Does the Lemon Law Apply to You?

By: Barry Edzant
Do you believe you were sold a lemon? Well, you know what? More than likely you were, and luckily you have rights to protect you.

Intended to protect California residents, the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act was created. This law, which you probably have heard is called the "Lemon Law," affords Californians the ability to take legal action against a manufacturer that has produced a defective vehicle.

The Lemon Law is pretty easy to understand. Simply stated, the manufacturer must either replace the vehicle or reimburse you an amount equal to the purchase price, if repairs are not done in a reasonable period. The definition of "reasonable" with regard to the number of repairs refers to the inability of the carmaker to fix the same defect after four tries.

Under the Lemon Law, if the defect is "life-threatening or likely to cause serious injury," only two repairs are necessary to be considered "reasonable." Also considered "reasonable" are repairs attempted within the manufacturer’s warranty period, if the vehicle is inoperable for a cumulative thirty days.

You may also qualify to be reimbursed for license fees, rental expenses, towing costs, and other expenses you incurred while trying to get your auto fixed. They may also pay your attorney’s fees and some losses.

Naturally, there are some details that need your attention. The malfunctioning parts must affect the use, value, or safety of the lemon, and this only applies to vehicles that are still under the original manufacturer's warranty. A consistently malfunctioning drink holder, for example, would not be eligible under the Lemon Law. The Lemon Law also does not apply to recreational vehicles, those intended for off road use, or motor homes. These vehicles fall under different laws. The manufacturer will deduct the mileage on the vehicle up until the problems started. Other restrictions may also be applicable.

The fact is that you can rid yourself of your lemon, get back most or possibly even all of the money you have put into the vehicle (including any loan or lease payments made post-purchase), and a good portion of your other losses incurred with the help of the Lemon Law. The Lemon Law is the epitome of the consumers' law.

Barry Edzant is a Los Angeles lemon law attorney. With more than 10 years of experience working with the Lemon law attorneys in California, Barry understands the nuances of the system and is prepared to fight for you. He is also a Santa Clarita personal injury attorney and a proficient California dog bite lawyers.

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