Lemon Lawyer In Westwood, Los Angeles, CA

When Your Car Keeps Breaking Down and the Dealer Cannot Fix It

A defective vehicle that returns from the dealer with the same problem is more than an inconvenience. It is a safety risk and a financial drain. Bufete Alpha represents Westwood drivers who are stuck with cars that stall on the 405, transmissions that jerk in stop-and-go traffic, and electrical systems that fail without warning. If the manufacturer cannot repair the defect after a reasonable number of attempts, California lemon law entitles you to a remedy.

You are not imagining the problem. Repeated breakdowns, persistent warning lights, brake failures, engine overheating, and transmission issues that come back after every repair visit are signs that your vehicle may legally qualify as a lemon. These defects put you and your family at risk every time you drive. They also cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

The dealership may tell you the problem is normal or that they need one more try. The manufacturer’s customer service line may offer you a small goodwill payment and ask you to sign away your rights. Neither of these responses is in your best interest. California law provides real remedies, including a full buyback or replacement, and Alpha Law Firm knows how to secure them.

different types of car in a garage
car covered by lemon law

Why Westwood Drivers Choose Alpha Law Firm for Lemon Law Cases

Alpha Law Firm provides dedicated personal attorney representation, a zero-cost fee model, and deep knowledge of California lemon law from its office minutes from Westwood. Every client works directly with the attorney handling their case, not a paralegal or call center.

Dedicated personal attorney. When you hire Alpha Law Firm, your case is assigned to one attorney who manages it from the initial consultation through final resolution. You speak directly with the person making legal decisions on your behalf. This is not a volume mill where your file sits in a queue. Alexander Khoubian built the firm on the principle that every client deserves individualized attention.

Zero cost to you. California Civil Code Section 1794 requires the vehicle manufacturer to pay your attorney fees when your lemon law case succeeds. Alpha Law Firm charges no upfront fees, takes no percentage of your recovery, and never sends you a bill. If your case does not result in a recovery, you owe nothing.

Local Westwood and Beverly Hills presence. Alpha Law Firm’s office at 433 N. Camden Drive in Beverly Hills is a short drive from Westwood Village, UCLA, Brentwood, and Century City. Attorney Alexander Khoubian was born and raised in Los Angeles, and the firm understands the reality of LA driving, the dependence on a reliable vehicle, and the practices of dealerships across the Westside.

Proven credentials. Alexander Khoubian earned his undergraduate degree from UC San Diego and his law degree from Southwestern Law School. He is a member of the American Bar Association (ABA), Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA), and the Beverly Hills Bar Association (BHBA). He is rated by Super Lawyers.

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What Qualifies as a Lemon Car Under California Law?

A lemon is a vehicle with one or more substantial defects covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that the dealer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, Alpha Law Firm helps qualifying vehicle owners in Westwood and throughout Los Angeles pursue a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement from the manufacturer.

Three conditions generally must be met. First, the vehicle must have a defect that substantially impairs its use, value, or safety. Second, the defect must fall under the manufacturer’s warranty. Third, the manufacturer or its authorized dealer must have had a reasonable opportunity to fix the problem and failed.

If you are experiencing any of the following, your vehicle may qualify as a lemon under California law:

Your car keeps going back to the shop for the same problem. This is the clearest sign. If the dealership has attempted to fix the same defect two, three, or four times and the problem keeps returning, your vehicle may meet the legal standard. For safety-related defects like stalling or brake failure, as few as two failed repair attempts may be enough.

a blue car parked in the yard

California’s lemon law covers new cars, used cars with remaining manufacturer warranty, leased vehicles, and certified pre-owned vehicles purchased or leased in the state. Not every car problem qualifies. A minor cosmetic issue or a squeaky visor will not meet the legal standard. The defect must be serious enough that a reasonable person would consider the vehicle significantly less useful, safe, or valuable because of it.

Common qualifying defects include: engine stalling or overheating, transmission slipping or grinding, brake failure or reduced response, persistent electrical malfunctions, battery drain, repeated warning lights, steering system failures, airbag malfunctions, and unintended acceleration. If the dealer has attempted to repair the same defect two or more times for a safety issue, or four or more times for any other covered defect, your vehicle may meet the legal threshold.

