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Auto Related Debt

Santa Ana Auto-Related Debt Lawyer 

Helping California Residents Navigate Auto-Related Debt

If your car has been repossessed and the bank is after more, OR if you were in an accident and an insurance company is after you because you didn’t have enough insurance coverage (or even no insurance), Fitzgerald & Campbell can help you resolve these claims on a contingency fee basis.

Are you dealing with auto-related debt in Santa Ana? Call Fitzgerald & Campbell today at (844) 431-3851 or contact us online so we can help you navigate your options and protect your future!

What is Auto-Related Debt?

Auto-related debt claims typically refer to debts or claims associated with automobiles. This could encompass various financial obligations linked to owning or using a vehicle.

Here are some common types:

  • Auto Loans: These are debts acquired to purchase a vehicle. When you take out a loan to buy a car, you owe money to the lender and must make regular payments until the loan is paid off.
  • Leases: Similar to loans, leasing involves monthly payments for using a vehicle, but you don’t own the car at the end of the lease term. However, you might still be responsible for certain damages or fees when returning the leased vehicle.
  • Insurance Claims: If you're involved in an accident or your vehicle gets damaged, insurance claims can result in debts or claims. This can include claims for repairs, medical expenses, or compensation for damages caused by accidents.
  • Repossessions: If you default on an auto loan or lease, the lender might repossess the vehicle. This can lead to claims for outstanding payments, repossession fees, or potential lawsuits for the remaining balance after selling the vehicle.
  • Deficiency Judgments: In cases where a repossessed or surrendered vehicle doesn’t cover the total amount owed, the lender might pursue a deficiency judgment, requiring you to pay the remaining balance.
  • Mechanic’s Liens: Unpaid repair bills can result in a mechanic placing a lien on the vehicle, which means they have a legal claim on it until the debt is paid.
  • Towing and Storage Fees: You could accumulate debts for these services if your vehicle is towed or stored due to violations or accidents.

These auto-related debts or claims often involve legal and financial consequences, impacting credit scores and financial stability and potentially leading to legal actions if not addressed properly.

The Implications of Auto-Related Debt and How to Manage Its Impact

Having an auto-related debt can have various implications depending on the specific situation and the type of debt involved:

  • Impact on Credit Score: Missing payments or defaulting on auto-related debts, such as car loans or lease payments, can significantly impact your credit score. This affects your ability to secure future loans or credit at favorable terms.
  • Repossession: If you default on an auto loan or lease, the lender may repossess the vehicle. Repossession can lead to a negative mark on your credit report and potentially result in the remaining loan balance or fees if the sale of the vehicle doesn’t cover the total amount owed.
  • Legal Actions: Lenders or creditors might pursue legal action to recover the outstanding debt. This could result in a lawsuit, judgment, or wage garnishment to collect the owed amount.
  • Negative Financial Consequences: Defaulting on auto-related debts may lead to additional fees, penalties, or increased interest rates, further complicating your financial situation.
  • Difficulty Obtaining Future Credit: A history of defaulted auto-related debts can make it challenging to secure loans or credit in the future. Lenders may view you as a higher-risk borrower, potentially offering loans with higher interest rates or denying credit altogether.
  • Creditors Selling the Debt: In some cases, creditors might sell the debt to collection agencies. These agencies may aggressively pursue repayment, impacting your credit score and potentially engaging in frequent contact attempts.

However, it's important to note that there are ways to address auto-related debts and mitigate their impact. Communicating with lenders or creditors, exploring refinancing options, negotiating payment plans, or seeking professional financial advice are steps that can be taken to manage or resolve auto-related debts before they escalate into more severe consequences.

What If I Have an Auto Accident and No Insurance? 

When an insurance company makes a claim against you, it is called "subrogation." Accidents happen, and sometimes you don’t have insurance to cover it. The other party’s insurance pays them under their UNINSURED MOTORIST policy. That Insurance Company then comes after you, as the responsible party, for reimbursement. That is called a “Subrogation” claim.

You need to know your rights in these types of cases. If you don’t, it can cost you much money AND EVEN YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE! Again, admit nothing and demand proof! Fitzgerald & Campbell, APLC is so confident that it can save you money that we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis (so long as no lawsuit has been filed yet). The contingency fee means you pay no fee unless we settle the claim against you.

Don’t let auto-related debt take control. Contact Fitzgerald & Campbell today to schedule a FREE consultation with our Santa Ana auto-related debt attorney!

