Laguna Beach Lemon Law Attorneys
Have You Purchased A Lemon Vehicle? Our Laguna Beach Lemon Law Lawyers Are Here to Help.
At Wirtz Law, APC, we understand that purchasing a defective vehicle can substantially impact many aspects of a person’s life. Our firm’s experienced Orange County lemon law attorneys use their skills, years of experience, and comprehensive understanding of complex consumer protection laws to achieve favorable and prompt results for our clients. Those who believe their car is a “lemon” should contact our team at (858) 357-9549 to discuss the legal options available.
What Consumer Protection Laws Mean For Laguna Beach Vehicle Owners
Purchasing a defective vehicle, especially one that cannot be repaired, can have long-term adverse financial effects on car owners. To address the growing problem of selling defective vehicles, between 1982 and 1994, every state in the nation enacted new car warranty consumer protection laws, commonly known as “lemon laws.” In Southern California, using a car to get from point A to point B is just one reason to own a car. When a driver encounters car issues that are out of their control, pursuing an Orange County lemon law claim may be suitable. As a California consumer, specific legal rights allow a car owner to get a buyback of a vehicle when it can’t be repaired within a reasonable number of attempts.
What is California’s Lemon Law?
Product liability and consumer protection laws govern vehicle safety, efficacy, and warranty claims. A vehicle is considered “new” if the legal title has never been transferred to a buyer and has only been sold by the original manufacturer to a buyer. Demonstrators are considered new cars under the lemon law. Claims regarding these types of vehicles generally fall under California’s product liability statutes.
In contrast, used vehicles are motor vehicles with a history of one or more owners. Past owners can include car dealerships, rental car companies, private owners, or vehicle leasing companies. Federal and state consumer protection laws typically govern claims involving used or pre-owned vehicles.
At Wirtz Law, we will never voluntarily forfeit your constitutional right to a jury trial and will fight for your maximum recovery.
It is important to note that the law does not apply to private sales between individuals, off-highway motor vehicles, or motorcycles.
What You Should Know About The California Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights
California maintains a Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights, which protects consumers once they purchase a vehicle from a licensed California car dealer. These rights include:
Buyer and Credit Score Disclosures
Sellers cannot add charges to the purchase agreement without the purchaser’s consent. Further, dealers who retrieve credit scores must notify the purchaser of their credit score and provide a written account of how the score will be used.
A BUYER RIGHT TO CANCEL THE PURCHASE
Barring certain exceptions, individuals who purchase a used vehicle have a two-day cancellation option. This right to cancel allows a purchaser to test drive the car or have it inspected by a mechanic.
MARKUP LIMITATIONS
Dealers cannot add hidden markups to increase the interest rate on a purchaser’s loan.
CERTIFIED USED CARS
Dealers who advertise as a “certified used dealership” must meet specific certifications.
Laguna Beach, California Consumer Protection Laws
Several of California’s lemon law statutes work to protect consumers from buying a “lemon.” A lemon refers to chronically defective cars that a manufacturer cannot repair with reasonable number of repair attempts, usually at least two attempts. California’s lemon law provides consumer protections for those who purchase new or used vehicles under a manufacturer’s warranty.
The Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act: It is a fundamental consumer protection law regulating consumer warranties for retail products. The Act covers all consumer retail goods under an implied or express warranty.
California’s Lemon Law: Generally, consumers who purchase a lemon are entitled to a replacement or refund of their defective vehicle if:
The vehicle was purchased from a retailer in California
There is an original active manufacturer or extended manufacturer’s warranty
The vehicle has a substantial defect or defects
The defect or defects substantially impair the use, value or safety of the vehicle to someone in the buyer’s position
Despite reasonable repair attempts, the issues with the vehicle persist
California’s lemon law protects vehicle owners when their newly purchased or leased vehicle has a dangerous or persistent defect. Lemon car owners may seek a replacement vehicle, a refund, and other compensation for their losses.
Damages are case-specific, and many factors can impact how much compensation can be recovered by a consumer. This is why having an experienced lemon law firm is your best bet.
Available Remedies For Laguna Beach Lemon Car Owners
If a buyer prevails in a California lemon law lawsuit, an attorney may recover at least the following damages:
- Refund for the cost of the defective vehicle;
- Incidental damages were caused by the defective vehicle; and
- attorney fees and costs.
