Fresno Lemon Law Lawyer

What Makes a Car a “Lemon”?

How to Know if Your Vehicle Is Defective

California law has specific rules about which vehicles can be declared lemons. Your car might be classifiable as a lemon if you live anywhere in the state and any of the following conditions apply:

• It has defects that negatively impact its function, value, or safety.
• The manufacturer’s warranty covers these defects.
• You’ve tried a reasonable number of times to repair the same problem.
• The vehicle has spent too many days in the repair shop.

It’s important to note that “reasonable number of attempts” doesn’t indicate an exact number. Generally, however, if you’ve taken your car to the dealership several times for the same issue and it’s still giving you trouble, it’s wise to talk to a Fresno lemon law attorney.

How California’s Lemon Law Protects Consumers

California has one of the strongest lemon laws in the country: the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. When your car is officially deemed a lemon, you have three primary options:

• Buyback: The manufacturer takes back your car and refunds your money (minus depreciation for the miles you drove before the problem started).
• Replacement: The manufacturer provides a similar replacement vehicle.
• Cash and Keep: In some cases, you may be able to keep the vehicle and also receive financial compensation.

Without this law, consumers would be stuck with faulty vehicles or forced to accept whatever meager amount the manufacturer offered them.

The Process of Pursuing a Lemon Law Claim

Essential Steps for a Successful Claim

A successful lemon claim starts with good records. Every time something goes wrong with your car:

• Take it to the dealership for repair.
• Get official paperwork showing what was wrong and what the technicians did.
• Keep all relevant receipts and work orders.
• Save any replaced parts if possible.
• Make notes about how the problems affect your daily life.

Without these records, it will be your word against the car company’s, making your case much harder to win.

If your vehicle is constantly breaking down despite numerous repair attempts, call Neale & Fhima at 949-661-1007 to learn how to take legal action.

Why You Might Need a Lemon Law Attorney

Car manufacturers tend to push back against lemon claims using tactics like:

• Saying the vehicle owner caused the problem through misuse
• Claiming the defect isn’t serious
• Arguing that they haven’t had enough chances to fix it
• Dragging out the process in hopes that the vehicle owner will give up.

A Fresno lemon law lawyer who deals with these cases every day will be familiar with these excuses and how to overcome them. The car companies will also take you much more seriously when you have a legal professional on your side.

How Much Time Do You Have to File a Lemon Claim in Fresno?

You have four years to initiate a claim. This period starts when you first notice the defect, not when you buy the car.

Many people hold out hope that the next repair will fix the problem for good. By the time they realize they need legal help, they’re under considerable pressure, and their cases are much harder to win.

Used Cars and the Lemon Law

Used cars can sometimes qualify as lemons, though the rules are different. Your used vehicle might be covered if:

• It still has the original manufacturer’s warranty.
• It was sold as a certified pre-owned vehicle.
• It came with a dealer warranty.

While the protections aren’t as strong as for new cars, they do exist. A qualified attorney can assess your situation and tell you whether your used car qualifies for protection.

Why Choose Us?

When selecting a lemon law attorney in Fresno, experience is paramount. The team at Neale & Fhima has over 40 years of combined experience with these cases, boasting a 99% success rate with lemon law claims.

We focus on building real relationships with our clients. We aren’t like big law firms that view clients simply as case numbers. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and find a solution that fits your needs.

Furthermore, our knowledge of different car manufacturers gives us a decisive edge. We know how each company responds to claims and how to counter their tactics effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About California’s Lemon Law

Car buyers and owners often have the following questions about consumer protection in California:

What types of vehicles are covered under California’s lemon law?

The law applies to vehicles that come with the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty, including cars, pickup trucks, vans, SUVs, the chassis and drivetrain of motor homes, dealer-owned vehicles and demonstrators, and business vehicles (fewer than five vehicles under 10,000 lbs.).

Does the lemon law apply to leased vehicles?

Yes. California’s lemon law covers leased vehicles, and the same rules apply to defects and repair attempts as those for purchased cars.

Does California’s lemon law apply to used vehicles with no new vehicle warranty?

No. The lemon law only governs disputes involving the manufacturer’s new vehicle warranty. If you bought a used car without such a warranty, you won’t be able to invoke the lemon law.

How long does a typical lemon law case take?

Most lemon law claims in California conclude within three to six months. However, more complicated cases and those that go to trial can take longer.

Each case presents unique circumstances, so consulting a qualified Fresno lemon law attorney is the best way to understand how to resolve your specific situation.

Get Help With Your Defective Vehicle

If you recently bought a car in Fresno and have been forced to make frequent trips to the repair shop to no avail, you might have a lemon on your hands. The good news is that California law protects car buyers from such unfortunate circumstances, and a lemon law attorney can help you assert your rights.

Don’t continue struggling with a defective vehicle. Contact Neale & Fhima at 949-661-1007 today for a free consultation about your options.

Attorney Aaron Fhima

Attorney Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights.