Lemon Law Attorney in Los Angeles
Lemon Law Attorneys
No other city in the United States is more associated with cars, motorcycles, and every other type of vehicle than Los Angeles. Vehicles are made in Detroit, but they are driven in Los Angeles. Almost every movie and TV show around the city revolves around cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Missing Persons' 1982 hit, "Nobody Walks in LA," sums it up. We love our vehicles. We need our vehicles.
What we don't love or need is a new car that doesn't always start, breaks down in the middle of the highway, or has a faulty computer that affects drivability in new ways every day.
Vehicles with ongoing issues and always seem to be 'in the shop' could be lemons. They are stressful and frustrating . . . and you do not have to put up with it. The California Lemon is powerful and effective and there to rectify the problem.
The Gayle Law Group PC attorneys have over two decades of experience resolving Lemon Law cases for Los Angeles consumers. We have successfully helped drivers of all makes and models of gas, electric, and hybrid vehicles; motorcycles; trucks, and RVs. As a result, we take great pride in appearing in search results for "lemon law lawyer near me."
If you think your vehicle may be a lemon (or headed that way), call the Gayle Law Group PC.
The California Lemon Law
There have always been lemons. Poorly designed cars slipped through quality control or had defective parts.
In California, vehicle owners and lessees have the Lemon Law to provide relief from dangerous or persistent issues with their vehicles
What exactly does the Lemon Law do? The simple answer:
If you purchased or leased a new or used vehicle in California under warranty and have had an ongoing problem or problems that a dealer has unsuccessfully attempted to fix over multiple repair visits, you may qualify for compensation.
The California Lemon Law applies to cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, RVs, motorcycles, some business-owned vehicles, and boats. It also pertains to used vehicles that are certified pre-owned.
Warranties
The vehicle must be under a manufacturer's warranty to be eligible for relief. Although there is always some confusion over this requirement., cars, trucks, and the powertrain portions of motorhomes are covered by the Lemon Law if:
- The vehicle is new, used, pre-owned, or certified.
- You bought or leased it.
- When you bought or leased the vehicle, it was covered by the manufacturer's warranty (or portion of) or a manufacturer's extended warranty.
- The vehicle might qualify out of warranty if it had an ongoing problem that required it to be in the shop several times before the warranty expired.
- The manufacturer has had a reasonable number of opportunities to repair the defect.
- Or the vehicle has been in ‘the shop’ for thirty or more days, cumulatively.
Motorcycles, the coach portion of a mobile home, and towables (fifth-wheel trailers, toy haulers, travel trailers, and pop-up campers) are covered as consumer goods. Therefore, they have the same protections as any consumer goods sold with a manufacturer's warranty.
What is a Lemon?
The big question, of course, is, ‘what makes a vehicle a lemon?’ The answer can be a bit complicated. The Lemon Law requires both a substantial defect and either that the vehicle is not repaired after multiple attempts to get it fixed or it has been cumulatively at the dealership for many days.
- A defect that affects a vehicle’s use prevents you from driving the vehicle as it was intended to be driven.
- A vehicle’s value is diminished when the defect means the vehicle won't sell for the price it usually would bring - if the defect weren't there.
- Safety defects put the driver, passengers, and other drivers in danger.
An air conditioner that intermittently blows hot. A heater that never works. A door handle that doesn't function despite repair after repair. These all qualify as substantial. The problem does not have to be safety-related to qualify. Most safety issues are obvious – at least to the driver. Stalling on the highway, vibrations from the brake pedal, a transmission that 'catches' or 'lags,' and an engine that keeps running hot would all be considered safety-related issues.
The vehicle is not repaired after multiple attempts means exactly that. If you have a problem with your vehicle, you bring it to the dealer or manufacturer and continue to have the same problem.
A common myth states, "if you bring it in four times, it's automatically a lemon." It's not necessarily true. The law only specifies that a 'reasonable number of repair attempts are made. If a defect involves a safety issue, such as faulty airbags, it may only require two repair attempts. If the vehicle has been in 'the shop' for more than thirty days, cumulative, whatever the defect(s), it may also qualify as a lemon.
Vehicle Defects
The average 21st-century gas-powered car and truck has over 30,000 parts. In addition, there are at least 2,000 moving parts.
Vehicles today are better built, safer, and more integrated than ever. In 2020 8.8 million vehicles were manufactured in the United States alone. Millions of those vehicles are in Los Angeles. So it's inevitable that something will go wrong somewhere along the way.
Over the years, Gayle Law Group, PC has watched as vehicles became ever more sophisticated and complex. Unfortunately, with them comes a new generation of defects that ultimately result in Lemon Law claims. We have experience with all of them.
Common Vehicle Defects in the 2020s (so far)
- Airbag defects.
