07-10-2010, 11:44 AM
42 posts, read
81,457 times
Reputation: 30
Need a lawyer but can't afford one...
Hi all, I've been advised to get a lawyer ASAP but my financial situation leaves much to be desired...I was looking at the public defenders on the web but are there any other options I can look at in Los Angeles or should I just go with the public defender?
07-10-2010, 11:50 AM
11,612 posts, read
18,021,796 times
Reputation: 6609
The public defender is for poor people facing criminal charges that could land them in jail. Your case sounds like a civil matter. You auto insurance should defend you if you get sued.
07-10-2010, 04:03 PM
Location: NoHo (North Hollywood)
403 posts, read
593,858 times
Reputation: 208
Quote:
Originally Posted by
EscapeCalifornia
The public defender is for poor people facing criminal charges that could land them in jail. Your case sounds like a civil matter. You auto insurance should defend you if you get sued.
The problem is the auto insurance companies usually settle out of court and that could be a problem if the insurance coverage goes over the cap. For example, my friend is going through the exact same situation and the insurance wants to settle for more than the insurance covers. The insurance will ONLY pay what is covered and the rest is the car owner's responsibility.
I highly recommend getting your own lawyer to work with your insurance company's lawyer. This way, your insurance doesn't just settle and you can't afford to pay it.
07-10-2010, 04:07 PM
118 posts, read
145,601 times
Reputation: 103
Considering that you haven't been charged, let alone cited, I wouldn't worry about hiring an attorney; at least not yet. Police have asked for my phone number and my side of the story on countless occasions, but nothing ever comes of it.
07-10-2010, 04:47 PM
3,628 posts, read
2,408,852 times
Reputation: 2949
Quote:
Originally Posted by
LABornandRaised
The problem is the auto insurance companies usually settle out of court and that could be a problem if the insurance coverage goes over the cap. For example, my friend is going through the exact same situation and the insurance wants to settle for more than the insurance covers. The insurance will ONLY pay what is covered and the rest is the car owner's responsibility.
Depends if the case seems that the insured persons at fault, they will move to settle. They should open a case and deal with the others insurance company and have their investigators review reports.
07-10-2010, 07:47 PM
42 posts, read
81,457 times
Reputation: 30
Quote:
Originally Posted by
montyburns
...
I'm being accused of a hit and run, however, my car was parked and unoccupied at the time and I was in my apt when this incident took place.
My car was impounded without my knowledge and I just today received a notice of stored vehicle. They are holding it for "hit & run investigation".
I have no idea how much damage there is as I have not even seen my car yet. I have no idea of any injuries to the other party involved as I have no idea who the other party is.
It looks like I can request a hearing to see if my car was lawfully or unlawfully stored in 10 days. Since nothing like this has ever happened before I wouldn't even know if it was lawfully or unlawfully stored?
I do have a scheduled consultation with a lawyer on Monday though.
07-11-2010, 09:44 AM
Location: Bella Vista, Ark
39,715 posts, read
26,391,407 times
Reputation: 14657
Quote:
Originally Posted by
LABornandRaised
The problem is the auto insurance companies usually settle out of court and that could be a problem if the insurance coverage goes over the cap. For example, my friend is going through the exact same situation and the insurance wants to settle for more than the insurance covers. The insurance will ONLY pay what is covered and the rest is the car owner's responsibility.
No, look at it this way, if the guy has decent insurance, let the insurance company worry about settlement. Remember he says he didn't do anything wrong. Right now he can't afford decent representation he says and hasn't even been charged with anything. This isn't the time for him to be trying to find someone to defend him, when he doesn't know he will need someone.
Nita
07-11-2010, 03:28 PM
Location: Columbia, California
6,137 posts, read
9,228,361 times
Reputation: 3906
It is a great time for free consultations, if he is brought in for questioning he can always lawyer up with a known attorney.
07-11-2010, 05:09 PM
Location: SoCal
376 posts, read
382,735 times
Reputation: 312
zabala, seems you already have a lawyer but one possible resource might be Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles:
Legal Aid Foundation LA
I have no experience with them but I've heard of them for a long time. They have a single 5-star rating on Yelp but it's from someone who used to work there.
Good luck.
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