Pomona, CA asked in Car Accidents, Civil Rights and Probate for California

Q: Hello I need help with a civil law suit but I need a lawyer that does pro Bono work I can't afford a lawyer

I was at work when my car was hit by a parked car the driver stated he was going 40 mph fell a sleep at the wheel woke up hit a parked car behind me then the car behind me hit me from behind and I hit the car in front of me from behind I just found out my car is a total loss and the was my only transportation to and from work and to take my kids to school i won't see no money because it will go to my car company and I want to sue the people for the loss of my car that I was financing my insurance company won't pay for for the damages and the person who caused the accident said their insurance doesn't cover for the damages either all they can do is reimburse me for the rental car I've been paying for out of my pocket. What should I do

2 Lawyer Answers
Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered
  • Consumer Law Lawyer
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Sorry to hear that you are in this situation. Without a personal injury of some kind, few personal injury/property damage attorneys will assist you on a contingent fee because the claim has too little money involved. But that is not the end of the story. You can file for yourself in Small Claims court with a damage maximum of $10,000.00. It is designed to be done without attorneys. BUT that does not mean that you don't prepare to present your case to the judge by providing AN ORGANIZED FOLDER of all the paper showing the amount of your damages, and the amount that you are actually out of pocket. Remember, you are also entitled to the loss of use of the vehicle, in addition to any other out of pocket cost, this means a replacement rental vehicle. It is not clear what you mean that the money will go to your "car company." Is this a rental? If so, you need to just replace it with a new rental. If you have to put up money to do that, it would be damages. Unlikely you will find someone to take this for free when you have the small claims option.

1 user found this answer helpful

Dale S. Gribow
Dale S. Gribow
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Palm Desert, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: CONSIDER HANDLING YOURSELF IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT.

IT IS PROBABLY TO SMALL FOR A LAWYER TO TAKE ON A CONTINGENCY AND THAT MEANS YOU WOULD HAVE TO PAY A LAWYER ON AN HOURLY.

YOUR AUTO INS SHOULD BE DEALING WITH THIS AND THEN THEY SUBROGATE.

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