- Air conditioning.
- Antilock braking system (ABS).
- Automatic transmission.
- Computer defects.
- Electrical problems.
- Engine fire.
- Ordors.
- Paint.
- Power steering.
- Seat belts.
- Stalling.
- Sudden acceleration and surge.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Defects
Where gas-powered vehicles have over 2,000 moving parts, electric vehicles have less than 20. That, however, does not mean that electric and hybrid vehicles have fewer problems. Because the systems in these vehicles are so integrated, even a 'minor' problem can have widespread and lasting implications.
- Automatic Backup Automation.
- Battery Failure.
- Braking System.
- Computer issues.
- Electrical System Malfunctions.
- Failure to Hold a Charge.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles enjoy the same protection as cars under the California Lemon Law but in a slightly different way.
Motorcycles are considered ‘consumer goods’ and have the same protections as other consumer goods sold with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Of course, what would be considered a minor defect in a car could be a serious safety hazard in a bike.
What Makes a Motorcycle a Lemon?
A motorcycle is a lemon if you bought it new, it's under warranty, it doesn't perform like it is supposed to, and you've tried to have it repaired and have been unsuccessful. In some ways, requirements for motorcycles are less stringent than those for cars under the Lemon Law, with less room for interpretation.
Your motorcycle may be considered a lemon if:
- The bike you're riding isn't as described in the warranty.
- There is a ‘substantial defect’ that is a safety issue. Or affects your use of the bike or its value.
- The motorcycle has repeatedly gone to the repair shop, and the problem persists.
- You have not been able to operate the bike for at least thirty days. Note that motorcycle repairs take substantially longer than car repairs. Therefore, not being able to use a bike for thirty days or more is not uncommon.
- You haven't done anything to cause or contribute to the problem—modifications, an accident, or neglecting regular maintenance void the warranty.
Common Motorcycle Defects
Some common motorcycle defects that have led to Lemon Law claims
- Loss of Power.
- Defective head gaskets.
- Defective fuel pump.
- Sway.
- Stalling.
- Cutting out.
- It will not start.
- No crank conditions.
- Oil leaks or sprays.
- Lack of power.
- Electrical system malfunctions.
Trucks
There are many myths and misconceptions about trucks and our Lemon Law. Unfortunately, they cost California truck drivers untold stress and wasted time in repair shops trying to get the unrepairable fixed.
Trucks are built to be rugged. Most have high safety ratings. Therefore, they are bought to be ruggedly used.
That's why many – too many – truck owners think the lemon law doesn't apply to their vehicles.
It's a misconception that leads truck owners and lessees to assume they have no recourse. Thankfully, the Lemon Law is there for them.
What Makes a Truck a Lemon?
If you bought or leased a truck with a warranty and for personal use, that truck falls under the California Lemon Law. If you purchased or leased it for business, it is still covered, provided:
- The gross weight of the truck is less than 10,000 pounds.
- You bought or leased it.
- The company has five or fewer vehicles registered in its name in California.
Like cars, trucks that fall under the Lemon Law are considered ‘lemons’ if they have a substantial defect that impairs their “use, value, or safety” and multiple attempts to fix it have failed.
RVs and Motorhomes
Recreational Vehicles and motorhomes represent a wide variety of motorized vehicles and 'towables.' Motorized RVs are Class A, Class B, and Class C vehicles. Towables include fifth-wheel trailers, toy haulers, travel trailers, and pop-up campers.
RVs, motorhomes, and trailers are major investments. Owners use them as home when they leave Los Angeles for vacations.
Things can go wrong. Families stranded in the wilderness, stuck in the desert, suddenly without water or plumbing, exposed to the elements, or, at the very least, forced to cancel vacations. It's infuriating when your investment is in the repair shop more than on vacation.
There are remedies available to RV, motorhome, and towable owners.
RVs and motorhomes are covered under the California Lemon Law . . . but it's a bit complicated. Towables are covered as consumer goods and have the same protections as those sold with a manufacturer's warranty.
What Makes My RV/Motorhome /Towable a Lemon?
The chassis of a Class A, Class B, and Class C motorized RV falls under the Lemon Law, just as cars and trucks do. The coach is considered a 'consumer good.'
What that means for your RV:
The chassis – engine, drive train, everything that makes the RV mobile - is a ‘lemon’ if it has a substantial defect that impairs its “use, value, or safety” and multiple attempts to fix it have failed.
Few attempts suffice when the defect is a serious safety issue: anything that puts the driver and passengers in danger. The RV may also be a lemon if it has been in the shop for excessive days – even if the repairs were for different issues.
The coach and towables – Simply, if you bought the RV or towable new, it’s under warranty, doesn’t perform like it is supposed to due to defects, you’ve tried to have it repaired and have been unsuccessful, the RV can qualify as a lemon.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Lemon
Document everything . . . and call Gayle Law Group PC. Your lemon lawyer in Los Angeles.
