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If you’ve successfully won your lemon law case, you might be wondering what comes next. Understanding what happens after winning in a lemon law case, including what form of compensation you can expect to receive for your defective vehicle, can help you ensure that your legal rights are fully upheld.
Understanding California Lemon Laws
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, often called California’s Lemon Law, protects consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that fail to meet quality and performance standards. You may have a winnable lemon law case if your car has a substantial defect that can’t be fixed after several reasonable attempts. If you can prove the vehicle meets the requirements of a “lemon” under California law, the manufacturer will be compelled to take action.
The Lemon Law Victory: What Happens Next?
The vehicle manufacturer will need to take action after you win your lemon law case. Typically, they will have a specific timeframe to comply with the judgment or settlement agreement. The vehicle’s manufacturer may be required to repurchase your vehicle, replace it, or provide you with the substantial repairs necessary to bring the car up to the standards expected under warranty.
The compensation you receive can vary widely based on the specifics of your case. Generally, if you win a lemon law case, you may be entitled to one or more of the following types of compensation:
- Refund of Purchase Price: This includes the amount you paid for the car and any associated fees (like taxes, registration, etc.).
- Replacement Vehicle: In some cases, you might be able to choose a different vehicle of similar value.
- Damages for Inconvenience: If you’ve encountered significant hardships due to the lemon vehicle, you may be entitled to additional damages for your inconvenience and any related issues, such as the cost of rental car fees or lost wages.
One unique benefit of winning under California’s lemon law is that the manufacturer is usually responsible for covering your attorney’s fees. This ensures that consumers can protect their rights without worrying about the financial burden of paying for legal representation.
The Vehicle Repurchase or Replacement Process
If your case involves the repurchase of your defective vehicle by the manufacturer, the process typically begins shortly after a ruling in your favor. The manufacturer will likely inspect the vehicle and assess any damage before finalizing the buyback.
The buyback amount will depend on the vehicle’s condition and mileage. Normal wear and tear should not significantly impact your refund, but the manufacturer may try to decrease the buyback amount if the vehicle has significant damage.
After you win, the buyback process will take several weeks to complete while the manufacturer processes the necessary paperwork and payments. If you’re replacing your vehicle, the manufacturer will offer you a new car or a comparable model. Be sure to clarify which vehicle you’ll receive to make sure you’re satisfied with the replacement.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After Your Victory
After your legal victory, you should keep all documents associated with your case, including the judgment or settlement agreement. It’s important to have a record of what was agreed upon and any correspondence with the manufacturer. If the manufacturer fails to comply, you may need to consult your attorney to take further action.
Contact a Lemon Law Attorney in California
If you’ve won a lemon law case in California, you likely feel a sense of relief and closure. Should any complications arise after your victory, remember that you have legal rights protected under California law. If you need personalized assistance or have questions about your lemon law case, don’t hesitate to contact the skilled lemon law attorneys at California Consumer Attorneys, P.C.
Call 833-Lemon-Firm and speak with a case analyst today!