Mountain View, CA Auto Fraud Attorney | Undisclosed Water Damage & Mold Case Win
Consumer Action Law Group recovered $46,000 for client J. Lopez after Allison Bavarian DBA BMW of Mountain View sold a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Supersport with undisclosed water damage and mold in the vehicle’s trunk in Mountain View, CA.
What Happened to Lopez?
Our client purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Supersport from BMW of Mountain View in June 2023, relying on the dealership’s assurances that the vehicle had been inspected and had no issues. Approximately five months after the purchase, our client noticed a foul odor coming from the car and discovered significant water intrusion and mold growth in the vehicle’s trunk. The damage was severe enough that our client would not have purchased the vehicle had the dealership disclosed it upfront.
How Did Consumer Action Law Group Resolve This Case?
After being retained, Consumer Action Law Group sent a formal demand letter to BMW of Mountain View asserting violations of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act — the state law that prohibits dealers from misrepresenting a vehicle’s condition or quality — and demanding rescission of the contract, a full refund, and attorney’s fees. When the matter was not resolved at the demand stage, our firm filed suit in Santa Clara County Superior Court, naming both the dealership and its insurer as defendants. The case was ultimately resolved through a negotiated settlement, with the dealer agreeing to retrieve the vehicle and pay our client $46,000, including all fees and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are my rights if a car dealer sells me a vehicle with hidden water damage or mold in California? California law prohibits dealers from misrepresenting a vehicle’s condition, history, or quality. If a dealer sold you a car with undisclosed water damage or mold, you may have the right to rescind the contract, recover a full refund, and receive compensation for out-of-pocket expenses and attorney’s fees. The California Consumer Legal Remedies Act is one of the primary laws that protects consumers in this situation, and an auto fraud attorney can help evaluate your claim at no upfront cost.
Can I get my money back if I bought a car with water damage or mold the dealer didn’t disclose? Yes — in many cases, California consumers can pursue a full contract rescission and refund when a dealer sells a vehicle with concealed flood or water damage. In this case, our client recovered $46,000 after BMW of Mountain View failed to disclose significant water intrusion and mold in the trunk of a 2018 Chevrolet Camaro Supersport. Outcomes vary by case, but California’s consumer protection laws give buyers meaningful remedies when dealers conceal material defects.
How long does an auto fraud lawsuit take to resolve in California? Many auto fraud cases in California settle within several months to about a year, depending on the complexity of the dispute and how quickly the dealership responds to legal pressure. Some cases resolve at the demand letter stage, while others require litigation before the dealer agrees to negotiate. Consumer Action Law Group works to achieve the fastest possible resolution without sacrificing the recovery our clients deserve.
Does Consumer Action Law Group charge upfront fees for auto fraud cases? No. Consumer Action Law Group handles auto fraud cases on a contingency basis — our clients pay nothing upfront. If California consumer protection laws apply to your case, attorney’s fees are typically recoverable from the dealer, which means you can pursue justice without any out-of-pocket legal costs.
How much can I recover if a dealer sold me a car with undisclosed water damage in California? The amount you can recover depends on the purchase price, financing costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and the strength of the fraud claim. In this case, our client recovered $46,000 from BMW of Mountain View, including compensation and attorney’s fees, after the dealership sold a vehicle with hidden water damage and mold. California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act also allows for punitive damages in egregious cases, which can increase the total recovery.
Did a Car Dealer Defraud You? We Can Help.
Consumer Action Law Group has helped hundreds of California consumers recover money from dealers who misrepresented, concealed, or failed to disclose vehicle defects. If you purchased a vehicle with hidden water damage, mold, or any other undisclosed problem in the Mountain View, Bay Area, or anywhere in California, you may be entitled to a full refund and more. Contact us today — consultations are free.
