El Dorado County Lemon Law Lawyers

Struggling With A Defective Vehicle? Our El Dorado County Lemon Attorneys Will Fight For You

El Dorado County is located in the Sierra Nevada region of California, offering a mix of natural beauty and historic towns. Most residents, workers, and visitors rely on driving for transportation. As of 2020, El Dorado County has 237,421 registered vehicles, of which 137,660 are passenger vehicles.

When you purchase a car, you expect it to be reliable and safe. However, what happens when your newly acquired vehicle turns out to be defective? This is where lemon laws come into play. In El Dorado County, lemon law lawyers can help you navigate these complex laws, ensuring you receive the compensation and support you deserve. If you are stuck with a lemon, don’t despair — legal assistance is just a phone call away.

The dedicated El Dorado County lemon law lawyers at Wirtz Law APC have extensive experience recovering compensation in lemon law claims. Our team has helped clients obtain over $70 Million for defective vehicles and will devote our resources to protecting your rights.

What are Lemon Laws?

Lemon laws exist to protect consumers who have purchased defective vehicles. These laws ensure auto manufacturers take responsibility for substantial defects that impair a vehicle’s use, value, or safety. California’s Lemon Law protects the rights of around 2 million new car, SUV, and truck buyers or lessees annually, along with countless small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state. Understanding your rights under the law is crucial, especially if you live in El Dorado County and require the services of skilled lemon law lawyers.

What Qualifies as a Lemon in El Dorado County?

Between 2018 and 2021, nearly 34,400 lemon law claims were filed in California courts. However, the number could be higher as the data does not account for cases that reached out-of-court settlements, a common practice.

In California, including El Dorado County, a vehicle is typically considered a lemon if it has a significant defect that the manufacturer cannot fix within a reasonable number of attempts, which can be as few as two tries. The defect must be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty and should substantially impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

For example, if you have had to take your car to the repair shop multiple times and it still has issues, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon. The same applies if your car has been out of service for an extended period due to repairs. It is essential to keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer, as this documentation will be crucial when you consult with El Dorado County lemon law attorneys.

General Motors (GM) accounted for 29 percent of all California lemon law cases filed against automakers between 2018 and 2021. People who purchased vehicles from the company were around 26 times more likely to pursue a lemon law claim than consumers who purchased Toyota vehicles.

GM was followed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles with 17 percent of statewide lemon law claims and Ford Motor Company with 13.5 percent. Tesla was not included in the data as it mainly sells vehicles directly to consumers and often uses arbitration to resolve claims.

Defects Covered Under the California Lemon Law

California roads had 6.3 million vehicles with unfixed safety recall defects in 2021, the most in the United States. The California Lemon Law applies to a wide range of vehicle issues. While it is designed to protect consumers from being stuck with defective vehicles, not all problems qualify a vehicle as a lemon. Here are some examples of the key types of defects that are covered:

• Engine problems: Stalling, excessive oil consumption, overheating, or complete engine failure can significantly affect the vehicle’s safety and reliability.
• Transmission defects: Transmission issues can include rough shifting, slipping gears, or complete transmission failure. These problems can lead to dangerous situations on the road, particularly if the vehicle suddenly loses power.
• Brake issues: Brake failure, squealing, or uneven wear pose serious safety risks. If your vehicle’s braking system is defective and the manufacturer cannot fix it after several attempts, this would likely qualify under the Lemon Law.
• Electrical system problems: Modern vehicles rely heavily on complex electrical systems that control everything from the engine to the infotainment system. Defects can lead to various issues, including battery drain, malfunctioning lights, and even complete electrical failure.
• Steering defects: Problems with the steering system, such as difficulty steering, vibrations, or wheel misalignment, can make the vehicle unsafe to drive.
• Airbag issues: Airbags that fail to deploy in an accident or deploy unexpectedly can lead to severe injuries. Safety features like airbags are critical, and defects in these systems are considered substantial under the Lemon Law.
• HVAC defects: Problems with the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system may not immediately seem like safety concerns, but they can be. For example, a malfunctioning defroster can impair visibility, making driving dangerous in certain conditions.
• Fuel system problems: Fuel leaks, faulty fuel pumps, or incorrect fuel gauge readings can be hazardous.

