San Bernardino Lemon Law Lawyer
If you live in the San Bernardino area, and have recently purchased a new or used vehicle that you suspect has turned out to be a “lemon,” you will be glad to know that you have robust consumer protections as a Californian and legal options available for seeking recourse. “Lemons” are new (or newer pre-owned) vehicles that have persistent, serious defects despite repeated attempts at repairs.
Lemon laws exist so that consumers aren’t shortchanged and left with these dud cars. Lemon Law Pro is here to help you understand your rights and shield you from the financial loss and inconvenience of a defective vehicle.
Lemon Law Pro: Your San Bernardino Lemon Law Attorneys
At Lemon Law Pro, we understand that owning a car is a significant investment, and the last thing you want is to be stuck with massive repair bills for a brand-new car that doesn’t work correctly. Thankfully, California law protects you from this fate.
Whether it’s a new car with ongoing engine issues or a certified pre-owned model with a faulty electrical system, we can work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Our team of experienced Lemon Law attorneys has helped many clients in San Bernardino and throughout the rest of California navigate the complex legal process of getting compensation for their lemon vehicles.
With our careful guidance and cutting-edge legal strategies, you can rest assured that you are in capable hands and that we will fight to get you the greatest possible outcome. Most of all, you receive all of this without paying a single cent in out-of-pocket attorney fees.
Our team has a deep understanding of the California Lemon Law and other relevant statutes. We know how they can be used to protect your rights (and your pocketbook) as a consumer. We know all the shady tactics that can be employed by car manufacturers and dealerships to try and avoid liability, and we can use every available legal tool to make sure that they are held accountable to you, their customer, throughout the entire process, from your initial claim through any appeals or follow-up actions.
Our attorneys have experience dealing with a wide range of Lemon Law cases, including those involving safety defects, electrical system issues, transmission problems, major body issues, and heating and cooling system failures.
We know how to build a strong case, negotiate with manufacturers and dealerships, and present highly effective arguments in court to get the greatest possible outcome for our clients.
Most of all, we do it through a no-fee model that allows clients from any background or financial situation to access our talented and experienced legal help. Contact us when you are ready to assert your rights under our state’s Lemon Laws.
No-Fee San Bernardino Legal Help
At Lemon Law Pro’s San Bernardino offices, we understand that the cost of legal representation is a significant concern for many consumers. This is why we’re proud to offer quality legal services with no out-of-pocket cost to our clients. You will never be charged any upfront attorney fees or hidden costs when we accept your Lemon Law case.
Many people are a bit doubtful when they see no-cost legal services. This is certainly understandable in a world where everyone is trying to sell you something and maximize the value of every interaction.
However, the truth is that we really are here to help, and our services really will cost you absolutely nothing out of pocket, thanks to those same Lemon Laws that allow you to seek redress from the manufacturer of a bogus car.
Many people wonder how we can do this. The California Lemon Law actually has a special provision that stipulates that the at-fault automobile manufacturer is responsible for paying our attorney fees and costs directly. This, in turn, allows us to provide no-cost legal services of the highest quality when the people of San Bernardino need help seeking recompense after buying a lemon.
It’s important to note that not all law firms that are willing to take on Lemon Law cases will necessarily operate on this same fee structure. Some firms require an upfront payment, which can create additional financial stress for consumers already dealing with the fiscal fallout from buying a lemon vehicle.
When considering legal options, make sure you fully understand all the costs associated with a law firm’s services before signing any agreement for representation. Our team is committed to providing transparent, no-fee legal services to our clients and helping them achieve the justice they deserve without any additional strain on their personal finances.
What Exactly Is “the California Lemon Law?”