Civil Penalties may also be available where the failure to buy back your vehicle was willful by the manufacturer or the distributor. Proving willful is complicated and is best handled by experienced lemon law attorneys.
At Wirtz Law APC, we understand that you don’t have time to wait around and need a reliable car quickly. Let us help you return to your daily routine and move on with your life.
Types of Defenses That May Come Up in a Southern California Lemon Law Claim
Car manufacturers may purport various defenses to avoid liability for the defective vehicle. These parties may claim that the following occurred:
- The vehicle was sold “as is;”
- The vehicle’s warranty expired;
- The consumer is responsible for the defect;
- The used car does not fall under the state’s lemon law requirements; or
- The applicable statute of limitations has expired.
California’s lemon law statute is specific and requires a comprehensive understanding of nuanced legal concepts. An experienced Laguna Beach lemon law attorney can help gather evidence, strategize a case, anticipate defenses, and recover maximum compensation for their losses.
When you end up with a lemon, a Laguna Beach lemon law attorney can help clients recover damage and get you out of your defective vehicle.
Did You Recently Purchase a Vehicle from a Laguna Beach Dealership?
Purchasing a new or used car is one of the most significant financial decisions. Potential buyers should take the time to understand their rights under various California consumer protection laws. Anyone purchasing or leasing a vehicle should consider taking the following steps before finalizing their deal:
- Reviewing vehicle pricing publications such as the National Automobile Dealers, Association Guides, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and federal consumer reports;
- Thoroughly reading any purchase or leasing contracts;
- Reviewing all warranty documents and obtaining a vehicle history report; and
- Searching the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recall notice registry.
While all these steps reduce the likelihood of purchasing a defective or unsafe car, it is not entirely preventative. An attorney can help.
Did You Buy a Lemon and Are Now Dealing with a Headache? Contact Wirtz Law APC Today
If you recently bought a new car—or a car under the original manufacturer’s warranty—and the vehicle is experiencing significant problems, you may have a strong lemon law case. At Wirtz Law APC, our lemon law attorneys have extensive experience helping our clients seek relief from sellers and manufacturers. We have over a 97 percent success rate among the cases we’ve handled and have recovered more than $50 million on behalf of our clients. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with a Laguna Beach lemon law attorney at Wirtz Law APC, call (858) 357-9549 today. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form, and one of our attorneys will contact you shortly.
A History of Results
Wirtz Law has successfully obtained recoveries for our clients in excess of $50 million.
$632,141.03
Our client, the plaintiff, purchased a brand new 2014 Focus for $40,007, including add-ons and financing. Within three days, the transmission began to slip and…
$204,824.91
Our client, Sam P. purchased a new 2010 BMW X5, as a premium luxury SUV to enjoy in his retirement and to use for safe…
$130,373.37
Matthew J. and Marisa J. bought a used 2011 Dodge Durango to be their primary family vehicle, to be used to drive to and from…
Laguna Beach Lemon Law Frequently Asked Questions
Client Testimonials
"I selected Wirtz Law to assist me with a series of problems I was having."
All in all they were easy to work with, and I appreciate their time and results. If I were ever in a similar situation I would definitely reach out to them again. I advise others to do the same…
‐ Chris R.
"Super professionals!"
My lemon law case was handled expertly, and I am very happy with the settlement I got. Thank you very much!
‐ Richard B.
"The team @ Wirtz Law are terrific."
Not only did they explain the process well, but they also delivered better than expected! We are recommending them to anyone who may need their service.
‐ Vix V.
"I cannot thank the Wirtz Law Firm enough for their help with my lemon law case."
From the moment I contacted them, Jessica was responsive, informative, and made us feel heard. They were able to navigate the complicated legal process with ease and fought for our rights as a consumer. Ultimately, their diligence and expertise…
‐ Jack D-L-T.
"I am so grateful for Wirtz Law group"
Especially Jessica Underwood, she was the most professional, most helpful, and most knowledgeable lawyer I have ever worked for. She worked non stop to get me the best outcome. She explained the process we were going through step by…
‐ Diana A.
"They were very professional"
They were very professional when they took my case VS. FORD after not repairing the mechanical problems with Warranty I sincerely recommend them. THANK YOU.
‐ Pedro M.