You are the only one who can document what you are going through with your vehicle. You will not get help from the dealership or manufacturer. You must be proactive; ask the dealership for the documentation you are entitled to at every visit.
Get the repair order and invoice every time you take your vehicle in and pick it up. Even if they have not or cannot fix the problem ‘that day,’ ask for the invoice.
Never allow them to leave your ticket “open” while a part is being ordered. Get an invoice then and when the part comes in and the work is done. Remember, every visit counts as a ‘reasonable attempt.’ Again, it’s up to you to get and keep accurate documents.
Make sure, even if you must step around to view their computer screen, that the service representative enters a ‘complete and accurate description of your vehicle’s problem’ as you’ve described it.
What Options Do You Have?
First and foremost, the manufacturer pays all your legal fees and expenses when we bring a successful Lemon Law action. Some Los Angeles lawyers may ask you to pay a retainer fee or tell you that they work on a contingency fee. The manufacturer pays the Gayle Law Group PC when your case is resolved. You are never responsible for any legal fees for our representation.
Under California Lemon Law, remedies may include:
- A complete purchase refund (including registration fees, down payment, and financing costs) AND having your loan/lease balance paid in full.
- OR a replacement vehicle.
Again, regardless of the solution, the manufacturer is responsible for attorney's fees, costs, and expenses. The consumer pays nothing.
FAQs
The California Lemon Law applies to cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, RVs, motorcycles, some business-owned vehicles, and boats. It also covers used vehicles that are certified pre-owned. However, it is important to note that the vehicle must be under a manufacturer’s warranty to be eligible for relief.
The Lemon Law requires both a substantial defect and either repeated unsuccessful repair attempts or a cumulative period in the shop. A substantial defect is one that affects the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. Safety defects are obvious, such as faulty airbags, but other issues like non-functioning air conditioning or persistent engine problems can also qualify as substantial defects.
There is no specific number of repair attempts that is required to qualify a vehicle as a lemon. The law states that a “reasonable number of repair attempts” must be made. However, if a safety issue is involved, such as the vehicle is stalling, it may only require two repair attempts. Additionally, if the vehicle has been in the shop for a cumulative period of thirty or more days, it may also qualify as a lemon.
“Yes, motorcycles are covered under the California Lemon Law.” On road motorcycles have the same protections as other vehicles sold with a manufacturer’s warranty. To qualify as a lemon, the motorcycle law must have a substantial defect that affects its use, value, or safety, and multiple unsuccessful repair attempts must have been made.
Yes, trucks are covered under the California Lemon Law. Whether purchased or leased for personal or business use, trucks fall under the Lemon Law if they have a substantial defect that impairs their use, value, or safety, and multiple repair attempts have failed. However, certain criteria, such as the gross weight of the truck being less than 10,000 pounds and the company having five or fewer vehicles registered in its name in California, need to be met.
Yes, recreational vehicles (RVs) are covered under the California Lemon Law, but it can be a bit complicated. The chassis of a motorized RV falls under the Lemon Law, similar to cars and trucks, while the coach portion is considered a “consumer good.” Towable RVs, such as trailers and campers, are treated as consumer goods and have the same protections as products sold with a manufacturer’s warranty.
A lemon law attorney specialized in California Lemon Law can assist you in navigating the legal process, understanding your rights, and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve. They will represent your interests and negotiate with the manufacturer on your behalf to resolve the lemon law dispute.
To reach Lemon Car Lawyer and learn more about your lemon law rights in California, you can call them at (866) 846-6429. Their experienced attorneys have over two decades of experience in handling lemon law cases for consumers in Los Angeles and can provide you with the necessary guidance and support.
Hiring a Lemon Law attorney in California is crucial because they specialize in this area of law and have extensive knowledge and experience handling lemon law cases. They can navigate the complex legal process, protect your rights, and help maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation
You may need a Lemon Law attorney if you are facing challenges in getting your defective vehicle repaired or receiving proper compensation from the manufacturer. If you are unsure about your rights or the strength of your case, consulting with a Lemon Law attorney can provide clarity and guidance.
Most Lemon Law attorneys in California work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only charge a fee if they win your case or reach a settlement on your behalf. The attorney’s fees should be paid by the manufacturer, so you do not have to pay anything upfront or out of pocket. Since the law provides for this, you should find an attorney who won’t charge you anything. It is important to discuss fee arrangements with your attorney during the initial consultation.
Contact
The Gayle Law Group has represented many Los Angeles residents over the years. We've represented purchasers and lessees of cars, electric and hybrid vehicles, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, RVs, and more in Los Angeles. We will help you as well.
