California Auto-Related Debt Claims - 2 Types:

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, APLC can help you to resolve these claims on a contingency fee basis.

What is an 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 the vehicle is sold.
• Deficiency Judgments: In cases where a repossessed or surrendered vehicle doesn’t cover the full 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: If your vehicle is towed or stored due to violations or accidents, you could accumulate debts for these services.

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

What If You Have Auto-Related Debt?

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 full 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? 

Insurance Company Claims Against You – this is called “Subrogation”: Accidents happen and sometimes you don’t have insurance to cover it. What happens is 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 a lot of 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 case 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.

Featured Case Results

• September 21, 2023: Client’s debt was reduced by 100%! In a collection lawsuit in the amount of $12,337.00 that was DISMISSED! After our attorney fees and costs of $2,560.00, client’s net savings amount was at least $9,777.00 (Westlake Financial Services vs Client Case No. 30-2022-012636XX-CL-CL-CJC – Orange County)
• July 26, 2023: Client’s debt was reduced by $6,736.00! In a collection lawsuit in the amount of $9,236.00, that was settled for $2,500.00. After our attorney fees and costs of $940.00, client’s net savings amount was at least $5,796.00 (Autovest LLC vs Client Case No. 34-2023-003378XX-CL-CL-GDS – Sacramento County)
• June 2, 2023: Client’s debt was reduced by $6,479.00! In a collection lawsuit in the amount of $10,979.00, that was settled for $4,500.00. After our attorney fees and costs of $1,008.00, client’s net savings amount was at least $5,471.00 (Ford Motor Credit Company, LLC vs Client Case No. CVPS22037XX – Riverside County)
• April 14, 2023: Client’s debt was reduced by $10,046.00! In a collection lawsuit in the amount of $11,046.00, that was settled for $1,000.00. After our attorney fees and costs of $1,116.00, client’s net savings amount was at least $8,930.00 (Lobel Financial Corp. vs Client Case No. 23CV-00XX – Kings County)
• April 12, 2023: Client’s debt was reduced by $37,785.00! From a judgment against our client in the amount of $47,785.00 that was settled for $10,000.00! After our attorney fees and costs of $3,900.00, client’s net savings amount was at least $33,885.00 (State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance vs. Client Case # 30-2014-007323XX-CU-IC-CJC – Orange County) 

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, APLC website, or the information contained within the website, should be construed as ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.

Repossessions: There is a strict statutory code that all auto lenders must follow in order to repossess your auto and pursue any additional amounts due. They don’t always get it right. We can assist you at any stage of the process 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 now the bank is coming after you for more, we can help. Whether they are just harassing 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, APLC can get results and 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 properly finalize your settlement.  That is what hiring Fitzgerald & Campbell, APLC as your lawyer does for you.

Being Harassed By A Collector Or Repo Man?

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

Suggested Reading:

• Auto Debt is a Major Concern for Many Consumers after COVID
• Auto Loan Delinquencies & Collections Lawsuits Increasing Against Millennials