If you’ve purchased or leased a defective vehicle in California, you may be eligible for relief under the California Lemon Law. However, a lemon law attorney will need specific information and documentation during your free consultation to determine if you have a strong case.
Essential Documents to Bring to Your Free Consultation
At Shainfeld Law, our Los Angeles lemon law attorneys make the process as simple as possible. To help you prepare, here’s what we typically need from you to assess your case and get started on the path to compensation.
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Vehicle Purchase or Lease Agreement
We need a copy of your purchase or lease contract to verify your eligibility under the California Lemon Law.
This document provides key details such as:
- Vehicle make, model, and year.
- Purchase or lease date.
- Warranty terms and expiration date.
- Purchase price and financing details.
Since the Lemon Law applies to vehicles sold or leased with a manufacturer’s warranty, this document is crucial for determining your rights.
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Repair Orders and Service Records
One of the most critical factors in a Lemon Law claim is whether the manufacturer has made multiple unsuccessful repair attempts.
We need to review all repair orders, invoices, and service records, including:
- Dates of repair visits.
- Description of the reported defect.
- Dealership or repair facility notes.
- Any parts replaced or work performed.
Your vehicle may qualify as a lemon if the same issue persists despite multiple repair attempts.
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Warranty Information
Since California’s Lemon Law applies only to defects that arise during the warranty period, we will need a copy of your manufacturer’s warranty.
This helps us determine:
- Whether the defect is covered.
- If repairs were attempted within the warranty period.
- How long do you have to file a claim?
If you don’t have a copy of your warranty, we can often obtain it from the manufacturer.
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Communication with the Manufacturer or Dealership
If you’ve contacted the manufacturer, dealership, or repair center about the defect, we need records of these interactions, such as:
- Emails or letters discussing your complaints.
- Any responses from the manufacturer or dealer.
- Notices about recalls or repair programs.
These records help demonstrate that you’ve taken steps to resolve the issue before pursuing legal action.
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Mileage and Vehicle Usage Details
Lemon Law protections extend to vehicles used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes.
We may ask about:
- Current mileage on the vehicle.
- When the defect first appeared.
- Whether the issue affects daily use or safety.
Even if you use your vehicle for business, you may still qualify depending on the circumstances.
What Happens After the Consultation?
Once we review your documents, we will:
- Determine if your vehicle qualifies under the California Lemon Law.
- Explain your legal options, including compensation, vehicle replacement, or a buyback.
- Handle all communication with the manufacturer on your behalf.
At Shainfeld Law, we have a 99% success rate and resolve most cases in as little as 60 to 90 days. If you believe you have a lemon, contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.