Chevy Lemon Law Lawyer

Experienced California Chevy Lemon Law Attorney

Chevy has a long and storied history of muscle cars, family sedans, and dependable pickup trucks, However, a consumer who purchases a defective Chevy, especially a truck, might find themselves in need of a truck accident lawyer should anything go awry. Such disappointments are unexpected from a brand with such a reputation.  If you find yourself in this spot, an experienced California lemon law attorney may be able to help fix the situation.  You might be ready to give up after repeated and fruitless visits to the mechanic.  Don’t.  There is a legal remedy.

A Chevy lemon law attorney at Neale & Fhima is familiar with these cases, and we know what to do.  Our firm has a 99% record of success in lemon law cases.  We know that you were excited when you first purchased your Chevy Blazer, Equinox, Malibu, Cruze, or Silverado, and you had visions of using your Chevy for a family vacation, sending a child off to college, or getting work done around the farm.  Buying a defective vehicle is a disappointment and a headache.

But we can help – California has one of the most consumer-friendly lemon laws in the nation that ensures your protection.  Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, you are legally entitled to a refund if you purchase a defective Chevy vehicle, or the vehicle can be replaced at Chevrolet’s expense. However, you must prove that it’s a lemon according to legal guidelines, and that’s where a skilled Chevy lemon law lawyer can help.  If it turns out that you do have a Chevy lemon, you can either:

1. Have Chevy repurchase or replace your vehicle or
2. Negotiate a cash settlement with Chevrolet.

Is Your Chevy a Lemon?

A “lemon” is a car, truck, utility vehicle, SUV, motorcycle, RV, or other defective vehicle type.  Whether the problem started when you drove the vehicle off the dealership lot or began many months later or even years later, the defect is chronic, and mechanics can’t seem to fix it. If you’re facing such issues, consulting with a car defect lawyer can be beneficial.

Some of the Chevrolet models that are considered lemons are:

• Chevrolet Camaro: The Chevrolet Camaro tends to have issues such as coolant leaks, excessive fuel consumption, transmission slipping or lurching, malfunctions with engine acceleration, and so on.
• Chevy Impala: Common issues involve electrical malfunctions, engine problems, transmission issues, and brake system defects.
• Chevy Tahoe: Owners of Chevy Tahoes have reported engine misfires, excessive oil consumption, premature engine failure, transmission issues such as rough shifting, slipping gears, and transmission failure, as well as electrical malfunctions, brake system defects, and suspension and steering issues.
• Chevy Traverse: The Chevy Traverse is known for engine troubles, brake fluid leaks and premature wear, ineffective breaking performance, and electrical failures, such as problems with the power windows, door locks, and dashboard displays.
• Chevy Silverado: Owners of Chevy Silverados have reported engine misfires, engine malfunctions, transmission problems such as rough and hard shifting and transmission malfunctions, as well as electrical malfunctions, and suspension issues.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, so it’s important to talk to our California lemon law lawyers to determine whether you have a Chevy lemon law case.  Before being eligible to file a claim, you need to have made a “reasonable number of attempts” to get your new vehicle repaired. While the law is somewhat vague about how many trips to the mechanic constitute a “reasonable number” of repair attempts, you must give the dealership a sincere opportunity to fix it before commencing legal action.

The lemon law in California states that your Chevy must have “nonconformities,” defined as any defect or malfunction covered by Chevrolet’s original warranty.  Nonconformities significantly restrict the safety, use, or value of the vehicle.  Many defects could affect the vehicle’s safety, but there is no requirement under the law that the defect endangers you. So, if the car has a defect with its automatic mirrors, the mere fact that they work unpredictably could be enough to be the basis of a lemon law claim.

