When you buy a new car you have every right to expect that it will perform and that mechanical problems and breakdowns will not happen. In the greatest number of cases consumers end up with a new car that performs flawlessly, well above even their wildest expectations, but; every once in a while a lemon shows up. The California lemon law is in place to help consumers that end up with a car that has problems that cannot be fixed. In many cases you can claim for a refund of the initial price you paid or you can ask for a replacement car. There are certain rules that have to be followed, if you follow them and have no luck; you are well advised to hire a seasoned California Lemon Law attorney.

An overview of the lemon law in California:

Bear in mind that the lemon laws of each state are a little different, what is expected in California may not be that which is expected in New Hampshire for example.

In California, if a car has a problem that cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of attempts the manufacturer is obliged to buy back the car or replace it.

There is no set number that defines what “reasonable” is, however there are guidelines.

Presumptions:

Under the California lemon law there is a presumption that the vehicle is a lemon if a certain criteria is not met within 18 months or 18,000 miles after the car is delivered to the purchaser, the criteria is:

  • Two or more attempts have been made to repair the defect when the defect is such that it renders the car unsafe and is likely to cause death or serious injury to the occupants if it is driven.

  • The vehicle has been unavailable to the owner for a total of 30 days while in the shop for repairs

  • The problem negatively impacts the vehicles value, use or safety.

If these conditions are met the presumption is that the manufacturer will follow through on its responsibility, if it does not then hiring a California Lemon Law attorney is warranted.

If you are looking for a California Lemon Law attorney to help you get the satisfaction you are guaranteed by law you can locate the best by visiting the web site of Lemon Law America and clicking CA on the interactive map.