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which lawyer for car problems in california should you hire?

Hiring a Lawyer For Car Problems in California

When dealing with motor vehicle defects, it’s critical to have the right kind of lawyer by your side. A lawyer for car problems is typically familiar with lemon laws and can sue the dealership or manufacturer if there has been any negligence.

Having a Lemon Law lawyer working for you means you don’t have to battle the vehicle manufacturers alone. These professionals understand the laws and know how to get the compensation you deserve, whether you are dealing with a minor auto defect or you’ve been in a major car accident because of an irreparable fault.

The Lemon Pros are experts in the legal process and will help you seek compensation. With a practice focused on California Lemon Law, breach of warranty and negligence, our attorneys have secured millions in compensation for clients. We offer free consultations to help you choose the right course of action. Contact us today to get started.

In this guide, we cover the different types of attorneys and discuss when you may need each one. We also look at how a car lawyer can help if there has been a serious injury or if you are concerned about vehicle defects.

What Lawyer Handles Different Types of Vehicle Defects?

What Lawyer Handles Different Types of Vehicle Defects?

A Lemon law attorney handles lemon vehicle cases, while a consumer protection lawyer can take on a warranty case. If there’s a dispute about a repair, an auto repair fraud attorney may be best. Otherwise, an auto fraud lawyer handles any case of misrepresentation, while a personal injury lawyer or Lemon law lawyer can take on recalled or unsafe vehicles.

Let’s evaluate the differences between these lawyers:

Lemon Vehicles – Lemon Law Attorney

An attorney who handles Lemon Law is familiar with both the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (in California) and the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. These acts ensure consumer protection for drivers with a defective vehicle.

A Lemon law attorney helps when your new (or sometimes used) vehicle has repeated issues that the dealer or manufacturer can’t fix. To determine if you need a lawyer for Lemon Law, you must first figure out if your vehicle qualifies.

Evaluate this list of qualifications when considering how to know if your car is a lemon in California.

  • Defect must occur within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles
  • Defect must substantially impair the use, value or safety of the vehicle
  • Manufacturer’s warranty must still be in place
  • Multiple repair attempts must occur (four unsuccessful repair attempts in most cases, but only two are required for serious safety issues)

There’s also protection if your car has been out of service for more than thirty days and California does extend some Lemon law coverage for used cars. If you aren’t in California, it’s important to do research into your own state’s laws.

Warranty Disputes – Consumer Protection or Warranty Lawyer

A car warranty lawyer in CA represents consumers when a dealership or manufacturer refuses to honor the warranty. Common warranty issues that require legal help include the following:

  • Denied repairs for covered problems
  • Voided warranties without a valid reason
  • Extended warranties that don’t deliver the promised coverage

These situations leave you with costly repairs you shouldn't have to pay for. A warranty lawyer helps fight back and make sure the manufacturer or dealer holds up their end of the deal.

Auto Repair Disputes – Auto Repair Fraud Lawyer

If a mechanic’s work causes more harm than good, an auto repair fraud lawyer or consumer rights attorney can step in. They are helpful when dealing with any type of dispute over service.

Some examples of auto repair disputes include the following:

  • Incomplete repairs that worsen the problem or create new ones
  • Overcharging the customer
  • Completing unauthorized work
  • Negligence resulting in safety risks or further damage

When trust is broken and the repairs do more damage than good, you shouldn’t have to pay the price. A skilled attorney can help hold the repair shop accountable and recover the costs of faulty or dishonest work.

Dealer Fraud or Misrepresentation – Auto Fraud Lawyer

If a dealership misled you about a car’s condition, an auto fraud lawyer is the right professional to contact. Consider meeting with a lawyer if you’ve experienced any of the following types of fraud:

  • Odometer tampering to inflate the value
  • Failure to disclose previous accidents or damage
  • Selling a defective car as-is without disclosure of known issues

Depending on the situation, you may be able to sue a dealer for selling a lemon even if the previous criteria no longer apply. If there’s obvious fraud involved, a lawyer helps you recoup your losses and get some additional compensation.

Recalled or Unsafe Vehicles – Lemon Law Lawyer or Personal Injury Lawyer

When you're injured or put at risk by a defective or recalled vehicle, a product liability attorney or personal injury lawyer can pursue compensation.

A Lemon law lawyer should be contacted if the vehicle has an ongoing safety defect that’s covered by warranty. It could be a malfunction with the seat belt, compromised structural integrity or malfunctioning airbags, as long as there’s a chance for serious injuries during a dangerous collision.

