Long Beach Lemon Law Attorney

California’s Lemon Law protects consumers throughout Long Beach who end up with vehicles that don’t meet basic quality or safety standards. When a car, truck, or SUV has repeated mechanical problems under warranty, or when the manufacturer refuses to address serious defects, you have rights. With help from an experienced Long Beach lemon law attorney at Neale & Fhima APC, you can hold the manufacturer accountable and seek a replacement, buyback, or refund.

Our team knows how to deal with auto manufacturers and their legal departments. We’ve helped drivers from Belmont Shore to North Long Beach hold car companies accountable for selling defective vehicles. If your car keeps failing, reach out to us for a free consultation. We’re ready to step in and take action on your behalf.

What Is California’s Lemon Law?

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act is California’s main Lemon Law. It applies to vehicles sold or leased with a manufacturer’s warranty. If a defect pops up during that warranty period and the manufacturer can’t fix it after a reasonable number of attempts, you may qualify for legal remedies.

Types of Vehicles Covered Under California Lemon Law

California Lemon Law covers:

• New vehicles used for personal or family purposes
• Certain used vehicles, as long as they’re still under the manufacturer’s warranty
• Cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and motorcycles
• Vehicles leased for personal use or small business use with fewer than five registered vehicles

Commercial vehicles under a specific weight limit can also qualify, depending on how they’re used.

Warranty Requirements and Timeframes

To qualify under the Lemon Law, the defect must occur while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s warranty. That could be a bumper-to-bumper warranty, a powertrain warranty, or another written warranty issued by the automaker. Once the warranty ends, the defect must have already occurred or been reported during the covered period.

Signs Your Vehicle May Qualify as a Lemon

Not every car problem turns a vehicle into a lemon. But certain warning signs suggest you might have a claim.

• Recurring mechanical problems: If the same issue keeps happening, even after several repair attempts, that’s a red flag.
• Extended time in the shop: If your vehicle has spent 30 days or more at the dealership for repairs, even if not all at once, you may qualify.
• Unfixable safety defects: Problems with brakes, steering, airbags, or electrical systems that can’t be repaired after multiple tries may support a claim.
• Loss of use, value, or safety: If the defect makes the car dangerous, hard to use, or worth much less than expected, you may be eligible under the law.

How Does the Lemon Law Claims Process Work in Long Beach?

Getting help through California’s Lemon Law takes more than just filing a form. There’s a process that involves documentation, deadlines, and negotiation.

Initial Documentation and Record-Keeping Requirements

Start by keeping a complete record. That includes:

• All repair orders and invoices
• Communications with the dealership or manufacturer
• Notes on how the defect impacts your ability to use the car

Having strong documentation makes a big difference. If you live in areas like Bluff Heights or Bixby Knolls, keep your paperwork organized from the first repair appointment onward.

Manufacturer Notification and Repair Attempt Process

California law requires that the manufacturer get a fair chance to fix the defect. You must bring the vehicle in for repairs and allow the dealership to attempt the fix. Typically, two or more attempts for serious safety issues, or four for other problems, may qualify you.

Filing Your Lemon Law Claim

If the problem isn’t resolved, the next step is to formally file a lemon law claim. This can include a demand for a buyback or replacement and may involve sending a legal notice to the manufacturer.

Arbitration vs. Litigation Options

Some manufacturers offer arbitration programs. These are out-of-court options that may work for some drivers. However, many times, the car company pushes for a settlement that doesn’t match what the law allows. That’s where legal action comes in. Litigation may be necessary when the manufacturer refuses to resolve the issue fairly.

What Compensation Can You Receive Under Lemon Law?

The law offers several remedies when a manufacturer sells a defective vehicle.

Vehicle Replacement or Buyback Options

You can ask for a new vehicle of the same make and model or request a buyback. A buyback means the manufacturer repurchases the car for its purchase price, minus a small amount for mileage used before the defect started.