Step-By-Step Guide of the Lemon Law Process

The lemon law process provides you with legal recourse if you purchase a defective vehicle. Here’s a short description of the lemon law process:

1. Identify and Document Issues: If you believe your vehicle is a lemon, document the recurring defects or malfunctions that impact its safety, usability, or value. Keep records of repair attempts, invoices, work orders, and any communication with the manufacturer or dealership.
2. Consult with a Lemon Law Attorney: An experienced lemon law attorney will review your documentation, assess the validity of your claim, and guide you through the legal process. At Neale & Fhima, we can help.
3. Give the Manufacturer a Chance to Repair: The manufacturer is usually entitled to a reasonable number of repair attempts to fix the issues. You must provide them with an opportunity to address the defects within a specified timeframe.
4. File a Claim: Filing a claim or lawsuit is the a surefire way to get the manufacturer’s attention and apply pressure onto them to resolve your claim and address your concerns. In some cases, like those involving accidents, it’s important to have a knowledgeable legal expert by your side, such as a pedestrian accident lawyer. This lawsuit will be based on the violations of the lemon law and seek compensation or a vehicle buyback.
5. Trial or Settlement: The case may proceed to trial if a settlement cannot be reached. At trial, both parties will present their arguments and evidence before a judge or jury. Alternatively, a settlement may be negotiated between your attorney and the manufacturer’s legal team. Less than 1% of cases go to trial.
6. Resolution and Compensation: If successful, you may be entitled to compensation, which can include a refund of the purchase price, vehicle replacement, or a negotiated cash settlement. The specific outcome will depend on the circumstances of your case and the applicable lemon law provisions.

What’s a “Reasonable Number” of Attempted Repairs on My Chevy?

Under the Chevrolet lemon law, the manufacturer can make a “reasonable number” of repair attempts on your vehicle. If this threshold is reached and your vehicle’s issues remain unresolved, you may qualify for a Chevy lemon buyback or compensation. It’s important to note that the specifics of the Chevrolet lemon law can vary from state to state. In California, meeting the criteria of a “reasonable number” of repair attempts involves one of the following scenarios:

• If your vehicle is experiencing problems that could lead to severe injury or death and you have made at least two repair attempts, it’s crucial to consult with a wrongful death lawyer if the issue persists.
• If your vehicle faces recurring issues covered by the basic warranty, and you have made three to four or more repair attempts.
• If your vehicle has been in the repair shop or rendered undrivable for 30 days due to these issues.

If you meet these criteria, even if your vehicle is subject to a Chevy recall, it is possible that you have a lemon and may be eligible for a Chevy lemon buyback. To explore your options and increase your chances of success with your Chevrolet lemon law claim, contact Neale & Fhima Chevy lemon law lawyer.

How Does a Chevy Lemon Law Buyback Work?

The process starts by filing a legal claim against the manufacturer. Our attorneys can do this for you. We expect resistance because auto manufacturers work hard to defeat lemon law claims and reduce financial payouts. But we are aggressive and know how to win. We are not intimidated by the manufacturers’ attorneys and are determined to secure the best possible outcome for our clients. To prevail in a Chevy lemon law claim, you will have to:

• show that the defect compromises the use, value, or safety of your vehicle
• make “reasonable attempts” to have a dealership or mechanic repair the defect.

That’s why you must have proof that you attempted to have the vehicle fixed — keep all receipts, work orders, and used parts from each one of your repair appointments.

Is There a Time Limit on Filing a California Lemon Law Claim?

Yes. The statute of limitations under California’s lemon law is four years. Generally, the sooner you file, the better. If you have purchased or leased a lemon, start collecting copies of your repair bills and call a California lemon law attorney right away. The longer you wait, the more frustrated you will become.

What About California’s Lemon Law and Used Cars?

Some used cars are covered under California’s Chevy lemon law, but not all. Lemon law protections for used cars are a bit different than for new cars, so the best way to find out if your used car qualifies is to talk to a California lemon law lawyer. We can assess your unique situation and advise you about whether you can file a claim and your chances of success.

Why Should I Choose Neale & Fhima?

We know there are many lemon law lawyers in California to choose from, but we believe Neale & Fhima stands head and shoulders above the rest.  That’s because we have an outstanding pattern of success in handling Chevy lemon law cases for our clients!  We have a winning track record, and our attorneys are among the best and the brightest.  The team at Neale & Fhima is committed to each client’s case, and we give you our full attention.

