do i need a lemon law attorney

February 12, 2025

Steven Nassi

Do I Need a Lemon Law Attorney?

If your car keeps breaking down despite multiple trips to the repair shop, you might be wondering if you need a Lemon law attorney. If your car’s problems persist and the manufacturer isn’t fixing them, a Lemon law attorney can help you fight for a refund, replacement, or cash compensation, often at no cost to you. Lemon law is designed to protect consumers from being stuck with defective cars, but taking on the process alone can overwhelm and stress you out. That’s where an experienced attorney comes in.

A Lemon law attorney specializes in helping consumers understand and enforce their rights when they’ve purchased or leased a defective car. They evaluate your case, handle legal paperwork, negotiate with the manufacturer, and, if necessary, take the case to court to ensure you get fair compensation. You may need a Lemon law attorney if your car has had repeated repairs for the same issue if it’s spent a significant amount of time in the shop, or if the manufacturer is denying your claim.

At Easy Lemon we have the experience and legal knowledge to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys specialize in Lemon Law and have successfully helped countless drivers win their claims. Don’t let a faulty car disrupt your life any longer. Schedule a free consultation today.

This post will cover why you need a Lemon law attorney, what they do, and how they can help you with your lemon law claim. It will also cover what to expect when working with them and a little overview of Lemon Law.

What Does a Lemon Law Attorney Do?

What Does a Lemon Law Attorney Do?

A Lemon law attorney specializes in helping people who’ve been stuck with defective cars. If your car qualifies under Lemon Law, an attorney will handle the entire process for you, from reviewing your case to negotiating with the manufacturer.

The first step a Lemon law attorney will take is to evaluate your case to determine whether your car qualifies for a lemon law claim. The attorney will review your car’s repair history, looking at how many times it has been in the shop, how long the repairs have taken, and whether the same issue keeps coming back. Next, if your car meets the Lemon law requirements, they will file a claim on your behalf, handling all the necessary paperwork so you don’t have to worry about missing deadlines or making errors.

Most cases are resolved through negotiation, meaning the attorney will work directly with the manufacturer to secure a refund, replacement, or cash settlement for you. If the manufacturer refuses to cooperate, the attorney can take the case to court, making sure you get the compensation you deserve. Lastly, throughout the process, they will keep you informed, explain your options, and handle the legally important part so you can focus on getting back on the road.

Benefits of Hiring a Lemon Law Lawyer

Lemon law claims can be complex, with specific legal requirements and deadlines that vary by state. A seasoned attorney knows the ins and outs of these laws and can help you avoid common mistakes that could weaken your case. They’ll also help you understand your Lemon law rights under lemon law.

Furthermore, hiring an attorney also means better results. Car manufacturers often push back against claims, hoping consumers will give up. But an experienced Lemon law attorney understands their tactics and knows how to fight back, whether through negotiation or in court. The best part? Most Lemon law attorneys don’t charge upfront fees. In some states, manufacturers are responsible for covering attorney fees in successful cases, meaning you get professional legal help without any financial risk.

Another major benefit is that an attorney can speed up the process. Without legal representation, manufacturers may drag things out for months. A lawyer keeps the pressure on them to resolve your case as quickly as possible, so you don’t have to deal with endless delays. Conversely, cases can also be drawn out because your lawyer is fighting for a fair settlement. So, it goes both ways, and it’s important that you are aware.

When to Hire a Lemon Law Attorney

When to Hire a Lemon Law Attorney

Dealing with a defective car is exhausting, and getting the manufacturer or dealership to take responsibility can feel impossible. That’s where a Lemon law attorney comes in. But when should you get one involved? Here’s when hiring a lawyer makes sense.

If You Are Facing Multiple Failed Repair Attempts

If your car has been in and out of the shop for the same issue multiple times, it’s a strong sign that you need a Lemon law attorney. Repeated repair failures indicate that the problem isn’t going away, and Lemon Law is designed to protect you in situations like this.

Repeated repair failures strengthen your Lemon law case. If the manufacturer has had multiple chances to fix the issue but hasn’t, the law may entitle you to a replacement, refund, or cash settlement. The key is to make sure that necessary documentation is available. So, every time you bring your car in for repairs, keep copies of all work orders, invoices, and communication with the dealership. These records are important and prove that the defect persists despite a reasonable number of repair attempts, which is exactly what a Lemon law attorney needs to build a strong case. Attorneys at Easy Lemon can help organize this documentation and strengthen your claim.

When You’re Not Sure if Your Case Qualifies

Not every car issue qualifies under Lemon law, but many do. If you’re unsure whether your car meets the legal requirements, consulting a Lemon law attorney is the best way to find out. There are several factors that determine whether your car is a “lemon.” Generally, the defect must be significant enough to affect its safety, value, or ability to function properly.

The number of repair attempts also matters. if your car has been in the shop too many times for the same issue or has spent a significant amount of time out of service, it may qualify. Even if your car is used, you might still be protected under Lemon Law if it’s under the manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re unsure whether your used car qualifies, this guide explains everything you need to know.

When the Manufacturer Denies Your Claim

It’s common for manufacturers to reject Lemon law claims, even when the car clearly has defects. If this happens, don’t take “no” for an answer; this is exactly when a Lemon law attorney can help.

