Help from a San Diego lemon law attorney should cost you nothing out of pocket.

Many lemon law lawyers work on a “contingency” basis. When a lawyer works on contingency, they agree to tie payment of their fees to the outcome of your case. If you don’t win a settlement or verdict, you do not have to pay fees to your attorney.

In a lemon law case, you should not have to pay anything out of pocket whether you win or lose. California’s lemon law requires automakers to pay attorney’s fees, costs, and expense, when you are the prevailing party in your claim. In other words, if an automaker is required to pay a refund and additional costs, they will also be required to pay your attorney.

A refund for a lemon vehicle is known as a “buyback” under California law. State law includes a formula for calculating the value of a buyback.

In addition to the buyback amount, an automaker may be liable for “incidental and consequential damages.” These damages include any additional money you spent because of the defective vehicle. For example, if you had to buy a bus pass because your vehicle spent so many days in the shop, you may be able to seek reimbursement for the cost of your bus pass.

You may also be entitled to recover civil penalties, or additional damages, up to two times the amount of your actual damages. Civil penalties can be awarded when the automaker willfully fails to follow the California lemon law. For example, if you car qualifies for a buyback but the automaker refuses to buyback your vehicle, that willful failure may trigger an award of civil penalties.

Importantly, your lawyer’s fees and costs and expenses are paid by the automakers when you win. This allows you to hire the best lawyers to fight against the multinational automakers who can hire the best lawyers to defeat your claim.

A successful lemon law claim benefits you without costing you attorney’s fees. If you’re uncertain whether to file a claim, you can seek advice at no cost. Many experienced San Diego lemon law attorneys offer free, confidential consultations. Wirtz Law APC will review your case at no charge or obligation to you. During this conversation, you can ask questions and learn more about whether a lemon law claim is proper for you.