How to Speed Up Your Lemon Law Claim in California?

If you have a defective vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation through California lemon law. The problem is that filing a claim and going through the legal steps that follow can take a lot of time and energy. While it’s difficult to know exactly how long the process can last, it is possible to figure out how to speed up your lemon law claim in California.

How Is a Lemon Defined by California Law?

In California, a “lemon” is a word for a vehicle that has warranty defects that a manufacturer or dealer cannot fix. California’s lemon law, formally known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, exists to protect consumers who lease or purchase a defective vehicle.

Under California law, if you experience an issue with your vehicle within 18 months or 18,000 miles of purchasing or leasing it, you can report the problem to the manufacturer. If they can’t fix it within a reasonable number of attempts, they must either replace the vehicle or refund it for its purchase price.

How Long Do Lemon Law Cases Take in California?

There are a lot of lemon law cases filed throughout the state of California. In fact, in Los Angeles County alone, lemon cases make up for 10 percent of all the county’s civil filings. Due to the sheer number of cases the court has to process, it can be difficult to determine how long litigation can take. For this reason, the state encourages consumers to try to resolve the issue outside of court.

You must officially notify the manufacturer of the lemon before pursuing any legal action. You can expect to wait at least 60 days for them to decide if they are going to reimburse you for the defective vehicle. If they do not comply, you can file for arbitration, which is the process of settling a dispute outside of court. Many manufacturers offer their own state-certified arbitration programs for matters like these.

If negotiations don’t go well and you can’t reach a settlement, you can file a claim and work with a California lemon law attorney to build your case and get ready for court. Once you get to this point, there’s no telling how long your case can take. No matter how complicated your case may be, you can count on a California lemon lawyer to streamline the process and prepare you for any complications that may arise.

Can I Speed Up My Lemon Law Case in California?

Once you’ve filed your case, it’s mostly up to the court to decide how fast things move along. That said, there are some steps you can take to file your claim more efficiently. For starters, don’t hesitate if you think your vehicle has a defect. Get in touch with the vehicle manufacturer as soon as you notice an issue, and be sure to document everything.

The easiest way to move through your lemon law case more quickly is to stay organized and have the right paperwork ready to build your case. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help with this process and ensure your case is moving along as efficiently as possible.

New California Lemon Law Updates

In recent years, the number of lemon law cases filed in California skyrocketed. Cases climbed from approximately 15,000 in 2022 to more than 22,000 in 2023, and recent reports show those numbers are continuing to climb. In an attempt to streamline the process of dealing with lemon law claims, Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation into effect that alters California’s lemon law.

These new updates to California’s lemon law make it more difficult for consumers to file a case for a lemon, instead encouraging parties to resolve the issue outside of court. The new law has made changes to:

• Requirements before you can file a case
• Settlement procedures for consumers
• Shorter statute of limitations to file a lemon law case

Consumers must now file their lemon law case within one year of the expiration date of the vehicle’s warranty and within six years of the lease or purchase of the vehicle. If you’re planning to file, be sure to be aware of important deadlines. A California lemon law attorney can help you stay on top of everything and guide you through the legal process with ease.

FAQs

Q: How Hard Is It to Win a Lemon Law Case in California?

A: Winning a lemon law case in California is certainly possible, but it can be challenging without legal guidance from a California lemon law attorney. Recent updates to California’s lemon law have made it even more difficult for consumers to file these types of claims, so working with a lawyer can be very beneficial when it comes to recovering damages.

Q: What Is the Average Lemon Law Settlement in California?

A: When you file a lemon law case, the compensation you receive depends on factors like the value of your vehicle, the severity of the defects, and the amount of time the vehicle was experiencing issues. A California lemon law lawyer can help you fight for fair compensation based on your unique situation.

Q: How Long Does California Lemon Law Protect a Consumer?

A: Generally speaking, California lemon law protects a consumer throughout the duration of the vehicle’s new warranty period. In some cases, manufacturers may extend the filing period to six months after the warranty’s expiration date. Within the warranty period, consumers can report a defect within 18 months or 18,000 miles of the time they leased or purchased the vehicle.

Q: How Much Does a California Lemon Law Attorney Cost?

A: The cost of a lemon law lawyer in California can vary based on a number of factors, including the complexity of your case and the lawyer’s specific fee structures. While we can’t tell you how much working with just any lemon law attorney can cost, we can give you our prices.

Connect With a California Lemon Law Lawyer to Set Up a Free Consultation Today

When you choose Lemon Law Pro as your California lemon law attorney, you don’t pay us a dime. Instead, we collect our fees directly from the manufacturer you’re filing your case against. That means you get to enjoy quality legal representation from a skilled team without breaking the bank. Call us to set up your complimentary appointment for our completely complimentary statewide services today.