemon Law in California?

To qualify for California’s lemon law, the vehicle has to be under the original manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty. Cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs qualify if you have owned them for less than 18 months and driven them less than 18,000 miles. The chassis, chassis cab, and drive train of a motor home are also covered. The vehicle can be for business or personal use.

When Should I Contact a Lemon Law Attorney?

If you suspect your vehicle may be a lemon, it is never too early to consult with a lemon law attorney. For serious defects, you should reach out after the second failed repair attempt. For less serious defects, you may need to try four or more repairs. If the defect could be life-threatening, you should reach out right away. Lemon law also applies if your vehicle has been in the shop for more than 30 days for repairs.

Can I File a Claim Against a Dealership for Selling Me a Lemon Used Car?

Claims involving used cars can be more difficult if they are already out of the manufacturer’s new car warranty period. If the warranty is still active, you can follow the normal lemon law procedure to get the vehicle repaired, replaced, or refunded. If the warranty has expired, you could still file a claim against the dealership if there is proof that they engaged in fraudulent behavior by misrepresenting the vehicle’s history or hiding the defect.

Can I Seek Non-Economic or Punitive Damages Under the Lemon Law in California?

No, in California, lemon law cases are considered actions under contract, which means they are not subject to non-economic or punitive damages. When you file a claim under California’s lemon law, you can seek compensation for the amount spent on the vehicle plus applicable fees or a replacement vehicle. Unless a dealership has behaved fraudulently, there is no mechanism to claim any type of non-economic or punitive damages.

Contact Lemon Law Pro

Reaching out to have your case reviewed by a Redlands lemon law attorney offers many benefits and few risks. California lemon law has a provision that allows attorneys to recover their costs directly from the manufacturer. Our services never cost you anything. If you think you may be stuck with a lemon, you have nothing to lose. Contact Lemon Law Pro today to schedule your initial consultation.