For the 500,000+ residents of Fresno, CA, owning a reliable vehicle borders on necessity. As a result, locals feel the frustration of taking home a Lemon of a vehicle more than most. Fortunately, Fresno’s Lemon Laws require auto manufacturers to compensate consumers who’ve purchased Lemons.
When you purchase a warrantied vehicle that has a significant defect or defects, our Lemon Law attorneys can help. If your car meets the definition of a Lemon, the manufacturer must accept the return of the vehicle in exchange for a refund or a replacement. Alternatively, car companies may attempt to settle the matter by writing you a check.
However, to meet the legal definition of a Lemon, your car’s defect(s) must be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. They must also substantially impair the car’s use, value, or safety. And the defect(s) must persist after you’ve provided the car company with a reasonable number of attempts to repair it.
If that sounds like your car, the Lemon Law can protect you from further frustration. However, filing a claim and seeing it through can be a confusing process. But with the help of Fresno Lemon Law attorneys like our team at Krohn & Moss, Ltd., it doesn’t have to be. Let us worry about your Lemon so you can get back to focusing on the things you really care about.
If you think you have a Lemon, schedule a FREE consultation today!
What Vehicles Are Covered under Lemon Law in Fresno?
The California Lemon Law dictates which vehicles are eligible for Lemon Law protections here in Fresno. The law applies to both new AND used cars. However, the car’s defect(s) must be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty at the time of the first failed repair attempt to qualify. Thus, the law only protects used car purchases for relatively new models.
To be eligible for protections under the Lemon Law in Fresno, the vehicle must also meet the following requirements:
- The vehicle’s gross weight must be less than 10,000 lbs.
- The vehicle must be purchased or leased within the state of California (there are exceptions for active members of the military).
- The vehicle must NOT be owned by a person or company that has more than 5 vehicles registered in California.
The Lemon Law in Fresno also covers motor vehicles other than cars and trucks. Vans, SUVs, RVs, and even motorcycles are protected under the law if they meet all of the definitions of a Lemon.
When Can You Make a Lemon Law Claim in Fresno?
In Fresno, vehicles are presumed to be Lemons if the manufacturer fails to repair an eligible defect after a reasonable number of attempts. The law offers three definitions of what qualifies as a “reasonable number” of repair attempts:
- At least 4 repair attempts for any single defect;
- At least 2 repair attempts for any significant safety defect; OR
- 30 days cumulative days where the vehicle has been out of service for repairs, regardless of the number of defects or repair attempts.
The law also states that you must file a claim within 18 months or 18,000 miles of the original purchase date. However, at Krohn & Moss, Ltd. we successfully represent many clients who come to us after these deadlines have passed. To do so, we simply turn to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, commonly known as the Federal Lemon Law.
So don’t assume that your vehicle won’t qualify as a Lemon. If you’re unsure whether you’ll qualify, take our 60-Second Lemon Test or reach out to us for a free case evaluation.
Types of Defects Frequently Seen in Lemon Law Claims
Our team has seen all manner of vehicle defects over the decades we’ve spent filing Lemon Law claims. Below are some common defects of electric cars, gas powered, and hybrid vehicles that can qualify a vehicle as a lemon.
Traditional Motor Vehicles
- Electrical Problems
- Transmission Problems
- Stalling
- Brake Defects
- Suspension Mechanism Issues
- Air Bag Defects
- Computer Defects
- Steering System Issues
- Engine Failure
- Diminished Acceleration
Hybrid/Electrical Vehicles
- Braking System Issues
- Computer Issues
- Inability to Hold a Charge
- Software Malfunction
- Electrical System Issues
- Control Panel Defects
What Compensation Can You Receive for a Lemon?
If you file a successful Lemon Law claim in Fresno, California, there are various forms of compensation you may receive from the vehicle manufacturer. These include:
- A replacement vehicle
- A refund of the purchase price (less a deduction for the time you used the car before issues arose)
- A cash settlement
If you win your Lemon Law case, the manufacturer will also be required to pay your attorneys’ fees. Thus, it’s always in your best interest to reach out to an experienced attorney, like our team here at Krohn & Moss, Ltd., to help you fight for your rights.
Krohn & Moss, Ltd. – Your Fresno Lemon Law Lawyers
If you have a Lemon, we want to help you collect the compensation you deserve. With over 25 years of experience taking on car companies, Krohn & Moss, Ltd. knows precisely what it takes to prevail. Whether you’re unsure if your vehicle qualifies under Lemon Law or you simply don’t know where to start to file a claim, our attorneys are here to help.
Why Choose Us
Our Lemon Law lawyers in Fresno, CA have over 50,000 success stories nationwide.
- We Prevail in More than 99% of the Lemon Law Cases We Take on
- We Have 25+ Years of Experience Turning “Lemons” into “Lemon-Aid”
- Our Law Office Responds to All Inquiries within 24 Hours
- We Always Seek Maximum Compensation for Our Clients
Our team has helped 10,000 Californians collect fair compensation for their defective vehicles. So, if you find yourself stuck with a lemon, contact us today to schedule a free case review with one of our Lemon Law attorneys serving Fresno, CA.
Additional Resources
You can learn more about the Lemon Law in California by visiting our other pages on the topic: