In today’s world, buying a vehicle can be a risky investment. Some owners come to find out that their car has problem after problem, only for the dealership to tell them there’s nothing they can do. Rather than the reliable transportation they thought they bought, they end up with a financial and emotional burden with no end in sight.
To counter this problem, the Lemon Law in Orange County, CA, is specifically made to protect affected car owners. It gives consumers a way out so they’re not stuck with a defective vehicle. Sadly, even with this protection, many still find it difficult to get rid of their problematic car. While this is sometimes a result of circumstance, it often begins with mistakes made by the owner.
For this reason, we’ve set out to detail various and common mistakes made by defective car owners in Orange County. Let’s get right into it.
Mistake 1 – Neglecting the Automaker’s Warranty
The importance of the manufacturer’s warranty cannot be overstated when dealing with the Lemon Law. Many people have made the mistake of assuming that only the dealership is responsible for attempting repairs. They don’t realize that manufacturers are often incentivized to offer repairs or replacement services for defective cars covered by a warranty.
So, if you are in a lemon situation, it’s best to reach out to the automaker directly. They will address your concerns in a timely manner, because they’re the ones that get sued if they don’t. In most cases, the Lemon Law only covers vehicles still within the Lemon Law, so if your warranty has expired, check if the issues began when it was still active.
Mistake 2 – Not Documenting Everything
Ensure you record every defect that causes you to visit the repair shop. Never assume an issue is too minor to report, let the dealer determine that. Request copies of all repair orders, invoices, and warranty details. These records should contain the following information:
- Specific complaints
- The dealer’s diagnosis of the issue
- Repairs made and how long the vehicle was at the shop for each repair
- Cost of repairs, even if applied to the warranty
- Document all interactions with dealership personnel or the automaker. This may include call logs or email messages.
These records are the evidence to support your claim that you have a lemon.
Mistake 3 – Misunderstanding the Qualifying Criteria
Each state has different requirements qualifying vehicle owners for a Lemon Law claim, and California is no different. It’s important to have a clear understanding of the qualifying criteria. This is why researching the California Lemon Law beforehand is vital to ensure you have a case. An experienced Lemon Law attorney in Orange County can help with that.
The qualifying criteria are as follows:
- The law covers new or used vehicles with defects under the manufacturer’s warranty.
- The vehicle must have a notable defect affecting its use, performance, value, reliability, or safety.
- Car owners must have given the dealership or manufacturer a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem without success. Usually, this may mean two attempts for the same issue or three for different problems.
Mistake 4 – Failing to Notify the Manufacturer
Informing your car dealership of your vehicle’s defects is one thing, but notifying the manufacturer is another. Don’t make the mistake of not informing the automaker. They may feign ignorance of your complaints and try to stall the issue as long as possible.
Draft a formal notice and send it to the automaker detailing all the problems affecting your car’s performance. Doing so will trigger their obligation to address the issue, which may lead to a fixed vehicle or a repurchase or replacement. To get the maximum amount of compensation you deserve, you’ll want to be working with the best Lemon Lawyer Orange County can provide.
Mistake 5 – Refusing to Hire an Orange County Lemon Law Lawyer
The Lemon Law can be complex, and knowledge of local laws plays a vital role. Unfortunately, many individuals think they can secure a favorable settlement without an attorney under the deluded guise of saving money. They don’t know that this often leads to inadequate representation and unfair compensation deals.
It’s recommended that consumers consult the best Lemon Law attorney Orange County can provide. When hiring a lawyer, make sure they specialize in lemon law and are experienced in such cases. Verify that they have a proven track record of success in securing Lemon Law settlements. Quill & Arrow LLP is the model of a professional and skilled Lemon Law firm.
Mistake 6 – Exceeding Lemon Law Statute of Limitations
Every state has its limitations for filing Lemon Law claims. Exceeding these deadlines means the consumer forfeits their right to return the lemon vehicle and seeks compensation. This is why it’s important to get familiar with California’s statute of limitations before you run out of time. Generally, the law in California allows you to file a claim within four years after the first defect shows up. However, the first defect must occur within 18,000 miles or 18 months after the vehicle’s delivery.
Mistake 7 – Jumping to Accept a Settlement Offer Without Proper Consideration
The last common mistake is jumping at the automaker’s first offer. Manufacturers tend to give a lowball offer at first to see if you will take it without considering all the factors that make you eligible for better compensation. If you accept this offer, you forfeit the chance at the maximum settlement possible.
Having a skilled Orange County Lemon Law lawyer by your side is important during negotiations. They will argue for a better deal that covers all incidental expenses and inconveniences that resulted from owning a lemon car.
For a Solid Case, Do the Following
Having listed the above mistakes, what is the way forward? First, ensure you act promptly once you discover your vehicle has certain faults that keep showing up. Never underestimate the power of documentation, and record every issue and repair attempt.
Seeking legal aid from a Lemon Law attorney Orange County, CA firm helps tip the scale in your favor. This is because they’ll assess your case, walk you through the process, and stand in for you during negotiations. They’re experienced enough to know that everything needs to be in writing, and they won’t let the manufacturer pull a fast one during settlement talks.
Consider All Possible Options and Work Towards It
The California Lemon Law is a consumer protection tool to ensure manufacturers provide compensation for car owners dealing with defective vehicles. However, making the above mistakes may forfeit your chance of filing a successful claim. Take note and ensure you avoid them at all costs. Act swiftly, document your complaints, and remember to notify the automaker. Above all, don’t downplay the importance of hiring a California Lemon Law attorney Orange County firm like Quill & Arrow. With their help, you can have a successful claim and get the maximum compensation your case deserves. The consultation is free, so why wait to see if you have a case?
Media Contact:
Carlo V. DeFalco
Carlo@ecustomsolutions.com
eCustom Solutions