ATV Lemon Law

A California ATV Lemon Lawyer Can Advocate for You

If you purchased an ATV with visions of mud busting and off-road hijinks only to discover that your vehicle is defective, don’t give up hope.  A California ATV lemon lawyer may be able to help.  All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are rugged and sturdy, but some roll off the assembly line with chronic mechanical or electrical problems.  When this happens, it’s time to explore your legal options.

Is There a Lemon Law for ATVs?

Most people know that California has a consumer-friendly lemon law that covers passenger cars and trucks, but some may wonder, “Is there a lemon law for ATVs?”  The answer can be complex.  California lemon law does not specifically cover off-road vehicles like ATVs.  But certain provisions of the state’s lemon law do provide related protections for you against manufacturers of defective products. One thing is for sure – California does not allow manufacturers to get away with selling defective goods to consumers without facing consequences. If you encounter issues with a defective vehicle, consult acar defect lawyer for expert guidance.

If your ATV keeps breaking down, it may qualify under California’s consumer protection laws.  Because the law is complicated, it’s important to hire a skilled and experienced California lemon law attorney.  At Neale & Fhima, we have helped clients file legal claims seeking financial compensation for ATV lemons.

Why Choose Us as Your ATV Lemon Law Lawyer?

There are a lot of attorneys in California to choose from, but we think our legal team is the best choice.  Attorney Aaron Fhima is a tough negotiator with a keen legal mind.  He has been handling lemon law cases for many years, and he knows the complexities and nuances of the statute.  California’s lemon law is a fine example of how the state legislature can empower consumers. But when it comes to clarity, the text of the statute leaves much to be desired. Our legal team understands the quirks of the statute, as well as the many court opinions interpreting it. We put this knowledge to work for you.  We have many satisfied clients who refer their friends and family to us.

How We Can Help

At Neale & Fhima, we have handled hundreds of claims filed by clients who bought defective vehicles and had to endure challenging interactions with car manufacturers and dealerships.  Following are the ways we can help you with your lemon law claim.  We will:

1. Explain your legal rights and your options for a remedy
2. Gather evidence that supports your claim
3. Build a case based on California statutes and case law that puts you in a favorable light
4. Negotiate with dealerships and manufacturers to rectify your vehicle issues.

You have rights when buying an ATV in California.  You don’t have to get stuck with a defective vehicle.  The California lemon law or other consumer protection laws may provide a remedy.  Call Neale & Fhima now at 888-407-2955 to find out about your legal rights.

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California Lemon Law Explained

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, also known as the California lemon law, if you purchase a defective vehicle, you are legally entitled to a refund, or the vehicle can be replaced at the manufacturer’s expense. However, you must prove that it’s a lemon according to legal guidelines.  That’s where a California lemon law lawyer can help.  Guidelines require that the defect must negatively impact the vehicle’s use, value, or safety to qualify for a lemon law claim.  This doesn’t mean that the defect must pose an imminent danger, but it does mean that the defect must be significant (a minor scratch in the paint or nick in the dashboard won’t count).  Also, you must make a reasonable number of attempts to get the defect repaired before filing a lemon law claim. Just as one might consult a vehicle accident lawyer after an unfortunate collision, it’s essential to understand your rights with defective vehicles. The vehicle manufacturer pays your attorney fees in a successful lemon law claim.  These fees are part of the settlement agreement or jury award.

What Kinds of Defects Are Covered?

Common mechanical and electrical defects that are covered by the lemon law include, but are not limited to:

• Steering issues
• Poor acceleration
• Radio and navigation problems
• Engine issues
• Door locks don’t work
• Electrical issues
• Noise complaints
• Braking problems (not just squeaking)
• Fuel gauges and speedometer don’t work
• Battery dies regularly, or drains irregularly
• Transmission issues.

What Kinds of Defects Are Not Covered?

There are some cases when the California lemon law does not apply.  These include:

• Defects caused by owner abuse, neglect, or poor maintenance
• Defects caused by a vehicle collision
• Defects in after-market parts that were added later
• Defects that arose when an owner tried to repair his or her own vehicle
• Minor defects (such as small dents, etc.) that can be easily fixed.

How Many Repair Attempts Are Required?

To prevail in a lemon law claim, you will have to show that you made “reasonable attempts” to get the mechanical or electrical problem fixed.  These guidelines include:

1. The vehicle had a minimum of two repairs attempted for a defect that could lead to death or serious injury.
2. You brought the vehicle to the dealership at least four times to remedy the exact same flaw.
3. The vehicle has been at an authorized dealership for repairs of the same defect for at least 30 days since you acquired it.

