How Individual Arbitration Works
Your auto lender buried an arbitration clause in your contract to protect themselves. We use that same clause to fight for you — faster, cheaper, and more effectively than a lawsuit.
What Happens After You Contact Us
Free Case Review
You submit your situation through our intake form. Kelly Pride, Esq. personally reviews your loan documents and explains your options.
Demand Letter Sent
We send a formal demand letter to your lender. Many lenders settle at this stage to avoid the cost and exposure of arbitration. If they don't, we file.
Arbitration Filed
We file your individual arbitration claim with the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or JAMS. Federal law often requires the lender to pay the filing fees.
Discovery & Preparation
We gather evidence, review your loan file, and build your case. Unlike class actions, your case is individual.
Hearing or Settlement
Most cases settle before a hearing. If not, an independent arbitrator hears your case and issues a binding award. The process typically takes 6–12 months.
Resolution
If your matter is resolved in your favor, Pride Law Office takes its fee from the recovery. Pride Law Office does not charge upfront attorney fees for accepted contingency matters. Consumers may be responsible for applicable arbitration filing fees. Any potential costs will be explained before representation begins.
Why Individual Arbitration Wins
| Factor | Individual Arbitration | Class Action |
|---|---|---|
| Your recovery | Individual — full amount owed to you | Shared pool — often $50–$200 per person |
| Timeline | 6–18 months | 3–7 years |
| Your involvement | Minimal — we handle everything | Minimal — but you wait years |
| Filing fees | Lender often required to pay | Covered by class counsel |
| Your attorney | Dedicated to your case | Represents thousands of plaintiffs |
| Opt-out required? | No — we file directly | Yes — or you're bound by the settlement |
Laws That Protect You
Requires lenders to clearly disclose all loan terms, fees, and the true APR. Violations can result in actual damages, statutory damages up to $2,000, and attorney's fees.
Prohibits abusive, deceptive, and unfair collection practices. Violations can result in actual damages, up to $1,000 in statutory damages, and attorney's fees.
Prohibits unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices (UDAAP) by financial institutions. The CFPB enforces this law against auto lenders.
Most states have additional consumer protection statutes that provide remedies beyond federal law, including treble damages and enhanced attorney's fee awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
Pride Law Office does not charge upfront attorney fees for accepted contingency matters. Consumers may be responsible for applicable arbitration filing fees. Any potential costs will be explained before representation begins.
What if my loan is paid off or my car was repossessed?
You can still have a valid claim. Many violations — like undisclosed fees or deceptive terms — occurred at origination and are actionable regardless of your current loan status.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Statutes of limitations vary by law and state, typically 1–4 years from the violation. Do not wait — contact us now for a free evaluation before your window closes.
Will this affect my credit?
Filing an arbitration claim does not affect your credit score. In fact, if your lender has been reporting inaccurate information, a successful claim can result in credit corrections.
What if I signed an arbitration agreement?
That's exactly what we use. The arbitration clause in your loan contract is the mechanism we use to file your individual claim. It works in your favor.
How much could I recover?
It depends on the violations and your specific loan. Recoveries range from a few hundred dollars for FDCPA violations to tens of thousands for TILA violations or wrongful repossession.
Start with a Free Case Review
Submit your free case review. Kelly Pride, Esq. will personally evaluate your situation and explain your options.