Refund Calculations and Mileage Deductions

California law allows the manufacturer to deduct a portion of the refund based on the mileage driven before the first repair attempt for the defect. This amount is calculated using a specific formula based on the vehicle’s odometer reading at that time.

Attorney Fees and Court Costs Recovery

Under California law, the manufacturer usually pays your legal fees if your claim is successful. That allows consumers to pursue lemon law claims without having to pay out of pocket to hire a lawyer.

Additional Damages for Willful Violations

If the manufacturer acted intentionally or unreasonably, you may be able to recover additional damages. Courts may award civil penalties of up to two times the amount of actual damages in cases involving willful violations.

Common Lemon Law Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case

Even valid lemon law claims can fall apart if handled the wrong way. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Not saving repair orders or warranty paperwork
• Skipping required steps when giving the manufacturer a chance to fix the defect
• Agreeing to a settlement that doesn’t include a full buyback or refund
• Missing the statute of limitations
• Trying to handle the legal process without a Long Beach lemon law lawyer

Why Do You Need a Long Beach Lemon Law Attorney?

Car companies often have experienced legal teams protecting their bottom line. Without someone on your side, it’s easy to walk away with less than the law allows.

Navigating Complex California Lemon Law Statutes

The rules surrounding lemon law claims can be technical and specific. A lawyer makes sure you meet all requirements and follow the correct process from the start.

Dealing with Manufacturer Legal Teams and Tactics

Manufacturers sometimes delay, deny, or lowball claims. Legal representation helps level the playing field and puts pressure on them to act fairly.

Maximizing Your Settlement or Award

With an attorney involved, the manufacturer knows they can’t drag things out. Your attorney fights to recover the maximum compensation available under California law.

Protecting Your Rights Throughout the Process

From start to finish, your legal team makes sure you meet deadlines, collect the right evidence, and respond quickly to any manufacturer pushback.

How Our Long Beach Lemon Law Attorneys Can Help

Neale & Fhima represents consumers across Long Beach, from Alamitos Beach to Los Altos, who are stuck with defective vehicles. Here’s how we support you:

• Evaluate your case and develop a plan to move forward
• Collect repair records, warranty documents, and other key evidence
• Handle negotiations with the manufacturer
• File a lawsuit if the manufacturer won’t settle fairly
• Represent you in arbitration or court if needed
• Work to recover the maximum compensation available under California law

If You’ve Been Injured Due to a Defective Vehicle

Some defective vehicle cases go beyond finances. A serious defect can cause crashes, injuries, or worse. When a car malfunction leads to physical harm or the loss of a loved one, you may have a separate claim for personal injury or wrongful death.

Neale & Fhima can review your situation and determine if you qualify for additional damages, including medical costs, lost income, and compensation for long-term consequences. Our personal injury team is ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About CA Lemon Law

How long do I have to file a lemon law claim in California?

You generally have four years from when you first noticed the defect. Waiting too long could prevent you from making a claim.

Can I still pursue a lemon law claim if my warranty has expired?

Possibly. The key factor is whether the defect happened during the warranty period. If so, you may still have a valid claim even if the warranty has since ended.

What if the dealership or manufacturer refuses to cooperate?

If the dealership or manufacturer refuses to fix the defect or offer a fair remedy, your attorney can take legal action to push the process forward.

Do I need to hire an attorney for every lemon law case?

Not always, but having legal representation often helps recover a stronger result. Manufacturers take claims more seriously when an attorney is involved.

Can I pursue a lemon law claim for a used vehicle?

Yes, if the used vehicle is still under the original manufacturer’s warranty and meets the other legal requirements.

Get Your Free Consultation Today

Don’t let the car company call the shots. If you bought or leased a defective vehicle, you don’t have to accept a bad deal. California law protects your right to seek compensation.

Our Long Beach lemon law attorneys at Neale & Fhima have helped people recover the maximum compensation available under the law. Call 949-661-1007 now for a free consultation to learn what your options are. Time limits apply, so don’t wait to take the next step.