Sacramento Lemon Law Lawyers

When you purchase a car, you have a reasonable expectation that it will be free of problems and will not require service or repairs for the next couple of months. It can be very frustrating to deal with constant maintenance immediately after buying a car, especially when it is brand new. If you have experienced this, you may have a lemon law claim against the vehicle manufacturer.

Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they can file a lemon law claim for any vehicle problems they experience after purchasing a new car. The lemon law also covers used cars purchased from dealerships and includes warranties. If you have been dealing with a problematic vehicle, you have the right to get compensated not only for the repair costs, but for time missed from work, and any medical bills from injuries if you have been involved in an accident. 

Who do you file a lemon law claim against in California?

Under lemon laws in the state of California, you have the right to notify the Vehicle Manufacturer about your vehicle’s condition. That is the first step that you should take before filing a lemon law claim. This is usually advice because the vehicle manufacturer may attempt to negotiate a settlement before a lawsuit is filed.

 If the dealership or vehicle manufacturer is unable to assist you, then you have the right to file a lemon law claim in court. If you decide to file a claim in court, we recommend consulting a highly qualified lemon law attorney.

What cars fall under lemon laws in California?

California lemon laws cover vehicles sold with a warranty. This includes:

• Cars
• Vans
• Trucks
• Motorcycles

To be eligible for lemon law protections in Sacramento, California, the car must have a defect that poses a safety risk. The defect must be significant. If the defect is considered minor and repairable, it will not fall under lemon laws. To determine whether the defect is minor or substantial, call our attorneys today. There are so many different legal terms that you must navigate through if you decide not to hire an attorney.

The defect must be present within the first 18 months of ownership or the first 18,000 miles driven on the new vehicle. Courts look at whichever comes first when determining the date of the defect. The automobile manufacturer must also be notified about the defect. The manufacturer must have made multiple attempts to fix the defect. Because there are so many different factors and criteria that you must meet in a lawsuit, our lawyers are ready and able to help you. We are available 24/7 to answer any questions. Hundreds of clients have handled lemon law cases, which has given Heidari Law Group a strong track record. 

Are Only Personal Cars Covered Under the Lemon Law?

In most cases, lemon laws apply to vehicles that are used for personal, family, or household purposes. This typically includes cars, SUVs, or trucks purchased primarily for daily commutes, errands, or transporting family members.

If your vehicle was used for personal activities—such as driving to work, grocery shopping, or taking your children to school—it likely qualifies for lemon law protection. The goal of lemon law statutes is to protect everyday consumers who invest in vehicles that prove defective, unreliable, or unsafe despite multiple repair attempts.

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Does the Lemon Law Cover Business Vehicles?

Not always—but there are exceptions.

If you purchased or leased a business vehicle that you believe is a lemon, you may still qualify for protection under specific conditions. For example, if your business owns fewer than five registered vehicles, and the defective vehicle was mainly used for personal or light business purposes, you could be eligible to file a lemon law claim for compensation.

Each state has slightly different rules regarding business-use vehicles under lemon laws, so it’s important to consult with an experienced lemon law attorney to determine if your case qualifies.

Do I Have to Arbitrate My Lemon Law Claim in California?

If you purchased or leased a defective vehicle, you might wonder whether you must go through arbitration before filing a lemon law claim. In California, arbitration is not mandatory for lemon law cases under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.

Arbitration is a negotiation process in which both parties — the vehicle owner and the manufacturer — attempt to resolve matters outside of court. While it’s voluntary, arbitration can sometimes lead to faster settlements. However, it’s not always in the consumer’s best interest. Some arbitration programs are run by manufacturers, which can make them biased or less favorable for vehicle owners.

When Should You Consider Arbitration?

You might consider arbitration if:

• You want to try resolving your claim quickly.
• You are confident in presenting your evidence independently.
• You’re dealing with a manufacturer that has a fair, state-certified arbitration program.

However, if your case involves complex documentation, repeated repairs, or serious defects, you may achieve better results by filing a lemon law lawsuit instead of arbitration.

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Do You Need a Lemon Law Attorney in Sacramento?

While it is not legally required to hire a lawyer for your lemon law claim, having a qualified Sacramento lemon law attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome.

A skilled attorney understands the legal process, deadlines, and tactics manufacturers use to avoid paying full compensation. Lemon law cases can quickly become complicated — especially when manufacturers dispute your claim or delay the process.

An experienced California Lemon Law lawyer can help you:

• Evaluate whether your vehicle qualifies as a “lemon.”
• Handle all paperwork and negotiations with the manufacturer.
• Represent you in arbitration or court, if necessary.

What will our lemon law Sacramento lawyers do?

We work on getting justice for our clients. Each attorney in Sacramento may have a different approach, but our Sacramento lemon law attorneys are available to help clients 24/7. Just some of the things that our attorneys will do with your lemon law case are:

• Evaluate your case: this initially starts during the consultation. We will ask a variety of questions to determine the exact type of defect in your vehicle and the amount of damage you are owed. 
• Please engage a highly qualified attorney to communicate and negotiate with the manufacturer, especially since vehicle manufacturers handle thousands of lemon law claims each year. Our strong attorneys are not afraid to deal with dealerships and car manufacturers on behalf of our clients.
• Filing a lawsuit: If we are unable to reach an agreement with the vehicle manufacturer on compensation, we will file a lawsuit. Several requirements must be met to file a lawsuit, and we will guide you through the legal process. 
• Trial: If your case does go to trial, our trial attorneys are skilled and have the necessary background to represent you. 

What type of compensation could I receive for my lemon law claim in Sacramento?

The types of compensation you receive depend on the circumstances of your lemon law claim and the defect that your vehicle had. Some examples of compensation you could receive for your lemon law claim in Sacramento could include:

• Repair costs
• Refund of the vehicle purchase price
• Refund of the vehicle registration
• Refund of the vehicle license fees
• Refund of the vehicle purchase taxes
• Replacement of the vehicle
• Compensation for the lost value of the vehicle