How the California Lemon Law Presumption Strengthens Your Case

The lemon law presumption is a legal standard under California Civil Code Section 1793.22 that shifts the burden of proof to the manufacturer once specific repair thresholds are met. When the presumption applies, the court assumes your vehicle is a lemon unless the manufacturer proves otherwise. Alpha Law Firm uses this presumption aggressively on behalf of clients.

The presumption applies when at least one of these conditions exists within the first 18 months of ownership or 18,000 miles, whichever comes first: four or more repair attempts for the same defect, two or more repair attempts for a defect that could cause death or serious injury, or more than 30 cumulative calendar days out of service for warranty repairs.

You may still have a valid lemon law claim even if your situation falls outside the presumption thresholds. Alexander Khoubian and the Alpha Law Firm team have successfully resolved cases both with and without the presumption throughout Los Angeles and across California.

Call us for a free evaluation with a Lemon Lawyer In Westwood, Los Angeles, CA.

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How AB 1755 Changed California Lemon Law in 2025

Assembly Bill 1755, signed into law in September 2024, introduced major procedural changes to California lemon law that took effect in two phases starting January 1 and July 1, 2025. These changes affect filing deadlines, pre-suit notice requirements, and how cases move through the legal system. Alpha Law Firm helps clients navigate these new rules so no deadline is missed.

Shorter filing deadlines. If your vehicle’s manufacturer opted into the AB 1755 framework, you now have one year from the date your warranty expires to file a lemon law lawsuit, and no more than six years from the vehicle’s original delivery date. Whichever deadline arrives first controls. These timelines are significantly shorter than the previous four-year discovery rule, which makes it critical to contact a lemon lawyer in Westwood, Los Angeles, CA as early as possible when problems arise.

Pre-suit written notice. Starting July 1, 2025, consumers who want to seek civil penalties must send the manufacturer a formal written notice at least 30 days before filing a lawsuit. The notice must include your name, the vehicle identification number, a summary of the defects, and a request for repurchase or replacement. Skipping this step forfeits your right to civil penalties.

Mandatory mediation. AB 1755 requires both sides to attend mediation within 150 days after the manufacturer files an answer. Litigation pauses until mediation is complete. If the case does not settle, discovery and trial preparation proceed afterward.

Delay penalties. Manufacturers that fail to comply with a settlement or judgment within 30 days owe the consumer $50 for every day of delay. This provision holds manufacturers accountable for dragging their feet after resolution.

Not every manufacturer has opted into the AB 1755 process. Senate Bill 26 created a voluntary opt-in framework, and most major automakers have elected to participate. If your vehicle’s manufacturer has not opted in, the older lemon law rules may still apply. Alpha Law Firm can confirm which process applies to your case and guide you through the correct steps.

What Compensation Can You Recover for a Lemon Car in California?

California lemon law provides three remedies for a qualifying defective vehicle: a full buyback refund, a replacement vehicle, or a cash-and-keep settlement. In all cases, the manufacturer also pays your attorney fees. Alpha Law Firm evaluates every case to determine which option maximizes your recovery.

Buyback refund. The manufacturer repurchases your vehicle and returns your down payment, monthly payments, sales tax, registration fees, and finance charges. They also pay off any remaining loan balance. The only deduction is a mileage offset calculated by dividing the miles driven before the first repair by 120,000 and multiplying by the purchase price. For a $40,000 vehicle driven 4,000 miles before the first repair visit, the offset would be approximately $1,333, resulting in a net refund of around $38,667 plus taxes, fees, and incidental costs.

Replacement vehicle. You receive a comparable new vehicle of equal value, free of the defect. The manufacturer covers any cost difference and reimburses incidental damages.

Cash-and-keep settlement. You keep the vehicle and receive payment for its diminished value plus expenses incurred. This option works when the defect has been mostly resolved but the car’s market value has dropped.

California lemon law also allows courts to award civil penalties of up to two times the actual damages if the manufacturer willfully violated the law. Alpha Law Firm evaluates every case for penalty eligibility and pursues the maximum recovery available.