On the other hand, a product liability or injury lawyer should be contacted if there’s a defect that has led to an accident. There doesn’t need to be severe damage to get compensation. In many cases, any accident that is caused by an unrepaired manufacturer car recall results in a settlement.

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to Sue a Car Dealership?

If you’ve been misled, sold a faulty vehicle or are stuck with broken promises, you might be wondering what legal steps you can take. Suing a car dealership isn’t easy, but the right lawyer can guide you through the process.

From filing a lawsuit to gathering evidence, the right attorney helps you fight back and seek compensation. Here are a few reasons to sue a car dealership and some tips about the lawyer you want to handle the case:

  • Auto Fraud Lawyer: This attorney handles cases of dealer misrepresentation and used car scams, including odometer rollback, fake accident histories and bait-and-switch tactics. If the dealership lied or hid key facts to make a sale, this type of attorney can help you take legal action.
  • Contract Dispute Attorney: This lawyer resolves broken sales agreements, lease term misunderstandings and financing errors. If there’s been a breach of contract with the dealership, you want a lawyer to look over the agreement.
  • Lemon Law Attorney: Contact this lawyer if the dealership sold a defective vehicle under warranty that can’t be fixed. You may be due a replacement vehicle, a Lemon law buyback or cash compensation.
  • Warranty Dispute Lawyer: If you’ve been denied a warranty claim or your requests go ignored, it’s time to take legal action with these lawyers.
  • Consumer Protection Attorney: This attorney is useful for general deceptive business practices, including unfair treatment or false advertising.

When a dealership crosses the line, you don’t have to face it alone. The right lawyer can turn the tables, thereby holding the dealer accountable and helping you get the justice you deserve.

How a Lawyer for Car Problems Can Help

How a Lawyer for Car Problems Can Help

A Lemon law attorney is the best option for most car disputes you face. With their experience, you can expect the following benefits when hiring a Lemon law lawyer:

Free assessment of your case. Most lemon lawyers offer a free consultation and only charge if they win the case. These options keep your costs to a minimum and give you the chance to learn more about your legal rights without any obligation.

Help with gathering documentation and evidence. The first step to winning a Lemon law claim is to have the evidence that proves your case. If you or your passengers have been hurt in an automobile accident, it’s important to get all of the evidence necessary for compensation. Even if there’s been no accident involved, a qualified lawyer knows how to collect the necessary paperwork (repair records, warranties, purchase contracts, etc.) to prove your claim.

Communicate with the manufacturer or dealership on your behalf. Your lawyer acts as your representative in all verbal and written communication. With their support, you avoid misstatements and traps that could potentially weaken your case.

Files the legal claims and lawsuits. Your attorney handles the entire legal process for you, from sending a demand letter to filing the lemon lawsuit, if necessary. Because the lawyers are familiar with warranty breach cases, fraud complaints and Lemon law claims, they know how to navigate the process quickly and efficiently.

Negotiates settlements and achieves higher compensation. A lawyer can get you more money than you’ll likely get on your own. They seek buybacks, refunds and vehicle replacement, or a cash-and-keep settlement when applicable. They can also negotiate for your legal fees, towing expenses and the rental car bill.

Saves you time and stress. There’s no reason to feel anxious or overwhelmed when working with a lawyer. Your attorney reduces the emotional burden placed on you by dealing directly with the opposing party and handling your dispute for you.

Protects your legal rights. Above all, Lemon law lawyers protect your rights and ensure you aren’t taken advantage of. The attorney advises you on the actions that may negatively affect your case, such as continually using the vehicle during a safety recall.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer for Car Issues in CA?

The attorney fee for Lemon law cases varies depending on the type of issue you encounter. You could spend anywhere between $0 for your case, up to $10,000 or more. Most lawyers work with one of the following fee structures.

  • Contingency fee: You pay only if you win and the lawyer takes a percentage of the settlement, usually between 25% and 40%. This setup also ensures a “no win, no fee” situation that causes the attorneys to work harder to win your case.
  • Hourly rate: You pay for every hour that the lawyer works on the case.
  • Flat fee: There’s one set price for the entire case, used most often for routine or simple legal tasks.

In California, you may be able to recover all of the legal fees from the manufacturer if you win your case, meaning you will pay nothing out of pocket. Additionally, most lawyers offer a free consultation.

