Is Your Vehicle’s Defect Covered by the Lemon Law?

Is Your Vehicle’s Defect Covered by the Lemon Law?

• June 14, 2023
• Categories: Lemon Law

If you bought a new or used car that is still under the original factory warranty, you may be protected under California’s lemon law. Should you face issues on the road due to these defects, reaching out to an auto accident lawyer can be essential. Auto manufacturers offer protection for new and used vehicles bought during the factory warranty period. If the manufacturer cannot repair a defect that substantially affects the value, safety, or use, it is required to replace the vehicle or buy it back from you.

At Neale & Fhima, we understand the complexities of California’s lemon law. If you recently bought a lemon and want to have it replaced or receive compensation for it from the seller, connect with a lemon law attorney from our team. We can teach you about California’s lemon law and help you move forward with your claim.

Why Choose Us?

We are a California law firm that helps clients in cases involving many popular vehicle brands, including:

• Audi
• BMW
• Chevy
• Dodge
• Ford
• GM
• Honda
• Hyundai
• Jeep
• Kia
• Mazda
• Mercedes
• Nissan
• Subaru
• Toyota
• Volkswagen.

Our team’s California lemon law attorney takes the time necessary to learn about your case. We ask you questions and get the insights we need to determine if you have a valid claim. If so, we can help you take legal action against any at-fault parties.

How We Can Help

We have an outstanding track record in lemon law cases due in part to our commitment to our clientele. Our team’s California lemon law lawyer gives your case their undivided attention. We understand your goal and help you get the best-case result.

Our lemon law attorney in California works in lockstep with you throughout your litigation. Your attorney is accessible and can answer any legal questions you have. Plus, our attorney keeps you updated as your litigation moves forward.

With a lemon law lawyer in California from our team at your side, you can reap the benefits that come with having experienced and aggressive legal representation. Our attorney advocates for you and makes sure you can present a compelling argument. If our lawyer succeeds, you should have no trouble getting your lemon replaced or receiving fair compensation for it.

Defects Covered by California’s Lemon Law

California’s lemon law covers substantial defects that affect your vehicle’s value, safety, or use. Some of the vehicle problems that you may be compensated for under the lemon law include consulting a vehicle defect lawyer:

• Engine and transmission defects
• Battery defects
• Electrical malfunctions
• Balky or poorly functioning transmission
• SRS and airbag system defects
• Braking problems
• Malfunctioning air-conditioning system
• Navigation system issues
• Turbocharger malfunction.

Keep in mind that California’s lemon law covers only substantial defects. But even defective windshield wipers are considered substantial defects since they impact your ability to drive your car safely.

The team at Neale & Fhima can explain the differences between substantial and non-substantial vehicle defects in detail. We encourage you to share information about your vehicle defect with a lemon law attorney from our team. We can then review your case and help you determine if the lemon law covers your vehicle’s defect.

Is Your Vehicle’s Defect Covered by the Lemon Law?

It can be difficult to understand what defects are covered under the lemon law of California. Ultimately, a lemon law attorney can provide you with insights into vehicle defects and whether the problem with your vehicle is considered to be substantial. If you are coping with a substantial vehicle defect, Neale & Fhima attorneys can help you pursue compensation as part of a lemon law claim.

In California, the lemon law covers vehicles that are still under the original factory warranty. Many new vehicles come with a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty bumper-to-bumper and a longer less comprehensive powertrain warranty, but your warranty may differ depending on the vehicle you own. Your car is still covered under this warranty even if it is used.

Furthermore, if it is a certified used vehicle from a dealership, the extended warranty may qualify under the lemon law. The bottom line: if you are unsure about whether the lemon law covers your vehicle’s defect, consult with an attorney.

What Vehicle Defects Are Not Covered by the Lemon Law?

In addition to defects that do not substantially affect a vehicle’s value, safety, or use, many others are not covered under California’s lemon law. These include:

• Defects That Occur Due to the Owner’s Negligence: If you do not take care of your vehicle and problems crop up, you are solely responsible for the costs of any repairs to address them.
• Defects Caused by Accidents: If you cause a car accident, you are accountable for the costs of any vehicle damage and any harm you cause to other motorists or pedestrians involved in your accident. If you’re a pedestrian who has been injured, it may be beneficial to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer to understand your rights.
• Defects That Occur Due to Unauthorized Vehicle Modifications: If you make changes to your vehicle on your own or hire an unauthorized repair shop to do so and these changes damage your vehicle, you cannot request compensation through a lemon law claim.

When it comes to figuring out if your car is a lemon, it pays to partner with an attorney. You can hire a lemon law lawyer that knows how lemons are defined in California. By leveraging the lemon law firm expertise, the lawyer will make sure you receive adequate support with your lemon law claim.

What to Do If You Are Dealing with a Lemon in California?

Before you file a lemon law claim in California, you need to take certain steps to get your vehicle repaired or replaced. Here are things you should do as soon as you identify a vehicle defect that leads you to believe your vehicle may be a lemon:

• Bring your car to the dealership for repairs. Give the dealership every opportunity to repair your vehicle and get it up and running at peak levels.
• Gather evidence. Collect dealership repair orders and other documents to support your lemon law claim.
• Choose the right lawyer. Select an attorney that has many years of experience with lemon law cases.

Neale & Fhima makes filing a lemon law claim in California easy. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, please contact us online or call us at 888-407-2955.