
You bought a car to have a dependable ride, not a runaway repair bill.
If your car is still under warranty and causing more problems, California’s Lemon Law might be the legal salve you need — and the American Lemon Law Group might be the people to make it happen.
Whether your vehicle has brake issues, a perpetually stalled engine, faulty electronics, or something in between, you’re not alone. Lemon Law was designed to protect you, but the help you pick to enforce it should be carefully selected.
Hi. In today’s blog, I will be talking about California lemon law cases and how the legal update has impacted the scenario. So, if that is what you want to know, keep on reading this blog till the end, and thank me later…
Can California’s Lemon Law beat California Lemon Law Cases?
You will find some of the most consumer-friendly lemon law provisions in California compared to the rest of the nation. Suppose you purchased a car (new or used) that is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
Furthermore, a defect covered by the warranty involving the vehicle’s use, value, or safety cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. In that case, you are entitled to
- A refund
- A replacement vehicle
- Cash compensation
You don’t need to worry whether the vehicle was bought or, as in most cases, leased. It doesn’t matter if the vehicle is new or used as long as it is still under the manufacturer’s warranty.
The Lemon Law applies to new compact, full-size trucks, electric cars, and anything else on wheels. Looking for specifics? The California DMV breaks down the state’s lemon law rules in plain and simple terms.
Why the American Lemon Law Group Is The Best To Handle California Lemon Law Cases?
Let’s face it: not all legal representation is created equal. Here’s why the American Lemon Law Group is a good strategic choice for California drivers dealing with car problems: This isn’t an “add-on service” for them.
They aren’t a general law firm that just takes lemon law cases on the side; they’re a law firm that specializes in helping people with California lemon law cases.
That means they know what the manufacturers are thinking, what strategies to use in your case, and how to fight car companies for the outcome you deserve better than other lawyers.
They know what types of documentation are most important and what legal tactics car companies try to get out of California lemon law cases. You won’t have to figure it all out alone — they know the roads that must be taken.
American Lemon Law Group Keeps It Simple and Focused
The American Lemon Law Group immediately notices when drivers in California are concerned about calling an attorney because they’re worried it’ll be intimidating, expensive, overwhelming, or all of the above.
But the American Lemon Law Group approaches handling your lemon law case differently. They make it all easy for you because they:
- Provide free consultations
- Take care of the paperwork-heavy lifting
- Check in with you regularly and in many different ways
- Don’t take your case unless they feel confident that they can help you, and communicate every step of the way.
- They’ll handle the complicated stuff for you.
Key Changes to California’s Lemon Law in AB 1755
In recent years, California lemon law cases have seen a rise in filings under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
The number of cases increased from 15,000 in 2022 to 22,000 in 2023 and more than 25,000 in 2024. This increase has put pressure on the court system and slowed case resolution.
AB 1755 updates California’s Lemon Law, starting January 1, 2025. The rule about giving notice before a lawsuit begins will take effect on April 1, 2025.
1. Statute of Limitations (Section 871.21)
AB 1755 sets a new time limit for lemon law lawsuits. You must file a lawsuit within one year after your vehicle’s warranty ends. However, you cannot file more than six years after the vehicle was delivered, unless special rules apply.
For example, if you buy a car on January 1, 2020, with a five-year warranty that ends on January 1, 2025, you need to file a lawsuit by January 1, 2026.
Even if you find a problem later, you cannot file after January 1, 2026, due to the six-year limit. The time limit can be paused if the vehicle is in repair or for up to 60 days after you give notice before filing a lawsuit.
2. Pre-Suit Notice Requirement (Section 871.24)
AB 1755 aims to help manufacturers and consumers settle disputes before going to court. Starting April 1, 2025, consumers must send a written notice to manufacturers at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit for civil penalties. The notice should include:
- A request to either repurchase or replace the vehicle.
- The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- A summary of the vehicle’s repair history and the issues it has
- The consumer’s name
Once the manufacturer receives the notice, it has 30 days to respond to the request. If it does not, it could face civil penalties.
If the manufacturer decides to replace or refund the vehicle, it must complete this process within 60 days of receiving the notice.
3. Settlement Procedures (Section 871.25)
AB 1755 sets clear procedures for settling California lemon law cases, especially regarding the terms of agreements.
It introduces a Standardized SBA Release form that outlines the terms for replacement or restitution, with specific deadlines (for example, replacement or restitution must happen within 60 days of notice).
This form helps both parties understand their responsibilities and deadlines. Failure to follow this rule results in penalties.
4. Initial Disclosure (Section 871.26)
If the dispute is not resolved after the pre-suit notice is sent and the consumer decides to go to court, AB 1755 makes the discovery process easier.
Within 60 days of filing the answer or any response, all parties must share certain important documents without waiting for a discovery request. These documents include
- Warranties
- Repair orders
- Pre-suit communications
5. Mandatory Mediation (Section 871.26)
AB 1755 also requires mandatory mediation to help resolve disputes early. Within a period of 90 days of filing the answer or response, the parties must arrange for mediation to take place within 150 days.
During this time, the law puts a hold on the discovery, which is paused, except for depositions and initial disclosures, until the mediation completes.
If both parties cannot solve it through mediation, the law allows you to continue normal discovery.
6. Depositions (Section 871.26)
AB 1755 sets clear rules for depositions to make the discovery process more focused and efficient. All parties can carry out initial depositions of the defendant and plaintiff within 120 days after filing the answer or response.
Each deposition lasts two hours and covers specific topics such as
- Vehicle history
- Communications with the manufacturer
- Repairs
7. Penalties for Noncompliance with Restitution or Replacement Process (Section 871.26)
If the manufacturer cannot provide restitution within 30 days of receiving the signed release, they will incur a daily fine of $50 until both parties resolve the settlement, unless both parties consent to different conditions.
If the consumer does not act in good faith and causes delays, the manufacturer will be exempt from paying the $50 penalty. These penalties motivate manufacturers to act promptly and settle such cases.
8. Sanctions for Not Following Discovery Rules (Section 871.26)
The court will impose penalties on parties who do not follow discovery rules, unless they can show a good reason for not complying.
If a party fails to produce documents or participate in depositions, the court will fine the plaintiff’s attorney $1,500 or the defendant’s attorney $2,500.
Moreover, if the plaintiff repeatedly fails to comply, the law will dismiss the case without prejudice, and the plaintiff’s attorney will be responsible for the manufacturer’s costs.
If the defendant repeatedly fails to comply, they will face sanctions that exclude certain evidence from the trial. These measures promote timely compliance and help resolve the case faster.
Don’t Settle; Learn From California Lemon Law Cases
If you cannot trust your car, you don’t have to settle for that. California lemon law is on your side. But lemon law only helps when you put it to use — and that’s where the American Lemon Law Group is invaluable.
They have the experience, the resources, and the focus that can mean the difference between making a lemon out of your car and enjoying the justice the law entitles you to.
Take the first step. Ask questions. Get the facts. Because every mile matters — and you deserve a car, and an advocate, that won’t let you down.
Read Also:
- Kentucky’s New Car Accident Settlement Laws: How Recent Changes Affect Your Rights
- How to Know If You Need a Family Lawyer in Australia?
- What Are the Key Stages of a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
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