The phrase “California Lemon Law” will most often be used to refer to the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, but in California, there are actually several laws in place to protect consumers who have purchased defective products, especially cars and other motorized vehicles. Some of the laws that may be invoked to protect the interests of San Bernardino consumers include:
- The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act is the quintessential “Lemon Law.” It is a vital piece of legislation that was passed in California in 1970. This act applies to both new and used vehicles and requires manufacturers to either replace or repair defective vehicles. It also allows them to refund the purchase price to the consumer for defects that occur within the warranty period.
- The Tanner Consumer Protection Act is another important piece of state legislation. This act extends and reinforces the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act by covering leased vehicles and specific non-vehicular products like electronic appliances. This provides greatly expanded protections for consumers who may have purchased defective goods that fall outside the scope of the original text of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
- The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a powerful federal law similar to California’s Lemon Law. It mandates warranties to protect consumers throughout the United States. Like the Song-Beverly legislation, Magnuson-Moss requires manufacturers to repair or replace defective goods or else refund the purchase price to the consumer. It was enacted in 1975, not long after California’s own Lemon Law legislation went into effect.
- The Used Motor Vehicle Trade Regulation Rule is also called “The Used Car Rule” by those in the industry. This 1985 law requires car dealerships to display standardized “buyer’s guide” window stickers with accurate information on every used vehicle they sell.
- The Consumer Legal Remedies Act is another important piece of legislation that provides consumers with access to various legal remedies for dealing with unfair or deceptive business practices. This act specifically targets fraudulent advertising or misrepresentation by businesses.
- The Unfair Competition Law is a broad piece of legislation that prohibits businesses from engaging in unfair and fraudulent business practices. This largely applies to company-to-company dealings, but it also results in significant protections for consumers. Businesses engaging in deceptive practices can face legal consequences under this law.
Navigating the complex landscape of Lemon Laws and relevant statutes can be difficult, but we’re here to help you through the process. At Lemon Law Pro, we have extensive knowledge of both California and federal Lemon Laws, and our attorneys can help you determine a winning legal strategy for your specific situation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Lemon Laws in a Real-World Courtroom
Lemon laws in California and the rest of the U.S. provide comprehensive protections to consumers who buy a faulty car, truck, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle. However, it can be hard to know how exactly this works in the real world.
Even though these laws have been passed, one may wonder if Lemon Law cases really work out in favor of consumers in United States courtrooms. The easiest way to answer that may be to examine a few high-profile Lemon Law cases:
- Niedermeier v. FCA US LLC: This was a complicated California Lemon Law case where a consumer had traded in a defective car for dealership credit before the case was brought to court. The jury awarded the full purchase price of the car, damages, and a civil penalty, but the award was later adjusted by an appeals court to account for the trade-in credit. This highlights the importance of understanding how uncommon factors like a trade-in can affect the outcomes in a Lemon Law case.
- Marquez v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC: In this Lemon Law case in Wisconsin, a consumer was awarded nearly half a million dollars after purchasing a defective Mercedes-Benz sedan. Payouts for lemons in Wisconsin are typically double the price of the vehicle, but this case resulted in an award of nearly 10 times the value of the car due to the case’s extenuating circumstances and assertive representation by the plaintiff’s attorney. This case demonstrates the potential for significant compensation in Lemon Law cases and the importance of seeking legal representation from an experienced San Bernardino Lemon Law lawyer when trying to pursue that compensation.
- Ramos v. Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC: This was another California Lemon Law case where the manufacturer, incidentally, once again Mercedes-Benz, failed to complete warrantied repairs within the legally mandated 30-day timeline. The consumer in such a case would normally be entitled to an award totaling the car’s purchase price or more, but because the defect did not substantially impact the car’s use, safety, or overall value, the consumer was only awarded damages related to the delay in repairs. This case emphasizes the importance of fully understanding the criteria for a vehicle to be deemed a “lemon” under California Lemon Law and the limitations it places on your legal strategies when a car involved in a legal issue does not quite meet that definition.
- Robert G. Montgomery Family Trust v. Tesla Motors Inc.: This Lemon Law case was one of the first high-profile cases filed against Tesla Motors. It involves an unsatisfied customer who purchased a Tesla, which then had to sit for repairs for a prolonged period. Tesla refused to buy the car back, leading to this legal battle, which was eventually settled out of court for over a quarter of a million dollars. This case highlights the potential for getting compensated through out-of-court settlements when you have a skilled attorney negotiating on your behalf. These sorts of settlements can expedite your case and reduce the time spent in court.
San Bernardino Lemon Law FAQs
The California Lemon Law refers to the 1970 Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and its subsequent updates. These laws protect consumers who have leased or purchased a defective vehicle (new or used but still under warranty) that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts have been made by the manufacturer or dealership. When you face this situation, you may be entitled to compensation or a replacement vehicle.
The California Lemon Law covers new and used consumer vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and motorhomes—both those purchased outright and those under lease. However, the vehicle must have been purchased or leased in California and must be covered by an active manufacturer’s warranty. When a car fails catastrophically outside of its warranty period, there may be certain other legal options available, but this would not be considered a “lemon” situation due to the age and/or mileage of the car.
Under the California Lemon Law, the manufacturer or dealership must be given a “reasonable” number of attempts to repair the vehicle. The number of attempts required varies depending on the type of defect and its impact on the vehicle’s safety and value. Generally, if the vehicle has been taken in for repairs 4 or more times for the same issue, and the problem persists, it will be considered a lemon, but this threshold may be cut to 2 if the defect causes a life-threatening issue when using the vehicle.
If you suspect that your new vehicle is a lemon, you may be entitled to compensation under the California Lemon Law. This can include a refund or replacement of the vehicle as well as reimbursement for any expenses related to the defect, like towing costs and rental car fees. In particularly egregious cases, additional damages may also be possible.
While it is certainly possible to file a Lemon Law claim on your own, it is highly recommended that you work with a qualified Lemon Law attorney to ensure that all paperwork gets filled out correctly and within the deadlines set by law. An experienced attorney can
- Help guide you through each step of this sometimes-tedious process.
- Negotiate with the manufacturer or dealership.
- Represent you aggressively in court.
- Ensure that your rights are protected throughout the entirety of your case.
Generally speaking, hiring a lawyer can increase your chances of receiving the maximum compensation available under the law.
Lemon law attorneys typically work on a contingency basis, which means that they only get paid if you receive a settlement or judgment in your favor. The amount they receive is typically a predetermined percentage of the compensation you are awarded, often somewhere around one quarter or one third.
Additionally, the Lemon Law in California makes provisions for manufacturers to pay legal fees directly to wronged consumers. This means that, on the consumer’s side, there are no out-of-pocket costs whatsoever to hiring a Lemon Law firm like Lemon Law Pro. This allows you to access strong, experienced legal representation without bearing the financial risk typically associated with it.
Like any other type of legal issue, the exact length of time it takes to resolve a Lemon Law case will depend on a variety of factors, such as:
- The complexity of the case
- The responsiveness of the manufacturer or dealership
- The local court’s schedule
- The quality of your attorney and their legal strategy
Most Lemon Law cases move through the courts relatively quickly and are resolved in 6 months to a year. Your attorney can provide you with a more specific timeline estimate after learning all the details of your case.
Lemon Law Pro: High-End, No-Fee Legal Help for San Bernardino Lemon Law Cases
At Lemon Law Pro, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with excellent customer service and clear, honest communication throughout the legal process. We keep you informed throughout your legal case and answer any questions you may have during the process. Our goal is to make everything as transparent and stress-free as possible for you so that you can focus on the practical aspects of getting back on the road with a reliable vehicle.
If you believe that you have a lemon vehicle, don’t wait to take action. The California Lemon Law includes specific time limits for filing a claim, so you must act decisively to protect your rights. Contact Lemon Law Pro today to schedule a free consultation with one of our highly skilled San Bernardino Lemon Law attorneys.