Here are a few of the reasons you should choose us for your Chevy lemon law case:

• Years of Experience: Our attorneys have over 40 years of combined experience representing clients throughout California.
• Our Lawyers Win Cases: Neale & Fhima Chevy lemon lawyers have a 99% success rate. While we cannot guarantee the outcome of any particular case, you can take comfort in knowing lemon law lawyers handle your claim with a track record of success.
• We Value Client Relationships: High-volume law offices consider clients as just a case file. The file gets passed around until it ends with a paralegal or junior associate who wants to finish it and move on. Neale & Fhima is different. We enjoy getting to know our clients. It also helps us craft settlement agreements that meet their individual needs.
• We Know the Law. California’s lemon law is a fine example of how the state legislature can empower consumers. However, the statute’s text leaves much to be desired regarding clarity. Our attorneys understand the quirks of the statute, as well as the many court opinions interpreting it. We put this knowledge to work for you.
• No Surprises: A handful of manufacturers control most of the U.S. auto market. We repeatedly go up against these same companies. This allows us to anticipate how they will respond to claims involving specific models and mechanical defects. Our attorneys will share how these insights can impact your claim so you are never in the dark about what to expect.
• Free Consultations:  We will always discuss your situation with you in a free initial consultation before you make any decisions about a claim.

Which Lemon Law Remedy? The Choice is Yours.

A successful lemon law claim puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes time to select the form of compensation. Here are the two primary remedies:

Option A: Repurchase

The manufacturer will take possession of the vehicle and issue you a refund of the purchase price (reduced by the value of your use of the vehicle before the first repair attempt). If you financed the vehicle, the manufacturer will refund the payments and down payment and pay off the loan. You will also receive a refund of registration fees, taxes, etc.

Option B: Replacement

The manufacturer will take possession of the vehicle and provide you with a new one. It must be an identical or substantially similar vehicle. The manufacturer will pay the registration and taxes on the new vehicle, but you will not receive a refund of fees or finance charges paid on the original vehicle. This option requires the consent of both parties.

In some circumstances, we may be able to negotiate an additional option called a “cash and keep.” This would allow you to retain possession of the vehicle and receive a cash payment to compensate for the defect.

Call Neale & Fhima Today

If you have a defective Chevy vehicle, it’s important to know that California’s lemon law grants you certain rights. If your Chevy meets the criteria for being considered a lemon, General Motors may be obligated to either repurchase your vehicle or provide a replacement with a new one. You no longer have to endure the burden of repetitive visits to the repair shop.

FAQs

Can I pursue a Chevy lemon law claim if my vehicle is outside the warranty period?

In some cases, lemon law protections may extend beyond the warranty period if the defect arose during the warranty period or was reported to the manufacturer within a certain timeframe.

What documentation should I keep to support my Chevy lemon law claim?

It is important to keep detailed records of your vehicle’s repairs, including invoices, work orders, and correspondence with the manufacturer. These documents can serve as evidence to support your lemon law claim.

What if my Chevy’s warranty has expired?

Even if your Chevy’s warranty has expired, you may still have legal options under the lemon law. Some states provide additional protections beyond the warranty period, known as “implied warranties.”

Can I take my defective Chevy to my trusted mechanic?

To uphold your warranty and protect your rights under the lemon law, it is essential to have all warranty repairs conducted at a facility certified by the manufacturer. Engaging a third-party mechanic for any vehicle work can void the warranty, compromising your ability to pursue a lemon law claim. To ensure compliance, contact the manufacturer, who will guide you on locating the nearest certified repair facility.

What if I bought my used Chevy “as is”?

When it comes to private sales for used cars, it is common for transactions to occur under an “as is” agreement. Under this arrangement, no warranty exists, and the buyer assumes full responsibility for any defects. Nevertheless, if the defects arose soon after purchasing the vehicle, you may still have a lemon law claim. It is best to speak with a lemon law attorney to determine if you have a claim.