We just completed an analysis of two months of suits filed by Nextgear Capital, Inc. in Hamilton County, Indiana. Nextgear filed 127 cases. Of those cases, only 9 defendants hired an attorney. Six hired an assortment of other attorneys, and three hired us. Only seven percent of Nextgear defendants hired an attorney. Of the cases where attorneys weren't hired, Nextgear started moving for default judgments roughly 6 weeks after the suits were filed. We believe that ultimately, Nextgear will move for default judgments in all the cases where they received service of process but where the defendant didn't answer the complaint or file an answer.
This analysis reaffirms our conclusion that it it is imperative for a dealer sued by Nextgear to hire an attorney and answer the complaint. Simply by hiring an attorney, you place yourself in the top 10% of defendants, and you take yourself off of the fast track to judgment. I believe that no matter what attorney you choose, you are likely better off than not hiring an attorney t all. I believe, however, that Keith Hagan and I have the most experience in handling defense claims to Nextgear cases. We have attempted to price our services so that dealers can afford them. Call us at 317-662-4529 if you are sued by Nextgear Capital, Inc.