Featured Case Results

  • October 15, 2024: Client’s debt was reduced by $4,761.00! From a judgment against our client in the amount of $9,761.00 that was settled for $5,000.00! After our attorney fees and costs of $1,370.00, client’s net savings amount was at least $3,391.00 (Nationwide Insurance vs. Client Case # 30-2022-012805XX-CL-PA-CJC – Orange County)
  • August 30, 2024: Client’s debt was reduced by $5,035.00! From a judgment against our client in the amount of $12,035.00 that was settled for $7,000.00! After our attorney fees and costs of $1,200.00, client’s net savings amount was at least $3,835.00 (Lobel Financial Corp. vs. Client Case # 37-2013-000599XX-CL-BC-CTL – San Diego County)
  • July 11, 2024: Client’s debt was reduced by $17,991.00! In a collection lawsuit in the amount of $43,767.00, that was settled for $25,776.00. After our attorney fees and costs of $3,840.00, client’s net savings amount was at least $14,151.00 (Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC  vs Client Case No.34-2021-003026XX-CU-CL-GDS – Sacramento County)
  • February 20, 2024: Client’s debt was reduced by $13,736.00! From a judgment against our client in the amount of $49,736.00 that was settled for $36,000.00! After our attorney fees and costs of $3,920.00, client’s net savings amount was at least $9,816.00 (Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC vs. Client Case # 09CP09XX – Los Angeles County)
  • February 21, 2024: Client’s debt was reduced by $4,252.00! In a collection lawsuit in the amount of $10,252.00, that was settled for $6,000.00. After our attorney fees and costs of $2,160.00, client’s net savings amount was at least $2,092.00 (Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC vs Client Case No. 22CECL057XX – Fresno County)

See more results here

DISCLAIMER: Every case is different. Results depend on the unique law and facts of each case. Fitzgerald & Campbell, APLC makes no guarantees or warranties about the outcome of any particular matter or case. The Fitzgerald & Campbell website, or the information contained within the website, should be construed as ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.

Safeguarding Your Rights During Repossession and Deficiency Claims

If you're facing repossession or deficiency claims, it’s important to understand your legal rights and options. Here's how we can help:

  • Repossessions: All auto lenders must follow a strict statutory code to repossess your auto and pursue any additional amounts due. They don’t always get it right. We can assist you at any process stage and save you considerable sums. Do not make a bad situation worse; get some legal advice before you make any decisions. Remember, the lender is not on your side. They are in business to make money. Know your rights.
  • Deficiency Claims/Lawsuits: If you have already lost the car and the bank is coming after you for more, we can help. Whether they harass you for money or have sued you, we can settle it for less than you owe. Do not believe what they are saying is correct. Admit nothing and demand proof! Fitzgerald & Campbell can get results at very little expense to you. Imagine being able to hire a lawyer on a contingency fee basis to settle non-litigation claims being made against you. We can and will negotiate a settlement you can live with, make sure everything has been done correctly, and adequately finalize your settlement.  That is what hiring Fitzgerald & Campbell, APLC, as your lawyer, does for you.

Protect Yourself from Harassment

You don’t have to take the abuse from anyone trying to collect money or assets from you. If you are experiencing harassment, call Fitzgerald & Campbell today at 855-709-5788 or email info@debtorprotectors.com to learn your rights and how to protect yourself.

Suggested Reading:

Get the help you need with auto-related debt. Contact Fitzgerald & Campbell today to explore your legal options.

Real Client Results

Conquering Your Mountain of Debt Since 1992
  • $1,043,087.06 settled for $492,701.56 Individual
  • Client Saved $27,433.00! UGH, I LLC.
  • $535,175.56 was settled for $375,000.00 Madison 65 Co
  • Client’s debt was reduced by $314,811.00! National Continental Insurance Company
  • $263,963.17 JUDGMENT VACATED! Los Angeles County Superior Court

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Fitzgerald & Campbell, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "Great help from the start!"
    Fitzgerald & Campbell were a great help from the start. Seeking their legal help for dealing with debt collectors was the right decision. The process was simple and straightforward, reducing my stress greatly for a reasonable price. Highly recommend!
    - C.M.
    "Clarity and prompt communication."
    We were involved in a tricky sister-state judgment case from a vehicle accident in Nevada. Several attorneys were stumped, but Fitzgerald & Campbell provided clarity and prompt communication to vacate the judgment. The case is now dismissed without prejudice. Highly recommended.
    - E.C.
    "Fitzgerald & Campbell is Truly Praiseworthy"

    I was in a difficult and stressful situation. I was sued and served over an old personal loan.
    Fitzgerald & Campbell helped me to settle and lowered the judgment amount in less than a month.
    This firm is outstanding and they care about their clients.
    Thank you, Ms. Patricia Mendez for being so passionate and so helpful about my case.
    Now, am stress free.
    Fitzgerald & Campbell is a truly praiseworthy and highly recommended firm.
    Thank you.

    - E.A.
    "You Are All Amazing"

    Thank you very much, Ma'am for the immediate help.

    You are all amazing!🙏🙏🙏

    - E.A.
    "Friendly hand to get you out."
    Dealing with a judgment and wage garnishment, Fitzgerald & Campbell explained my options to settle and guided me through the paperwork. They handled all communication with the creditor, negotiating a settlement I could afford. They extend a friendly hand to get you back on your feet.
    - S.J.
"I've walked in your shoes! Let me do for you what I learned to do for myself." - Gregory M. Fitzgerald, Managing Partner