Legal Question in Appeals and Writs in California

Bring your evidence with you when you go to small claims court, and give it your best shot. You can have the police officer testify as a witness, as well.

Retaining a lawyer will cost you much more than the $400. Even if you get a retired one like me who charges very little, you can anticipate that just getting the information about what happened and reviewing the paperwork will take at least one hour. Chase will give anyone the run around for several hours. There might be, if you are extremely lucky, $100 or so left for you to get. You can sue them in Small Claims Court yourself; they will probably appeal any decision against you but you have a chance. If there is any provision that you or they are permitted to collect attorney fees from the other side, if you have a winning case, you might get someone to handle the case, but that will be very difficult. There may also be a clause that any dispute must be arbitrated and you have to pay half the cost; arbitrators charge at least $300 per hour.

Sorry, but the justice system does not work well with small cases.