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When buying a new car, all you think about is how much you will love pulling up to the office in comfort, or how you and your family will now be able to take road trips along the California coast.
Never in a million years did I ever consider that I would be struggling to get your car out of repair shops and struggling to get from point A to point B without breaking down.
However, reality dealt me an unexpected hit. I ended up with a lemon car. Yes, that car that I was excited to depend on, turned out to be a complete nightmare.
The initial excitement rapidly diminished as problems started to occur, and defects manifested themselves over and over again. I found myself dealing with electrical issues, and a series of inconveniences that affected both the usability and value of my vehicle.
Once I discovered the Lemon Law, I realized that I had options. I discovered that I had legal rights to face this challenging situation.
I started researching consumer protection laws in California and found out that there was a legal process to recover my money and remove that car.
Now, let me tell you how I fought to reclaim my money and free myself from that defective car.
From New Car To Seeking The California Lemon Law
I was excited to buy my first brand-new car. I went to a dealership and found the perfect vehicle that fits my needs and budget. I will admit that I got caught up in the moment and I didn’t do my research, but I trusted my salesman and he said that if anything would go wrong, I have a warranty that covers the repairs.
Everything seemed promising, but soon I discovered that the car wasn’t running right and that every time it would get wet (car wash, the 10 times it rains in Southern California….), the locks would activate randomly. At first I thought it was funny but then I got locked in and couldn’t get out, that’s where the trouble started.
The Electrical Issues Just Get Worse
After just a few months of this random locking problem showing up, the electrical problems escalated. I called my sales guy at the dealership and he mentioned that he had heard about some cases from other dealerships but it was nothing to be concerned about.
He made an appointment and I took my car in, and that’s where the real problems began. The locking problem was “resolved” quickly and I picked up my car. I didn’t really give it a second thought since the problem was fixed and everything seemed fine until the car turned off while on the freeway and my steering wheel locked.
I can’t describe the fear I felt as the car wouldn’t turn back on until it came to a complete stop. Once I was able to pull over without hurting my kids or anyone else, I knew that this was not normal and I needed to find a resolution.
The dealership was apologetic and gave me their word that they would fix the problem. Despite taking it to the dealership multiple times for repairs, the problems persisted without resolution.
That’s when it hit me: I had ended up with a Lemon car. It was a real bummer, to say the least. Frustration, confusion, and a lack of trust became my best friends as I was trying to figure out how to get out of this.
I Leaned On The California Lemon Law For Help
Determined not to be defeated by unfavorable circumstances, I thoroughly researched California Lemon law. I discovered that I had legal rights and options to seek a solution. I contacted the manufacturer and notified them of the issues I was facing, keeping a detailed record of all interactions.
I understood the importance of supporting my claims with solid evidence and seeking legal advice when necessary. Despite obstacles and evasive responses, I persisted in defending my rights and recovering my investment.
Every phone call, email, and letter sent was a step closer to resolution. I gathered key evidence, such as repair records, invoices, and mechanics’ testimonials, to support my case.
The process seemed simple at first, but as I went deeper into the process, I had to come to terms with the fact that I needed help, legal help from a Lemon Law lawyer who knows about these cases inside and out.
How My Lemon Law Lawyer Helped My Case
I met with my Lemon lawyer and he reviewed all the documentation I had. Once he reviewed the manufacturer’s unsatisfactory response, he decided to take further action and filed a claim with the Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board (VMB).
During this process, my lawyer presented my case in detail, backed by strong documentary evidence and witness testimonies that corroborated the recurring problems I faced with the car.
My lawyer suggested we take the arbitration route since he had success with the process in the past. The arbitration experience proved to be fair and impartial, providing the opportunity to present my situation and seek an appropriate resolution.
From Arbitration to Getting My Money Back
Filing a claim with the VMB, supported by evidence and testimonies, confirmed my car was a Lemon. My lawyer was able to get me a full refund on my car purchase and out of pocket repair expenses.
I’m not going to lie, it was a sigh of relief to know that my car was a lemon and that the legal system was able to protect me when I needed it.
This time around I did do my research and looked for car manufacturers with very little recalls or Lemon Law cases.
I walked away from this experience learning that seeking help from the law is an option and to always do my research.
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