Our Kennewick Repossession Attorneys Defend Your Rights

With Ben Franklin Transit's options like Fixed Route Bus Service, Dial-A-Ride, CONNECT, and General Demand Services, you can get around the Tri-Cities area pretty well. However, the truth is you need a vehicle in Benton County. So, losing your car to repossession is not a great option for most people in our area.

Fortunately, you have legal options when you receive a repossession notice, which our attorneys can help you explore. We'll review your case and help you find legal ways to remediate the situation and get your financial health back on track. Finally, our attorneys will help you keep your vehicle.

The Tri-Cities area offers an abundance of unique attractions that are often best enjoyed by car. Whether you're visiting the renowned Columbia Park, taking in scenic views along the Yakima River, or exploring the wine country in nearby Benton City, a vehicle is often the best way to experience everything the Tri-Cities region has to offer. For those who love outdoor activities, a car is essential for reaching destinations like the Snake River or the stunning Horse Heaven Hills. Plus, with a car, you'll have the freedom to explore local museums and festivals, all of which make the Tri-Cities the best place to live in Washington state.

Whether you love taking in the spectacular views at Badger Mountain, exploring historic downtown Pasco, or going to the Gesa Carousel of Dreams, you need a car to get there. If you're facing repossession, our attorneys can help. Contact our legal team now to schedule a free consultation. We'll review your case and explore all your legal options to get you back behind the wheel.

Call our Kennewick lawyers now to schedule a free consultation.

What To Do If You Receive A Repossession Notice In Benton County

If you receive a notice of repossession, you must act fast! The sooner you act, the more options you will have to keep your vehicle. Here is what to do:

1. Take A Deep Breath: Repossession is more common in the Tri-Cities than you think. Do not worry. You have options. So try to relax and just focus on how you will remediate the situation.
2. Review The Notice Thoroughly: Carefully read the repossession notice to understand the details, including the reason for repossession, the amount owed, and any deadlines for action.
3. Understand Your Rights: Washington state and US federal laws protect the rights of debtors like you during repossessions.
4. Contact Your Vehicle's Loan Provider: Immediately reach out to your lender to discuss possible remediation solutions, such as loan reinstatement, restructuring, or repayment plans. Open communication can sometimes prevent the repossession process from proceeding.
5. Schedule A Free Consultation With An Attorney: Speak with our skilled Kennewick attorneys who handle repossession cases. We will review your situation, help you understand your legal options, and consider potential defenses.
6. Consider Legal Debt Relief: If you're facing repossession because of financial hardship, consider legal debt relief like bankruptcy to ease your debt burden.

Taking these steps right away gives you the best chance of resolving your case fast. No matter what your circumstances, always contact an attorney in Kennewick who specializes in repossessions. They will protect your debtor's rights.

Can I Get My Vehicle Back After Repossession?

In Washington state, you can get your vehicle back after repossession, depending on your financial circumstances. One option is to reinstate the vehicle loan by paying the past-due amount, late fees, and any repossession costs. However, to reinstate the vehicle loan, you will need the approval of your creditor. Contact them to learn if they would be open to the restatement. If they are, you can get your car back as soon as you pay them.

Another option is to pay off the entire loan balance, including interest and all repossession-related fees, before the lender sells it. Although more expensive than reinstating the loan, paying off the balance guarantees you regain full ownership of the vehicle.

If the lender is planning to sell the vehicle, you are entitled to notice of the sale, which includes details about the sale process and deadlines. You may also attend the auction or sale to bid on the vehicle.

Does Bankruptcy Stop Repossession In Washington State?

If you are facing financial hardship and cannot cover the costs of reinstatement or redemption, legal debt relief through bankruptcy may be an option. Whether you file your bankruptcy under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, filing bankruptcy triggers a legal order called the automatic stay, which stops all debt collection activities, including vehicle repossession. If you think bankruptcy is the right option, speak to our qualified Washington state bankruptcy attorneys.

Can A Creditor Take My Vehicle By Force In Kennewick?

In Kennewick, Washington, a creditor can repossess your vehicle if you defaulted on your loan, but they cannot use force. Under Washington state law and federal regulations, repossession must not "breach the peace." This means creditors cannot physically harm you, threaten violence, or damage property during the repossession process. Washington state and federal laws also prohibit them from breaking into locked garages or taking the vehicle in a way that causes a public disturbance. If a debt collector violates any laws, you may have grounds to sue for damages or seek the return of your vehicle.

When you work with our Kennewick repossession attorneys, we review your case and make sure the debt collector follows the law. If not, we will pursue legal action against them to protect your rights.

What Is Wrongful Repossession?

Washington state requires repossessions to be peaceful and lawful. Additionally, federal laws like the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) protect consumers from abusive or deceptive repossession practices. When a creditor or repossession agent violates these laws, the Washington state courts consider it wrongful repossession. Here are some examples of wrongful repossession in Kennewick:

• A repossession agent takes your vehicle when you are not in default or have paid off the loan.
• A creditor fails to provide the required notices under Washington state law, such as the notice of intent to repossess or sell the vehicle.
• A repossession agent breaks into a locked garage or private property without your permission to retrieve the vehicle.
• A creditor and repossession agent threatens you, hurts you, or damages your property during the repossession.
• The creditor misrepresented or lied about your obligations under the loan agreement.
• The repossession agent refuses to return your personal belongings from the vehicle.
• The creditor repossessed your vehicle while you are actively disputing the debt.
• The creditor sold the repossessed vehicle without giving you proper notice of the sale.

In any of these cases, you must speak to a Kennewick repossession attorney immediately to review your case and protect your rights. If you are a victim of a wrongful repossession, you have the legal right to seek compensation for your damages.

1. Consult With A Kennewick Repossession Lawyer: Work with a repossession attorney to review the facts of your case. They can determine if there were debtor rights violations, such as improper notice or a breach of peace, and explain your options for legal recourse.
2. File A Complaint Against The Creditor: You can report wrongful repossession to both the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Washington State Attorney General's Office. These regulatory bodies oversee creditor practices and can investigate your claims under state and federal laws.
3. Negotiate With The Creditor: Your attorney can contact the lender to demand the return of your vehicle, negotiate the reversal of wrongful fees, or secure a financial settlement for your losses.
4. File A Lawsuit For Damages With The Benton County Courts: If the repossession violated Washington state laws or the FDCPA, you can file a lawsuit to recover compensation for financial damages, emotional distress, and punitive damages if applicable.
5. Seek Injunctive Relief: In cases where the creditor continues to act unlawfully, Benton County Courts can issue an injunction to stop further repossession attempts or related misconduct.

As it falls under both Washington state and federal law, fighting wrongful repossession is highly complex. This is why it is immensely important that you work with the most experienced lawyers in Kennewick. With over 30 years of experience, our attorneys have helped Washingtonians like you fight wrongful repossession. Contact us now to fight for your vehicle.

Benton County's Repossession Attorneys Are Here To Help

Attorneys at our Kennewick law office are standing by to help you tackle repossession issues. We serve the entire Tri-Cities area, including Pasco and Richland, helping all of our neighbors protect their rights. While Ben Franklin Transit is a great way to get around Kennewick, we know it is almost essential to have a car in the Tri-Cities to get to work, take the kids to school, and run errands.

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