An attorney knows how to challenge the denial and fight for the compensation you deserve. Manufacturers often deny claims hoping consumers won’t push back, but a lawyer understands the legal process and won’t let them get away with it. Whether it’s gathering additional evidence, negotiating a better settlement, or taking the case to court if necessary. Additionally, an attorney will help you file a Lemon law claim and get you the best chance of winning.

If You Face Pushback From the Dealership

Some dealerships try to dodge responsibility by telling customers there’s nothing they can do. They might claim the defect isn’t covered, the car doesn’t qualify, or that the problem isn’t serious enough. This kind of pushback can be frustrating, but you don’t have to accept it. A Lemon law attorney knows the dealership’s legal obligations and can force them to take your case seriously.

When You’ve Experienced Delays in the Process

If your case is dragging on with no resolution in sight, a Lemon law attorney can speed things up. Manufacturers and dealerships sometimes stall, hoping you’ll give up. They might delay responses, avoid communication, or take their time processing your claim.

Your attorney will make sure deadlines are met, paperwork is filed correctly, and the process moves forward as quickly as possible. Delays can also hurt your case if they push you past legal deadlines, so getting an attorney involved early can prevent unnecessary setbacks.

When You Don’t Want to Deal with Court

Many people worry that hiring a Lemon law attorney means they’ll have to go to court. The good news is that most Lemon law cases are settled before it ever gets to that point.

A lawyer will handle negotiations with the manufacturer on your behalf, working to secure a fair settlement without litigation. And if the case does end up in court, your attorney takes care of everything, so you won’t have to argue your case or handle legal proceedings alone.

Lemon Law Basics

California’s Lemon Law Basics

Lemon Law protects consumers who have purchased or leased a defective car that the manufacturer can’t repair after a reasonable number of attempts. Lemon law requires manufacturers to either replace the faulty car or provide a refund if the defects substantially affect its safety, value, or usability. It also ensures that consumers have legal recourse if manufacturers fail to uphold their warranty obligations.

To qualify for a Lemon law claim, your car must meet certain conditions. Generally, the law applies if:

  • Your car is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
  • The manufacturer or dealership has made a reasonable number of repair attempts for the same issue after being notified.
  • The defect affects the car’s use, value, or safety.
  • Your car has spent an extended amount of time in the shop for repairs.

This eligibility criteria is also called the Lemon law presumption. So, the law presumes that a reasonable number of repair attempts has been made if, within 18 months of delivery, or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first, one or more of the following occurs:

  • You have taken the lemon vehicle in for repair by the manufacturer or its agents:
    • Four or more times for the same problem and it still is not fixed, or
    • Two or more times for the same problem, if that problem is big enough to cause death or serious injury, and it still is not fixed, or
  • The vehicle has been out of service for repair for more than 30 days (not necessarily in a row).

One of the biggest advantages of Lemon Law is that it provides additional protections compared to other states. In most cases, if you win your claim, the manufacturer is required to pay your attorney’s fees. This means you can get legal help without worrying about out-of-pocket costs

What to Expect When Working With a Lemon Law Attorney

What to Expect When Working With a Lemon Law Attorney

As has been covered, the process usually starts with a free consultation, where you’ll provide details about your car and its repair records history. The attorney will then review your case, determine if you qualify, and explain your options. If your case moves forward, they’ll handle all the paperwork, negotiations, and legal proceedings.

In addition, most Lemon law cases are resolved in a few months, but the timeline can vary depending on how cooperative the manufacturer is. The important thing is that once you have an attorney, you don’t have to worry about dealing with the manufacturer yourself.

How Much Does It Cost to Have an Attorney Represent You?

In most cases, Lemon law attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they don’t charge upfront fees. Instead, the manufacturer pays the attorney’s fees if you win your case. This allows you to pursue claims without financial risk.

The cost of hiring an attorney can vary by state, but consumer protections make it one of the best places to file a Lemon law claim. In addition to that, you can also find out how Lemon law attorneys get paid.

Need Help Navigating the Lemon Law Process?

Dealing with a defective car can be frustrating, but you don’t have to handle it alone. If you’re wondering whether you need a Lemon Law attorney, the answer often comes down to whether your car’s problems persist despite multiple repair attempts. A skilled attorney can evaluate your case, handle the legal process, and negotiate with the manufacturer to ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. It could be a refund, a replacement, or cash settlement. Best of all, the manufacturer typically covers your attorney’s fees, so there’s no risk in getting expert help.

At Easy Lemon we know how stressful car troubles can be, and we’re here to fight for you. Our experienced attorneys have helped countless drivers successfully resolve their Lemon law claims. Contact us today for your free case evaluation.

steven nassi profile img

About The Author

Steven Nassi

Steven P. Nassi is the Founder and Managing Partner of Easy Lemon. A seasoned attorney with nearly 25 years of experience, he has handled some of the most high-profile and complex cases in the country. Steven has litigated in state and federal courts in various fields, including consumer protection, construction, insurance, engineering, finance, cyber and more. His reputation is built on skillfully navigating the legal landscape and achieving favorable outcomes for clients.

Read More about Steven Nassi

Car Problems? Qualify & Get Paid

We handle everything—at no cost to you. The manufacturer pays your legal fees.