Introduction to California Lemon Law

California lemon law provides the legal basis upon which consumers may file lawsuits against the manufacturers of defective consumer products. Lemon Law claims generally seek replacement or reimbursement for products found to be defective and incapable of repair after a reasonable number of attempts. In California, state lemon laws are derived from the “Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act” found in California Civil Code Sections 1790, 1791, 1792-1795.7, 1795.90-1795.93, 1796-1796.5, 1797-1797.7, 1797.8-1797.86, 1797.90-1797.96.

California’s lemon laws are best known for protecting automobile buyers and lessees while the vehicle is still under warranty. Lemon laws safeguard consumers when purchased or leased vehicles fail to properly function even after the manufacturer or its authorized dealers attempts a reasonable number of repairs. Lemon laws apply to any vehicle purchased or leased with an express warranty. Even where a vehicle has been owned previously, a valid claim may exist so long as the vehicle continues to be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty. Even where the original manufacturer’s warranty has expired, lemon laws may provide protection where the buyer or lessee placed the dealer on notice of the defect at a time when the warranty was still in effect. In other words, an individual may have a valid lemon law claim even where the vehicle in question is used or has been driven over many miles.

When claims involve vehicles, like automobiles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or watercraft, the manufacturer must replace the vehicle or reimburse the purchaser the purchase price of the vehicle where the manufacturer is unable to repair it after a reasonable number of attempts. The manufacturer must also be liable for a buyer’s license fees, rental expenses, towing costs, out-of-pocket repair bills, and some or all of the buyer’s attorney fees and legal costs associated with the lemon law litigation.

Federal law, called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S. Code §§ 2301-2310), may also provide consumers with a defense against the abuse of unreasonable manufacturers. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides similar protections to California’s state lemon laws. In some cases, consumers can employ either state or federal law to protect their rights. Under other circumstances, California’s Song-Beverly Act provides protection above and beyond those provided under the Magnuson-Moss Act. The Law Offices of Charles A. Pernice has extensive knowledge and experience in the area of California lemon law matters and can act as an invaluable guide and advocate for clients seeking to file a lemon law claim.

The Law Offices of Charles A. Pernice works with clients throughout California to attain the best recovery possible in every type of lemon law matter. Do not judge the merits of your case alone. If you or a loved one has fallen victim to an unreasonable manufacturer, call The Law Offices of Charles A. Pernice now at 949-440-0860 or toll-free at 800-440-3554 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. Do not delay! Waiting to secure legal representation only jeopardizes the proper preservation of evidence and adherence to legal deadlines. You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your vehicle or product, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

The Law Offices of Charles Pernice handles the following types of cases: Lemon Law, Automobile Fraud, Consumer Fraud, Credit Damage, ID Theft, Investor Claims, Employment Law, Mediation & Personal Injury including Automobile Accidents, Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Insurance Bad Faith, Nursing Home Abuse, Airplane Accidents, Dog Bites, Drunk Driving Injuries, Large Truck Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, School Bus Accidents, Slip and Fall Accidents.

The Law Offices of Charles Pernice serves the following areas: California, Southern California, Imperial County, San Diego County, Riverside County, Ventura County, Orange County, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, Anaheim, Chula Vista, Glendale, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Ana, San Bernardino, Irvine, Burbank, Corona, Costa Mesa, Downey, East Los Angeles, El Monte, Escondido, Fontana, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Inglewood, Lancaster, Moreno Valley, Norwalk, Oceanside, Ontario, Orange, Oxnard, Palmdale, Pasadena, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, South Gate, Thousand Oaks, Torrance, Ventura, Victorville, West Covina

The legal information offered by The Law Office of Charles Pernice and contained herein, regarding California legal statutes and California claimants' rights, is general in scope. No legal attorney / client relationship with our attorneys is hereby formed nor is the information herein intended as formal legal advice. Please contact a California lawyer regarding your specific inquiry.See Terms of Use.