Are you the owner of a Toyota vehicle that keeps having the same issue, even though you’ve taken it to back to the dealership several times? Unfortunately, it sounds like you’ve ended up with a lemon, which is a term used to describe a warranty-backed product that keep breaking down from the same defect. As a result, your car is unsafe to drive, or is significantly reduced in value compared to what you paid for it.
So, what are your rights if your Toyota turns out to be a lemon? Can you return the vehicle and receive compensation from the manufacturer? That depends on your ability to meet the requirements set forth by the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, better known as the California lemon law. To ensure that you are in compliance with the law, we will go over the steps you must take before your vehicle can be classified as a lemon.
This information is meant to provide you with a basic sense of the legal process. However, filing a lemon claim in California is quite complicated, so please consult one of our attorneys for a more detailed explanation of your legal options.
1. Get your Car back to the Dealership as soon as you can.
The warranty that came with your vehicle is an essential element of your right to compensation under the state’s lemon law. We know life gets busy and it’s all too easy to put off scheduling a repair appointment when something goes wrong with your car. However, it’s essential to notify the manufacturer of a defect with your vehicle while your warranty is still active. Taking the car back to the original dealership is the easiest way to accomplish this goal. To ensure that your rights are protected, do not make any repair attempts on your own or take your vehicle to an unauthorized repair center.
2. Give the Manufacturer Enough Chances to Fix your Car.
What does this mean? For most defects, you should allow the dealership at least 4 repair attempts. However, the manufacturer only gets two chances to fix serious safety issues, like brake failure, tire separation, defective air bags, and malfunctioning seat belts. On the other hand, if your car has spent over 30 days at the repair center for the same warranty-covered defect, you can proceed with a lemon claim, in spite of the number of repair attempts.
3. Keep all forms of Evidence that can Support your Claim.
To succeed in a Toyota lemon law complaint, you will need solid evidence of your car’s on-going issues, as well as the dealership’s inability to fix your vehicle. Keep and organize all forms of documentation, such as the warranty, lease / purchase agreement, invoices, receipts, and purchase orders. You should also gather evidence of out of pocket costs, like rental car services, towing fees, and medical bills if you were injured due to your car’s defect. If you have emails, letters, DMs, or any other form of communication with the manufacturer or dealership, make sure to save those as well.
4. Call an Experienced Lemon Law Attorney.
Finally, you’re at the point where you can finally lemon your Toyota and receive the compensation you deserve from the manufacturer. You start researching the process for how to file a California lemon claim and realize that’s it’s more complicated than you had imagined. Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Most lemon owners feel the same way, and the best solution is to reach out to a lemon law lawyer who can guide you through the process. When you contact us, we’ll explain the legal actions that are available to you, as there is more than one way to proceed with a lemon claim. Then, we will file the necessary paperwork, contact the manufacturer, and fight for the damages you are entitled to. For a free case review with a Los Angeles lemon attorney, contact us at your earliest convenience.
Restitution for Toyota Lemon Owners
A successful lemon lawsuit against the manufacturer will compensate you for the damages you’ve incurred as a result of the issues with your vehicle. The main portion of your settlement is a full refund of what you paid for your car or a new replacement vehicle. There are conditions that apply to either of these options, which you should know about in order to decide on the compensation that’s right for you.
Along with a refund or a replacement vehicle, you are entitled to out of pocket expenses that are related to your car’s reoccurring defect. If the defect was extremely serious, you may have been injured in an accident. If so, a lemon law attorney at our office can help you seek damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage. To ensure that you receive every penny of the settlement you deserve, please take some time to meet with us for a free case evaluation.
How much is a California Lemon Lawsuit Worth?
When it comes to a lemon case in California, there’s no such thing as an “average” settlement value. The best we can say is that most claims fall between $15,000 to $60,000 on the lower end, while high value claims may be worth anywhere from $150,000 to $500,000. However, the total amount of your damages may exceed these ranges based on your personal circumstances. We understand how important it is to have a sense of what your claim is worth, which is why we invite you to come and see for a free consultation.
Average Length of Time to Settle a Toyota Lemon Claim
Along with questions about the value of their case, lemon claimants generally want to know how long it will take to settle their lawsuit. As with case values, there is no average number that we can apply to the settlement process for Toyota lemon claims in general. Sometimes, we can settle a client’s case in 30 to 60 days, while others take 6 to 8 months. The most complicated lawsuits (those involving injuries from an accident, for example), will likely take over a year to resolve.
Free Second Opinion
Perhaps you’re in the middle of a lemon lawsuit, but you’re not happy with the lack of time and attention from your attorney. Sadly, it’s quite common for attorneys to promise you the moon when they want to sign on that dotted line. Once you do, they are unavailable any time you call them, and you’re frustrated by the lack of movement in your case. If you have concerns about an active Toyota lemon claim, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are happy to provide you with a second opinion on your case, which will allow you to make an informed decision regarding your rights and legal options. This is a free, no-obligation consultation, so there’s nothing to lose by speaking with a lemon law expert at our law firm.
How long do I have to Sue Toyota for a Defective Vehicle?
As you are probably aware, the courts set strict deadlines on how long you have to pursue a legal action against another individual or entity. If you have a valid lemon law case against Toyota, you have 4 years to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer. However, most consumers are confused about the date on which the statute of limitations begins. This will depend on various factors, including the terms of your warranty (you may have more than one) and the type of lemon claim you are filing. To ensure that you have the correct information, please contact us to discuss your case with one of our attorneys.
Help from a Lawyer Experienced in California Lemon Law Cases
No one expects to be stuck with a lemon when they drive off the dealership lot with their new Toyota. If you are one of the unfortunate consumers who have found themselves in this position, know that the lawyers of Guardian Lemon Law are here for you. We are ready for the challenge of recovering your payment and bringing you justice for the losses you’ve suffered.
No matter where you are in the claims process, don’t wait to take that first step of reaching out to us at our office. Our lemon law attorneys are ready to meet with you and take immediate action on a lemon case on your behalf. As for our legal fees, that gets covered by Toyota, so you pay nothing to retain our services. On top of that, we provide you with a Zero fee guarantee so that you are not responsible for any of our expenses if we don’t win your case.
To learn about your rights and get started on a lemon claim for a defective Toyota, contact us right away to schedule a free case review.