How the Lemon Law Claim Process Works With Alpha Law Firm

The lemon law claim process with Alpha Law Firm follows four steps: document your repairs, contact the firm for a free evaluation, let your attorney take over the legal work, and receive your compensation. Most cases resolve within a few months without going to trial.

Step 1: Document everything. Every time your vehicle goes to the dealer for a warranty repair, request a copy of the repair order and invoice. Write down dates, descriptions of the problem, and the name of every person you speak with at the dealership. Even if they say nothing was found, get the paperwork.

Step 2: Contact Alpha Law Firm. Call (323) 51-LEMON or fill out the online intake form. Alexander Khoubian or a member of the team will review your repair history, warranty status, and the nature of the defect. You will get a clear answer about whether your car qualifies. The evaluation is free and creates no obligation.

Step 3: Your attorney takes over. If you have a case, Alpha Law Firm sends the required pre-suit notice to the manufacturer (when applicable under AB 1755), handles all negotiation, and pursues mediation or litigation as needed. You speak directly with your dedicated attorney throughout the process.

Step 4: Receive your compensation. Once the case resolves, you receive your buyback refund, replacement vehicle, or cash settlement. Under AB 1755, manufacturers face $50-per-day delay penalties if they do not comply within 30 days. Do not negotiate with the manufacturer alone. Their legal teams are focused on minimizing payouts, and speaking with them without representation can weaken your position. Having a lemon lawyer in Westwood, Los Angeles, CA on your side levels the playing field.

 

car covered by lemon law

Does California Lemon Law Cover Used, Leased, or CPO Vehicles?

California lemon law covers used vehicles and leased vehicles if they are still under the manufacturer’s original warranty when the defect appears. Alpha Law Firm handles lemon law cases in Westwood and Los Angeles for new, used, leased, and certified pre-owned vehicles regardless of how they were acquired.

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act is not limited to brand-new vehicles. If you purchased a used car or certified pre-owned vehicle that still had remaining manufacturer warranty coverage, and a defect appeared during that warranty period, you may have a valid claim. Leased vehicles are covered on the same terms as purchased vehicles.

The key question is whether the manufacturer’s warranty was active when the defect first appeared and repair attempts began. Even if the warranty has since expired, you may still qualify if the problem started during the coverage period. Vehicles bought through private party sales without any manufacturer warranty are generally not covered. The 2025 legislative changes under AB 1755 also clarified that used vehicle buyers must have an active manufacturer or CPO warranty to qualify.

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Why Los Angeles Drivers Trust Alpha Law Firm for Lemon Car Cases

Alpha Law Firm is headquartered in Los Angeles and specializes in representing consumers with lemon cars throughout California. Founded by Alexander Khoubian, the firm is built on direct attorney access, a high success rate, and a zero-cost model.

Your own dedicated attorney. At Alpha Law Firm, your case is assigned to one attorney who handles it from consultation through resolution. You speak directly with the person making legal decisions,  never a paralegal or intake specialist.

High success rate. Alpha Law Firm has a proven record of results for California consumers with defective vehicles. 

You pay nothing. California Civil Code Section 1794 requires the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees when your case succeeds. Alpha Law Firm charges no upfront fees, takes no percentage of your recovery, and never sends you a bill.

Local LA expertise. Alpha Law Firm understands the reality of LA driving,  the dependence on a working vehicle, the freeway commutes, and the practices of Los Angeles-area dealerships. This local knowledge strengthens your case.

Lemon Law Help Across Westwood and Greater Los Angeles

Alpha Law Firm serves as a lemon lawyer in Westwood, Los Angeles, CA and throughout Los Angeles County. Whether you bought your vehicle from a dealership on Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica Boulevard, or anywhere else in the region, the firm can evaluate your claim and represent you at no cost.

 

man discussing lemon law case

Serving Los Angeles and Every Region of California

Nuestros abogados de la Ley del Limón de California Central en Alpha Law están listos para ayudarle en toda la región. Aquí están algunas de las ciudades que servimos:
No importa en qué ciudad se encuentre, póngase en contacto con nosotros hoy mismo rellenando nuestro formulario de admisión, o llamando al (323)51-LEMON (53666).

Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Law in Westwood, Los Angeles

How much does a lemon law attorney cost in Westwood?

A lemon law attorney at Alpha Law Firm costs you nothing out of pocket. California Civil Code Section 1794 requires the vehicle manufacturer to pay your attorney fees when your lemon law case results in a recovery. Alpha Law Firm charges no upfront retainer, takes no percentage of your settlement, and never sends you a bill. If your case does not succeed, you owe zero. This fee structure means there is no financial risk to getting a free case evaluation and finding out whether you have a claim worth pursuing.

How many repair attempts make a car a lemon in California?

There is no single magic number, but California’s lemon law presumption sets clear guidelines. Four or more repair attempts for the same defect, two or more attempts for a safety-related defect that could cause death or serious injury, or 30 cumulative calendar days out of service for warranty repairs can trigger the presumption. These thresholds apply to issues that first appeared within 18 months or 18,000 miles of ownership. Even if your situation falls outside these exact numbers, you may still have a valid claim that Alpha Law Firm can evaluate.

What is the lemon law presumption in California?

The lemon law presumption is a legal rule that shifts the burden of proof to the manufacturer once specific repair thresholds are met. When the presumption applies, the court assumes your vehicle is a lemon unless the manufacturer can prove otherwise. This is a powerful tool that Alpha Law Firm uses to strengthen claims for Westwood and Los Angeles clients. The presumption is established under California Civil Code Section 1793.22 and applies to defects that arise within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles.

How long does a lemon law case take to resolve?

Most lemon law cases handled by Alpha Law Firm resolve within a few months. Simple cases with clear documentation and cooperative manufacturers may settle in 60 to 90 days. More complex cases involving disputed defects or uncooperative manufacturers can take longer, especially if the case proceeds through mandatory mediation under AB 1755. If mediation fails and the case goes to litigation, the timeline extends further. The best way to shorten your timeline is to contact an attorney early and have thorough repair documentation ready.

Does California lemon law cover used or leased vehicles?

Yes. California lemon law covers used cars and certified pre-owned vehicles that are still under the manufacturer’s original warranty, as well as leased vehicles. The defect must have appeared and repair attempts must have begun while the warranty was active. Vehicles purchased through private party sales without a manufacturer warranty are generally not covered. The 2025 changes under AB 1755 reinforced that an active manufacturer or CPO warranty is required. Alpha Law Firm in Los Angeles handles lemon law cases for all qualifying vehicle types.

What compensation can I get for a lemon car in Los Angeles?

You may receive a full buyback refund covering your down payment, monthly payments, taxes, registration, and finance charges. Alternatively, you can choose a replacement vehicle of equal value or a cash-and-keep settlement where you keep the car and receive payment for its diminished value. The manufacturer pays your attorney fees in all scenarios. Courts may also award civil penalties of up to two times your actual damages if the manufacturer willfully violated the law. Alpha Law Firm evaluates each case to determine which remedy provides the highest recovery.

How has AB 1755 changed lemon law filing deadlines in California?

AB 1755 shortened the window to file a lemon law lawsuit for vehicles from manufacturers that opted into the new framework. You now have one year from the date your warranty expires, with an absolute cap of six years from the vehicle’s original delivery date. The law also requires a written pre-suit notice to the manufacturer at least 30 days before filing if you want to seek civil penalties. These changes make it more important than ever to contact a lemon lawyer in Westwood, Los Angeles, CA promptly when problems begin. Alpha Law Firm can confirm which rules apply to your vehicle and protect your deadlines.

Find Out If Your Car Is a Lemon

You should not have to keep paying for a vehicle that does not work. If your car has been in the shop repeatedly and the dealer cannot fix the problem, California lemon law protects you. Call Alpha Law Firm today  for a free case evaluation, or fill out the form below. Alexander Khoubian and the team will review your situation and give you a clear answer, at no cost and with no obligation.

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Hable con un abogado especializado en limones