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Buying a car is a big investment. You trust that the dealer will give you all the important information about the vehicle. Unfortunately, some dealers conceal critical details, such as whether a car has a salvage title. A salvage title means the vehicle was previously damaged, often severely, and declared a total loss by an insurance company.
What is a Salvage Title and Why is it a Big Deal?
A salvage title is a warning that a car has a history of major damage, such as from an accident, flood, fire, or other serious events. California law requires dealers to disclose if a vehicle has a salvage title before it’s sold. Failure to disclose a salvage title happens when a dealer sells a car without informing the buyer of this critical information.
Buying a car with an undisclosed salvage title can lead to serious problems:
- Reduced value: Salvage vehicles are worth much less than cars with clean titles. Without disclosure, you may overpay.
- Safety risks: A car with a salvage title may have hidden structural damage or poor repairs that make it unsafe.
- Higher insurance costs or limited coverage: Some insurers refuse coverage or charge higher premiums for salvage vehicles.
- Unexpected repair costs: Salvage vehicles may require costly repairs that were not obvious at the time of purchase.
Solution
If you purchased a car that had a salvage title and the dealer did not tell you, you may have grounds to sue the dealer for auto fraud. California law protects buyers from deceptive practices and provides several remedies, including:
- Refund or return of the car: You can return the vehicle and get your money back.
- Compensatory damages: This includes the difference between what you paid and the actual value of the vehicle, plus costs for necessary repairs.
- Punitive damages: If the dealer knowingly hid the salvage title, the court may award extra damages to punish them.
- Attorney’s fees and legal costs: California law may allow you to recover the costs of hiring an attorney from a fraudulent dealer. Refer to the FAQ section below for more information on legal fees.
Proving failure to disclose a salvage title can involve reviewing repair records, insurance reports, and vehicle history reports, which is why having an experienced legal team is critical.
Why Should You Partner with Us?
At Auto Fraud Legal Center, we focus exclusively on auto fraud cases, including undisclosed salvage titles. We have the experience, resources, and track record to fight for your rights. Here’s why clients trust us:
- Extensive experience: Our attorneys have handled thousands of auto fraud cases, helping clients recover millions in losses.
- High success rate: Since 2020, we have achieved a 96% win rate, reflecting our commitment and skill.
- Client-first approach: Our clients praise our clear communication, responsiveness, and personal attention throughout the legal process.
- Full representation: We handle every aspect of your case, from investigation and documentation to negotiation and trial if needed.
With our help, you can hold dishonest dealers accountable and recover the compensation you deserve for a car that was misrepresented.
How We Investigate Undisclosed Salvage Titles
To prove that a dealer hid a salvage title, our attorneys use a thorough investigation process:
- Vehicle history reports: We review Carfax, AutoCheck, and other reports to verify whether the car had a salvage title.
- Insurance records: We investigate past insurance claims to confirm major accidents or damage.
- Dealer records and disclosures: We verify the written information provided by the dealer and determine whether they failed to disclose the vehicle’s salvage status.
- Expert inspections: Automotive experts can evaluate repairs and confirm if damage matches a total loss or salvage situation.
This process helps us build a strong case to maximize your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Vehicle history reports, DMV records, and insurance documents can reveal a salvage title. Our attorneys can help verify this and collect evidence for your case.
Yes. In California, buyers typically have three years from the date of purchase to file a claim for auto fraud. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.
Dealers are legally required to disclose salvage titles. Even if a buyer could have done their own research, failure to disclose this information still counts as fraud.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing up front. We only get paid if we win your case, so hiring us is a low-risk decision. In most cases, our legal fees and costs are paid by the car dealer. Our contingency rate on your refunded money is much, much lower than typical injury case rates.
Compensation may include a refund, the difference in car value, repair costs, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. Each case is unique, and we work to maximize your recovery.
In some cases, yes. If the dealer knowingly hid the car’s salvage title, California law may allow you to return the vehicle and receive a full or partial refund.
Take Action Today
If you bought a car with a hidden salvage title, you don’t have to accept the loss. Auto Fraud Legal Center can help you investigate, build your case, and recover the compensation you deserve. With thousands of successful cases and a 96% win rate, our team is ready to fight for your rights.
Contact Auto Fraud Legal Center today for a free consultation and take the first step toward holding the dealer accountable.
