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.

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!