Frequently Asked Questions
How much do you charge?
Contingency
We take a vast majority of our cases on contingency, which means we don’t get paid unless you win. Call us for more details on how this works.
Pro-Bono
Some of our clients qualify for pro-bono representation, which means the client will not be charged for attorney fees.
Hourly Rate
We generally don’t take hourly rate cases because we believe if a case is not good enough to take on contingency, it’s not good enough to take at all. If you really want to pay a lawyer an hourly rate, we would be happy to give you a referral.
Do you charge for consults?
No. We do not charge for consultations, and we’re happy to discuss your issues over the phone. Most of the time you can discuss your case with one of our attorneys the first time you call.
When should I call?
The sooner the better. We are happy to help you make decisions from the first signs of something going wrong, even if we never end up representing you. Talking with an attorney early on can help preserve your claim against the dealer.
Can I just ask you a quick question?
Yes. We will answer your question and not charge you for the phone call.
Can I pay you just to send a letter for me?
No. We only represent clients when we are 100% committed to seeing the case through until the end. However, there are many attorneys who are willing to enter into such limited representation. You can call our office for a referral if you would like.
I bought my car “as is”. Does that mean I don’t have a case?
Although the answer depends on what exactly you signed at purchase, generally “as is” does not mean you can’t bring a case against the car dealer. Even if the dealer is selling the car “as is”, it still must disclose any material defects it knows or should have known about. Please refer to our blog post for more details.
I signed an arbitration clause. Can I still sue them?
Most dealers have purchasers sign an arbitration agreement when they buy a car. If you have a problem with your purchase, some dealers will say “you can’t sue me, I have an arbitration clause.” While it is correct that you likely cannot sue them in court, you can sue them in arbitration. Arbitration is similar to a court proceeding, but is more informal. Instead of a judge, you typically have an experienced attorney or retired judge deciding your case. Instead of going to a courthouse, your case is typically heard in a conference room. Arbitration is not a barrier to receiving your remedy, and it should not stop you from pursuing your claim.
The dealer called me to sign new paperwork. I thought I was financed?
If you bought a car and are being called back to sign a new contract a few days later, you are probably experiencing yo-yo financing. Yo-yo financing is not inherently illegal, but the dealer does have to follow certain rules. When you signed your contract with the dealer, that contract was likely contingent on a bank buying your loan. If the dealer could not sell the loan, the terms of the loan probably need to change to be approved. If the dealer wants you to sign a new agreement with different terms, you have the right to return the car, have your down payment and/or your trade in returned, and walk away from the deal. Under the law, the dealer has 14 days to secure financing. If financing does not happen in those 14 days, you have the same right to a refund and to walk away from the deal.
How long does the whole process take?
It varies. A lot. It can be anywhere from a few weeks to well over a year before your case is resolved. The majority of these cases resolve in less than 6 months, but if the dealer defends a case to its fullest it could go through arbitration or trial and there is a possibility of an appeal.
Does Oregon have a 3 day right of rescission on cars?
No. Please see our blog post for details.
Dealer sold me a car without a title. Isn’t that illegal?
Believe it or not, in Oregon car dealers can sell you a car without even having the title. However, they are required to produce the title within 25-30 days of purchase (depending on the situation). If they cannot meet that deadline, the dealer is required to mail you (or send via SMS) a written notice within 25 days informing you that the title is delayed. Then they get 90 days to deliver the title. Please call us if the dealer failed to meet any of these deadlines.
I bought a car from a private party. Can you help?
No. We sue car dealers, not individuals.
I bought a car in Washington. Can you help?
Our attorneys are only licensed in Oregon, so we can only represent you if the dealer reached out to you to induce you to make the purchase out of state.