When a car turns out to be a liability instead of a reliable vehicle, it’s more than just an inconvenience, it can be a safety risk.
In California, the Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who unknowingly purchase defective vehicles. But what happens when those defects cause an accident or injury?
This guide breaks down how California Lemon Law intersects with personal injury claims and why knowing your rights can make a big difference. Whether you’re dealing with recurring repairs or recovering from an injury caused by a vehicle malfunction, understanding your legal options is essential.
What Is the Lemon Law in California?
California’s Lemon Law protects consumers who buy or lease vehicles that turn out to be defective. Officially known as the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, it ensures that manufacturers stand by their products.
It allows consumers to seek a refund or vehicle replacement if the car has a significant defect that persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts. The law applies to new and, in some cases, used vehicles still under warranty.
These defects may go beyond inconvenience. If a safety-related issue causes a crash, it could also lead to a personal injury claim.
What Is Covered Under the Lemon Law?
The law applies to vehicles used for personal, family, or household purposes that are under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Covered issues typically include:
- Defective brakes or steering
- Engine or transmission failures
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Safety hazards like airbag failures
If the problem affects the vehicle’s use, value, or safety, it may qualify. For drivers injured in a crash caused by such defects, this opens the door for additional legal remedies through vehicle safety defect lawsuits.
What Qualifies for Lemon Law in California?
To qualify, several conditions must be met:
- The vehicle must have been purchased or leased in California.
- It must be covered by a valid manufacturer’s warranty.
- The defect must be reported to the manufacturer or dealership.
- The manufacturer must have had a reasonable opportunity to fix the issue—usually at least two or more repair attempts for serious safety issues or four attempts for other problems.
If the defect persists, the vehicle may legally be considered a “lemon.” And if the defect causes an accident, a personal injury claim could follow.
Lemon Law vs. Personal Injury Claims
The Lemon Law and personal injury cases are not the same, but they often connect.
Say a faulty brake system wasn’t fixed properly, and it leads to a crash that injures the driver. In this situation, the driver may have two claims:
- A lemon law claim to return or replace the defective vehicle.
- A personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In these complex cases, working with a lemon law attorney can help navigate both legal tracks and maximize your compensation.
Legal Help and Lawsuit Funding for Lemon Law & Injury Cases
Navigating both lemon law and personal injury claims in California can be challenging, especially if your injuries prevent you from working or your bills keep piling up.
That’s where legal help and lawsuit funding come in.
Legal funding is a financial resource available to plaintiffs with active claims. Companies like Fund Capital America offer pre-settlement funding so you can cover everyday expenses while your case progresses. It’s not a loan, you only repay if your case is successful.
If you’re pursuing compensation under California’s Lemon Law or filing a personal injury claim, pre-settlement funding can help bridge the financial gap.
What Are the Consumer Rights Under Lemon Law?
In California, consumers are entitled to:
- A replacement vehicle or a full refund
- Reimbursement for repair costs, registration, and taxes
- Compensation for attorney’s fees if you win the case
- Protection from retaliation by the dealer or manufacturer
If your vehicle’s defect also caused an injury, you may be eligible for additional damages through a vehicle safety defect lawsuit.
Don’t overlook these rights. Many consumers don’t realize the protections they’re entitled to under California law.
What You Should Know
Understanding the lemon law in California is the first step toward protecting yourself from defective vehicles and possible injuries they cause. If you’re facing high repair costs, time off work, or mounting medical bills, don’t wait to explore your legal options.
With the right lemon law attorney, you can pursue both a lemon claim and a personal injury lawsuit when applicable. And with lawsuit funding from trusted providers like Fund Capital America, you can access the financial support you need during the legal process.
Need legal funding while you wait for your settlement? Apply now with Fund Capital America and take control of your recovery.
