James Duane Trujillo

In January 2024, I was involved in a serious multi-car pileup on I-35. I was the first car in a chain-reaction crash that resulted in multiple totaled vehicles—including mine—and serious injuries to others, including the driver directly behind me, who required emergency medical attention. I personall...y sustained whiplash, ongoing tinnitus that led to weeks of insomnia, and underwent life-threatening surgery that required general anesthesia. Despite the physical and logistical challenges of being without a vehicle, I attended all necessary medical appointments and submitted thorough documentation to the Trujillo Gonzalez Law Firm, whom I hired to handle my case. Unfortunately, my experience with the firm did not meet my expectations. Communication was infrequent, and I often felt left in the dark about the progress and strategy of my case. After nearly 19 months, the firm recovered a settlement amount that, in my opinion, did not reflect the severity of my pain and suffering. While I understand that outcomes vary, I had expected more clarity, responsiveness, and advocacy throughout the process. In July 2025, I was invited to the firm’s office to receive my final settlement check. Present at the meeting were Mr. Trujillo, Mr. Gonzalez, Mrs. Verich (my primary point of contact), and Mr. Gilpatrick. I personally found the atmosphere tense and uncomfortable. Mr. Gonzalez and I exchanged prolonged eye contact, while Mrs. Verich often looked down or away from me. I interpreted this dynamic as awkward and unsettling. What concerned me most was a comment made during the meeting suggesting the firm might have lost money on my case. While I understand that law firms face financial considerations, hearing that—after 19 months of uncertainty—left me feeling disheartened. Before this meeting, I had written a draft review expressing my dissatisfaction. I offered Mr. Trujillo an opportunity to respond to it, at which point he pointed directly at me and sternly warned that I would be sued if I posted it. I found this gesture and comment unprofessional and deeply surprising, especially coming from someone I had hired to represent me. I accepted the check and left the meeting quietly, without further incident. In hindsight, this entire meeting could have been avoided if the check had simply been mailed. I ultimately chose not to publish the original review due to the tone of that meeting, but I believe it’s important to share my honest experience now, respectfully and factually. Overall, I did not feel consistently supported or represented during the legal process. I would encourage others to explore multiple legal options before selecting a firm—particularly if consistent communication and advocacy are priorities for you. My personal experience felt unsatisfying, at times confrontational, and disappointing in terms of professionalism. I sincerely hope other clients have a better experience than I did.

Update 1/27/25 - see picture!!! Mr. Trujillo was my lawyer. Was sent a threatening letter in the mail over this google review. Maybe that’s how they had 5 stars before. Just sue or threaten to sue anyone who had a bad experience and was taken advantage of. My case was taken advantage of by James ...Trujillo. Felt like I was screwed over during my case and now I am in law school and truly have realized Trujillo’s firm took advantage and did everything to line their own pockets. They do not care about fighting to make you whole - but about making as much money for themselves as possible. When a law firm boasts about making it so that you guys get the same amount of money from settlement, run away. Still haunted by the medical bills he told me would be reduced and unnecessary procedures from the doctors he sent me to “to build a case”.