Remember that when trying to get your ATV repaired, you must take it to an authorized dealer.  If you try to make the repairs yourself or ask a family member or neighborhood mechanic to repair it, you will likely forfeit your lemon law claim.

Available Remedies for an ATV Lemon

If your attorney can prove that your ATV is defective, you likely have two primary remedies:

1. Repurchase/Buyback
   The manufacturer must refund the amount of money paid for the vehicle, including finance charges and fees. It may also be required to refund the cost of factory options, shipping, taxes, and other fees.
2. Replacement
   The customer may have the option to receive a new, similarly equipped vehicle that is free of the defect that led to a legal claim. The manufacturer must pay the taxes and other fees in this situation.

   In some situations, our lemon law lawyers can negotiate a cash settlement for you.  Known as a “cash and keep,” the manufacturer would compensate you for the defect and you’d simply keep your ATV.

California Lemon Law Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for filing a California lemon law claim is four (4) years from the date a consumer knew or should have known that the vehicle was a lemon. This does not mean that if you have had your vehicle for more than 4 years, you cannot bring a lemon law claim. Our attorneys have successfully “lemoned” vehicles that are over 10 years old. However, you’ll want to start the lemon law buyback process sooner rather than later.  After the statute of limitations runs out, a judge may dismiss your case.

Top 10 ATV Trails in California

According to SuperATV.com, the 10 best ATV trails in California are:

1. CLEGHORN OHV TRAIL
Location: San Bernardino, CA

2. DUMONT DUNES
Location: Baker, CA

3. GLAMIS (IMPERIAL SAND DUNES)
Location: El Centro, CA

4. HOLLISTER HILLS SVRA
Location: Hollister, CA

5. HUNGRY VALLEY SVRA
Location: Gorman, California

6. JAWBONE CANYON
Location: Cantil, CA

7. JOHNSON VALLEY OHV AREA
Location: Lucerne Valley, CA

8. MILLER CANYON
Location: Hesperia, California

9. OCOTILLO WELLS SVRA
Location: Borrego Springs, CA

10. STODDARD VALLEY OHV AREA
Location: Barstow, CA

ATV Accidents and Deaths

In addition to handling lemon law cases, the attorneys at Neale & Fhima also represent clients who’ve been injured in ATV accidents.  More than 2,400 deaths related to ATVs were reported in the United States in a recent four-year period, according to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If you or a loved one has experienced such a tragedy, consulting with a wrongful death lawyer can be crucial.  An estimated 430,000 ATV-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms during this same period.  Five states – including California – account for 25% of ATV deaths, says the CPSC.

If you or a loved one was injured in an ATV accident, you could be entitled to additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or product liability claim.  ATV roll bars, tires, safety nets, engines, steering columns, safety belts and brakes can all be defective.  There are ATV recalls periodically, acknowledging flawed manufacturing or design.  Your injury could be due to the negligence of the manufacturer, another driver, the property owner or recreation area in which you were riding, or other defendants.  A personal injury lawyer at Neale & Fhima can help you seek financial compensation.

To avoid injuries, the CPSC says all riders should always follow the safety tips below when operating an off-road vehicle:

• Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, such as eye protection, boots, gloves, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
• Never ride with more passengers than there are seats. Most ATVs are designed for one rider.
• Get hands-on training from a qualified instructor.
• Riders younger than 16 should drive only age-appropriate youth model ATVs, never adult ATVs.

ATVs are not considered safe for young children.  So parents should use caution when determining who can ride these vehicles.

Contact a California Lemon Law Attorney Today

If you purchased a new ATV in hopes of some off-road fun only to discover that your ATV has mechanical, electrical or other defects, then you could have a legal remedy.  Rather than getting frustrated, take action. California does not allow manufacturers to get off free and easy if they are producing defective consumer products.  This is especially true if they are doing so knowingly and with blatant disregard for consumer safety.

A skilled California lemon law attorney may be able to help you get financial compensation or a replacement vehicle.  By knowing the ins and outs of the law, attorneys at Neale & Fhima can make the law work in your favor. We have a 99% success rate with lemon law cases we handle on behalf of clients.  Past clients are overwhelmingly pleased with our representation.  To find out more about your legal remedies for a lemon ATV, call us at 888-407-2955.  The initial consultation is free.

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