Jim Kostas Can Help With Both State And Federal Lemon Law Issues
A “lemon” may be defined as a new vehicle under the manufacturer’s warranty that contains defects that cannot be repaired. Under California and federal law, you may be able to seek compensation for damages you incurred due to your having bought or leased a lemon – if certain requirements are met.
Lemon laws can help consumers take legal action for defective SUVs, pickup trucks, passenger vehicles, vans, RVs, boats and motor homes. Jim Kostas, founder of Kostas Law Firm, represents clients who are seeking compensation for defective vehicles under both California and federal lemon laws.
What Is The California Lemon Law?
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, sometimes called the California Lemon Law, can cover many types of vehicles. In addition to passenger vehicles (cars, trucks, vans), California law may also cover new or leased:
- Motorcycles
- RVs, motor homes and fifth-wheel trailers
- Boats
- Jet Skis
- ATVs
- Side-by-sides
Vehicles covered by the California Lemon Law do not have to be a direct purchase. Leased vehicles may also be covered by the law, given that other necessary requirements are met. Used vehicles may also be covered by the law.
Reasonable Attempts, Defect Definition And Your Available Recourse Under California Lemon Law
The California Lemon Law allows consumers to seek damages if certain requirements are met. The manufacturer must attempt a “reasonable” number of repairs on the vehicle.
- What is considered a “reasonable number of attempts” depends on the defect.
- For defects that can substantially affect the safety of the vehicle, dealerships may only have two attempts to fix the problem before the consumer can seek compensation for their damages.
- In other cases, the dealership may be allowed four attempts before the consumer can file a lemon law claim.
- The defect must substantially impair the use, value and safety of the vehicle.
- It may also be possible to seek a replacement or refund if the vehicle in question has been in the shop for more than 30 days total.
- You may be able to seek compensation if the defect in question meets these requirements.
- Compensation under the California Lemon Law can reimburse you for rental car payments, finance charges, the down payment on the vehicle and other damages.
You should speak with an attorney if you want to determine whether your vehicle is covered under the California Lemon Law. Depending on the circumstances, there could be additional options to pursue compensation if your vehicle does not qualify as a lemon under state law. Get a free consultation with attorney Jim Kostas by calling 661-202-2444.
Jim Kostas Accepts Federal Lemon Law Cases
The federal lemon law, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, can also provide legal options for you as a consumer. These are useful for people who may not qualify under the California Lemon Law (Civ. Code, § 1793.22). In addition, you may have options under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). While the UCC does not define a lemon, there are options that can help.
It may be possible for you to obtain compensation for legal fees and other damages if under certain circumstances. Get answers to common lemon law questions on the FAQ page.
The California Lemon Law Claims Process
You can reach out to attorney Jim Kostas at Kostas Law Firm if you are not sure whether you qualify for reimbursement under the California Lemon Law or the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Manufacturers may fight back against your claim and complicate the process involved with receiving compensation. Attorney Kostas can help you fight back against these attempts to deny your right to compensation. He is tenacious in his approach and has extensive experience with state and federal lemon law cases. He will determine whether you have a case worth pursuing and then will help you seek compensation for your vehicle.
Work With A California Lemon-Law Focused Firm
Run by attorney Jim Kostas, Kostas Law Firm is based in Palmdale, California. Jim Kostas has over 30 years of legal experience. His comprehensive knowledge of state and federal lemon laws and dogged persistence set his practice apart. Get a free consultation about your issue. There is no attorney fee unless Jim takes your case and wins. In Palmdale, the firm serves clients throughout Antelope Valley. Call 661-202-2444 or send an inquiry email directly to Jim at the firm.