The Lemon Law Process
A California Lemon Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights
When a vehicle is defective, you may qualify for a refund or replacement under California’s lemon laws. You may be entitled to additional compensation, depending on the case, and a Los Angeles lemon law attorney who has experience in this field can offer insight that applies to your unique situation.
Lemon laws typically apply to new or used vehicles that are still under warranty. By calling The Bravo Law Firm, you can find out whether your vehicle qualifies as a lemon, and what remedies may be available to you.
Refund or Buyback
Depending on whether you purchased or leased your vehicle, you may be entitled to specific compensation if it qualifies as a lemon.
This may include:
- The down payment
- Lease or loan payments
- Sales tax, finance charges, and other collateral charges
- Rental car expenses
- Tow expenses
- Your loan balance or remaining lease obligation
Replacement
If you receive a replacement vehicle for a lemon:
- The replacement must be reasonably identical to your vehicle at the time of its lease or purchase.
- It must be covered by the same service contract and must also include any other options that you added, such as rustproofing.
- You have the right to be reimbursed for rental car expenses, tow costs, and other collateral costs.
Mileage Offset
When a lemon is replaced or a refund is issued, there is a mileage offset formula the manufacturer will use to adjust the value based on the amount of miles you drove the vehicle before encountering any issues. This is accomplished by multiplying the purchase price by the mileage at the first repair attempt, then dividing the total by 120,000 (the average life expectancy of a vehicle).
For example, if you paid $30,000 for the vehicle and drove 10,000 miles before your first repair attempt, the mileage offset would be $2,500. (30,000 x 10,000 / 120,000 = 2,500)
Cash Compensation
In cases where a vehicle may not qualify as a lemon, a manufacturer may provide a cash settlement to compensate you for the problems that have arisen. You will keep the vehicle and the settlement, without affecting the remaining warranty.
Attorney Fees
In California, lemon law damages cover attorney fees. If your car is determined to be a lemon, the manufacturer or dealer should be responsible for paying attorney fees on your behalf.
Choose a Los Angeles lemon lawyer you can have absolute confidence in. Call (424) 262-1000 today!
Our Settlements & Verdicts
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$332,973.00 D.C. v. BMW
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$200,000 J.S. v. Mercedes-Benz
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$162,746.00 D.C. v. Mercedes
Our FAQs
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The term “lemon” is used to describe a consumer product, most often a type of motor vehicle, which is defective. A vehicle that is in constant need of repairs or that cannot be repaired even after multiple attempts may be a lemon. When you call The Bravo Law Firm, APC, we can talk to you about your vehicle to see if you have a lemon on your hands.
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While many Lemon Law claims in Los Angeles resolve outside of court through negotiation, mediation, or direct settlements, some cases do require court filings if the manufacturer or dealership is unwilling to settle. If litigation becomes necessary, your claim will typically be filed in the appropriate Los Angeles County court. At The Bravo Law Firm, APC, we are ready to represent you at every stage of the legal process, preparing detailed demand letters, negotiating firmly with the opposition, and advocating for you in court if needed. Our Lemon Law attorneys explain your options and keep you informed, so you understand the implications of each step and can confidently proceed with the best approach for your unique situation in Los Angeles.
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The duration of a Lemon Law case in Los Angeles County depends on the situation’s complexity, the responsiveness of the manufacturer, and how quickly documentation is gathered and submitted. Many straightforward claims are resolved within a few months, particularly when negotiations are conducted directly with the manufacturer. If your case requires mediation, arbitration, or must be filed in Los Angeles County courts, it could take six months or longer. By partnering with The Bravo Law Firm, APC, you benefit from proactive, organized representation focused on advancing your case efficiently and clearly communicating next steps so you can make informed decisions at every phase of the process.
