At Shainfeld Law, P.C., our Modesto metro area lemon law attorney knows that when California residents purchase a vehicle, they expect the dealership to provide accurate and truthful information about the car’s condition.
Unfortunately, some dealerships may misrepresent the condition of a vehicle, leading buyers to purchase defective or damaged cars unknowingly. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to understand your rights and the legal protections available to you under California’s Lemon Law.
Here, our Central Valley lemon lawyers explain those rights and how we can help enforce them.
What Constitutes Dealership Misrepresentation in California?
Misrepresentation occurs when a dealership provides false or misleading information about a vehicle’s condition, history, or features.
This can include:
- Falsifying the vehicle’s accident or damage history.
- Withholding information about known defects or mechanical issues.
- Selling a vehicle, previously a lemon or a rental car, without disclosing its history.
- Advertising a vehicle with features it doesn’t have, including certain safety features or missing upgrades.
If a California dealership misrepresents the condition of a vehicle you purchased, California law provides strong protections to help you seek justice. By understanding your rights and working with our experienced attorney, you can hold the dealership accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve for their deceptive practices.
What Legal Protections Do California Residents Have Against Dealership Misrepresentation?
If a California dealership misrepresented a vehicle’s condition, you may be protected under several legal avenues.
They include:
- California’s Lemon Law: If the misrepresented vehicle has ongoing defects and qualifies as a “lemon,” you may be eligible for compensation, including a buyback or replacement, under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act.
- The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: This federal law provides additional protections if the vehicle has a warranty. If the dealership failed to honor the warranty or concealed critical information about the vehicle’s condition, you may have grounds for a claim under this act.
- Breach of Contract: The dealership’s misrepresentation may constitute a breach of contract. If the dealership fails to deliver on the terms of your purchase agreement, you may be entitled to compensation or a refund.
- Fraud: If the dealership knowingly lied or withheld information about the vehicle’s condition, they could be liable for fraud. In fraud cases, you could seek compensation for the purchase and damages for the financial and emotional distress caused by the misrepresentation.
If you suspect a California dealership of misrepresenting the vehicle you bought or leased, gather all documentation related to the vehicle, including the sales contract, warranty information, inspection reports, and any communication with the dealership. This evidence will be crucial in building your case.
Contact Our Experienced California Lemon Law Attorney at Shainfeld Law, P.C.
Dealership misrepresentation cases can be complex, and having a knowledgeable attorney is essential. Our Stanislaus County lemon lawyer can help. Contact our experienced Modesto metro area lemon law attorney at Shainfeld Law, P.C., today by calling 888-609-2593 or request a free consultation online to learn more about your rights as a California consumer and pursue a legal remedy that fits your needs.
When you work with our experienced California lemon law attorneys, we will aggressively pursue your claim against the manufacturer. In 99% of cases, we secure a successful outcome, and the manufacturer is required to cover all your legal fees—meaning you pay nothing out of pocket. If we are not successful, you still won’t owe us anything.