If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be wondering how much it will cost to hire a car accident attorney. Well, that answer depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the insurance company’s policies, and the state where the accident occurred.
However, there are some general guidelines you can follow to get an idea of how much it will cost to hire a car accident attorney. Read on to learn more about how much you can expect to pay an auto accident lawyer.
Get a Free Consultation
The first thing you need to do is get a free consultation from a car accident attorney. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so you should take advantage of this opportunity to find out more about the overall cost.
During the consultation, be sure to ask about the attorney’s fees and how they are calculated. You should also ask about other costs, such as filing fees, photocopying fees, and expert witness fees. Be sure to get all of this information in writing, so you can compare the costs between different attorneys.
Getting it in writing also gives you leverage in case you’re overcharged once the case is settled.
Contingency Fees
Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. The lawyer’s fees are usually a percentage of the total settlement, so you don’t have to pay anything upfront.
The downside of contingency fees is that they’re very expensive. For example, if you win a $100,000 settlement, the attorney’s fee may be 33 percent, which means you would owe the attorney $33,000.
Hourly Rates
Some car accident attorneys work on an hourly basis, which means you would be responsible for paying the attorney’s hourly rate for every hour worked on your case. The hourly rate varies depending on the attorney’s experience, but it typically ranges from $200 to $500 per hour.
This option is usually only available to people who can afford to pay an auto accident lawyer upfront. If you can’t afford to pay the fees upfront, you may be able to get a loan from a family member or friend.
Fixed Fees
Another option is to pay a fixed fee, which is a set amount that you pay regardless of how long it takes the attorney to settle your case. Fixed fees are typically only available for less complicated cases, such as those that don’t go to trial.
The downside of fixed fees is that you may end up paying more if your case is more complicated than expected. For example, if it takes the car accident attorney longer to settle your case, you will still owe the full fixed fee.
Should You Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
Are on the fence about whether you should hire a car accident attorney? Well, here are some situations that’ll let you know if you need legal assistance:
The Crash Caused Serious Injuries
If you’ve been in a car accident and have suffered serious injuries, then you’ll likely need to hire an attorney. This is because insurance companies will do everything they can to minimize the amount they have to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. A professional car accident attorney will know how to fight the insurance company and get you the compensation you deserve.
The Other Driver Was Underinsured or Uninsured
If the other driver was underinsured or uninsured, you’ll need to hire an attorney to help you recover damages. This is because it’s difficult to get compensation from an uninsured or underinsured driver. An experienced auto accident lawyer knows how to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company and get you the compensation you deserve.
The Accident Wasn’t Your Fault
If you weren’t at fault for the accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for the damages. However, the insurance companies will likely try to minimize the amount they have to pay. Thankfully, a car accident attorney understands how to fight the insurance company to get you the settlement you deserve.
You’re Not Sure Who Was at Fault
If you’re not sure who was at car accident fault, you should hire an attorney. This is because it’s hard to prove who was at fault in an accident. An experienced auto accident lawyer can investigate the accident and gather evidence to prove who was at fault.
The Statute of Limitations Is Almost Up
If the statute of limitations is almost up, you should hire a lawyer immediately. This is because you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. Once the statute of limitations expires, you’ll be unable to file a lawsuit and recover damages.
The Settlement Offer Is Too Low
If the insurance company has made you a low settlement offer, you should hire an attorney. This is because the insurance company is likely trying to take advantage of you. A car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate with the insurance company to get you a fair settlement.
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Get Compensated for Your Auto Accident Injuries
No matter how you pay your car accident attorney, be sure to get all of the costs in writing before you agree to anything. This will help you avoid any surprises down the road. Although the cost to pay a lawyer is steep, you need their help.
Without the assistance of an attorney, the insurance probably won’t pay enough to cover medical expenses for your auto accident injuries. Having a car accident attorney by your side will get you the compensation you deserve.
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