Type of Lawyer for Car IssuesEstimated Cost (California)
Lemon Law Lawyer$0 – $0 (Manufacturer pays if you win the case)
Auto Dealer Fraud Lawyer$0 – $5,000 (Often contingency-based from settlement)
Contract Dispute Lawyer (Car Sales/Financing)$1,500 – $10,000+ (Hourly rates: $200–$600/hr)
Warranty Dispute Lawyer$1,000 – $5,000 (Flat fee or hourly: $150–$400/hr)
Auto Repair Negligence Lawyer$2,000 – $8,000 (Depends on damage and litigation needs)
Recalled/Unsafe Vehicle – Personal Injury Lawyer$0 (Contingency – paid from settlement if you win)
Consumer Protection Lawyer$500 – $5,000 (Hourly or flat fee depending on the case)

How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Car Problems

How to Choose the Right Lawyer for Car Problems

If you want to know how to find an expert California Lemon law attorney, consider these helpful tips:

Check Their Track Record: Evaluate their years of experience and the number of similar cases they’ve won. Ask them for a record of settlements and wins to evaluate their percentage of success.

Verify Their License & Standing: Check their license by cross-referencing the California State Bar website. You can check to see that they are in good standing and there’s no major disciplinary history.

Read Reviews & Client Testimonials: Look on Avvo, Yelp and Google to find a highly recommended lawyer. Read through the reviews and stay away from any attorney with a history of unresolved complaints, hidden fees or poor communication.

Ask the Right Questions in Consultations: When meeting with the attorney for the first time, ask questions similar to these:

  • What kind of car problems do you usually handle?
  • What’s your success rate with cases like mine?
  • How do you charge (contingency, hourly, flat fee)?
  • Will you handle the case personally?

Make sure you feel comfortable with the answers and that the lawyer is upfront with you.

Compare a Few Lawyers Before Choosing: You don’t have to settle for the first lawyer you meet. Be willing to interview several that offer free consultations and choose the one you prefer the most.

Choose Someone You Trust: You need to feel confident in your lawyer and trust their advice. The perfect lawyer for someone else may not fit with your personality or needs and that’s okay. Keep interviewing until you find the right one.

Need a Lemon Law Attorney for Your Defective Vehicle in CA?

A qualified Lemon law attorney can handle all of the common types of defects and claims for you. Whether you need to file a Lemon law claim or face litigation over a breach of contract, it’s best to have a lawyer on your side.

The Lemon Pros offer assistance in a variety of car-related claims. Regularly hailed as the best Lemon Law attorney in California, our team is ready to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the Right Time to Contact a Lawyer for Car Problems Caused by an Auto Defect?

You don’t want to wait until your life is in danger to get help. As soon as you realize that an auto defect impairs the safety, value or use of your vehicle and it’s not getting repaired, you should reach out to a qualified attorney.

When Should You Sue a Car Dealership?

Some of the most common reasons to sue a car dealership include breach of contract, fraud and Lemon law violations. You may also get compensation for negligence and predatory lending practices.

How Long Does It Usually Take to Resolve a Motor Vehicle Legal Issue?

Each case is different, but you can expect several weeks to months before the case is resolved. For that reason, it’s necessary to take action promptly and have a qualified Lemon law attorney working for you.

What Types of Car Problems Most Frequently Lead to Legal Action?

Because Lemon Law covers any defect that impairs the value, use or safety of a vehicle, you can file a claim for a wide range of issues. Safety issues can be anything that could lead to a crash, while mechanical defects may include a failing engine or transmission. On the other hand, defects aren’t limited to just major complaints, with something as simple as a broken power window qualifying in some cases.

What if a Dealership Sold Me a Bad Car?

You have legal rights, and it’s time to take action. Contact a Lemon law attorney for a free consultation to see what can be done for your case.

Michael Saeedian
Founding Attorney
Michael Saeedian
Lemon Law Attorney
5 months ago · 13 min read
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Why Choose The Lemon Pros?

Our specialty is Lemon Law, that is why we only handle Lemon Law claims. When you hire us, our attorneys will do all the legal work for you, because we understand the stress that consumers like you deal with when they have a Lemon.

We have an excellent success record in representing consumers just like you! We are award winning attorneys, but that has not gotten to our heads. We are attorneys who care and give personalized attention to each and every client, our attorneys directly handle your claim.

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Here in California, strong consumer protection laws protect buyers of vehicles and other consumer goods. These laws are important – especially when buying or leasing a new vehicle, which is the largest purchase many Californians make regularly. The California Lemon Law gives you legal rights when you are stuck with a vehicle that breaks down again and again.

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