California’s Truck Lemon Law
California’s Truck Lemon Law
Trucks are covered under the California Lemon Law. There are many myths and misconceptions about trucks and our Lemon Law. Myths and misconceptions that cost California truck drivers untold stress and wasted time in repair shops trying to get the unrepairable fixed.
Most trucks have high safety ratings. They are built to be rugged. They are bought to be ruggedly used. Some of that is business use.That’s why many – too many – truck owners think the lemon law doesn’t apply to their vehicle. That’s a misconception that leads truck owners and lessees to assume they have no recourse. Thankfully, the Lemon Law protects drivers who have purchased or leased trucks if those trucks do not meet safety or other performance standards.
If you think you have a lemon – or think your truck is headed that way – call Gayle Law Group PC – as soon as possible. The team at Gayle Law Group PC has years of experience handling cases like yours. We’ve seen it all. We not only understand the intricacies of the California Lemon Law, we know how the manufacturers think and act when confronted by a truck lemon law claim.
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 bought or leased it for business, it is still covered provided:
- The gross weight of the truck is less than 10,000 pounds.
- The business 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.
Another myth: four is the magic number of trips to the service bay to automatically qualify as a lemon. There is no number, magic or otherwise. Two times may suffice if the problem is a serious safety issue. Brakes, stalling in the middle of the highway for no reason, anything that puts the driver and passengers in danger. Other defects may require to be more visits, there is no formula.
The truck could also qualify as a lemon if it has been in the shop for an excessive number of days – even if the repairs were for different issues.
In fact, within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles (whichever comes first), if the defect has not been resolved despite your best efforts after four or more attempts (or two attempts for a life-threatening problem), or if there have been a series of problems that have put the truck in the shop for at least 30 days, the truck is presumed to be a lemon. In such a case, it is up to the manufacturer to prove that it's not.
If your truck qualifies as a lemon, remedies under the Lemon Law may include:
- A complete purchase refund (including registration fees, the down payment, and financing costs) AND having the full balance of your loan/lease paid off in full.
- OR a replacement vehicle.
In addition, regardless of the solution, the manufacturer is responsible for attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses. The consumer pays nothing.
My Truck is a Lemon, What Do I Do Now?
The process starts with you, the truck owner/lessee. Nothing can happen without documentation. You are the only person who can compile that information.
Document everything
You need to put together every invoice, receipt, service slip. Document every phone call – time date, who you talked to, their title. While you are doing this, take a moment and call us at Gayle Law Group PC.
What not to do? Don’t listen to dealers, salespeople, managers, or manufacturer reps when they – and they will – explain any aspect of the Lemon Law. They’re not lawyers. They are, in fact, potential defendants in a lawsuit.
FAQs
Yes, trucks are covered under the California Lemon Law. Despite some myths and misconceptions, truck owners and lessees have recourse under this law if their truck is a lemon.
A lemon truck is one that has a defect or nonconformity that significantly impairs its use, value, or safety. The defect or nonconformity must be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty, and the manufacturer must have failed to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts.
If you believe that you have a lemon truck, it is important to document any issues or defects and keep records of repair attempts. Contact a truck lemon law attorney as soon as possible who can help you navigate the legal process and advocate for your rights.
A truck lemon law attorney can assist you in filing a lemon law claim against the manufacturer. They can help you gather evidence, negotiate with the manufacturer on your behalf, and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
No, if you hire a truck lemon law attorney to help with your case, you should not have to pay anything out of pocket. The attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses should be covered by the manufacturer.
If you have a truck that has a significant defect lemon law that affects its use, value, or safety, and the manufacturer has failed to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts, you could have a valid lemon law claim. Contact a truck lemon law attorney who can evaluate your situation and advise you on your options
In California, you can make a lemon law claim during the warranty period and even some time after.
While it is possible to bring a lemon law claim without an attorney, having a Lemon Trucks attorney by your side can greatly increase your chances of success. They can navigate the legal complexities, gather evidence, negotiate with the manufacturer, and advocate for your rights.
To initiate a lemon truck claim in California, consult with an experienced Lemon Trucks attorney who can evaluate your case, guide you through the process, and help you take the necessary steps to seek fair compensation. They will assess your situation, gather evidence, and work diligently to protect your rights and interests.
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.