Between 2018 and 2021, California consumers who took legal action under the Lemon Law for defective vehicles encountered many issues. These ranged from malfunctioning information screens that displayed everything upside down to dangerous situations like sudden power loss while on the road. Some cars were even sold with unresolved safety recalls, such as batteries at risk of catching fire. Many consumers had multiple issues with their vehicles.

It is important to note that not all defects will qualify under the Lemon Law. Minor cosmetic issues, normal wear and tear, and problems caused by owner neglect or unauthorized modifications are generally not covered. The defect must be substantial and impair the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. The El Dorado County lemon law attorneys at Wirtz Law APC can assess your vehicle’s condition and determine whether it qualifies as a lemon.

Common Misconceptions About Lemon Law

Several misconceptions about the California Lemon Law can lead to confusion and frustration for consumers. One common myth is that you need to have purchased a brand-new vehicle for it to be covered under the law. California’s Lemon Law also applies to used vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s warranty. Another common misconception is that you need at least four attempts to fix the same issue, but that is only for using the “presumption” standards, which are needed in most cases.  Remember, the Lemon Law typically covers substantial defects affecting the vehicle’s use, value, or safety.

Additionally, some people believe they can handle a lemon law case independently without legal assistance. While it is possible, having an experienced El Dorado County lemon law attorney significantly improves your chances of a favorable outcome. Legal professionals understand the complexities of lemon law and can navigate the legal process more efficiently, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Your Car is a Lemon

If you suspect your vehicle is a lemon, it is important to take immediate action. The first step is to keep detailed records of all repairs and communications with the manufacturer and dealership. This documentation will be essential when you consult with El Dorado County lemon law lawyers. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended repair procedures and give them a fair opportunity to fix the issue.

Next, contact an experienced El Dorado County lemon law attorney to evaluate your case. They can advise you on the best course of action and help you understand your rights under California’s Lemon Law. Your lawyer will guide you through the process, from filing a claim to negotiating with the manufacturer and, if necessary, taking your case to court. Acting promptly and seeking legal assistance early can significantly increase your chances of a successful resolution.

Time Limit for Filing a Lemon Law Claim

In California, you typically have one year after the warranty expires and up to six years from the date of delivery to file a lemon law claim. Beginning in 2025 the law changed to allow you 1 year more than your warranty, but no more than 6 years. Acting as soon as you suspect your vehicle is a lemon is advisable. Consulting with an El Dorado County lemon law attorney early on can help ensure you meet all necessary deadlines and increase your chances of a successful resolution.

Benefits of Hiring El Dorado County Lemon Law Lawyers

Navigating the lemon law process can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Hiring an experienced El Dorado County lemon law lawyer can provide numerous benefits. Firstly, lemon law lawyers are well-versed in the intricacies of California’s lemon laws. They can evaluate your case, help gather necessary documentation, and guide you through every step of the legal process.

El Dorado County lemon law attorneys can also negotiate with the manufacturer on your behalf to obtain the best possible outcome, whether a replacement vehicle, a repurchase, or damages and civil penalties. Having a knowledgeable lawyer by your side increases your chances of success and alleviates the stress and frustration of dealing with a defective vehicle. Plus, many lemon law attorneys, including the team at Wirtz Law APC, work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if you win your case.

Contact the El Dorado County Lemon Law Lawyers at Wirtz Law APC Today

If you are dealing with recurring vehicle problems, you may have been sold a lemon. An El Dorado County lemon law lawyer can help determine whether you are eligible for compensation for your defective vehicle. Contact Wirtz Law APC today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.