Auto Accident 101: Can You Afford An Injury Lawyer
Most car accidents are more complicated than what meets the eye. Accident victims often find themselves in a tricky situation where they are unsure how to recover the losses. Even when you have insurance, you may find yourself grappling with financial losses, lost wages, and other expenses. In such times, it may seem like an additional expense to hire an auto accident attorney, but you may end up gaining much more than you imagine.
You don’t have to worry about the fee
A family or criminal lawyer will usually bill you for each hour of work, although some may work on a flat fee. On the contrary, personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee. That means that an accident attorney can only ask for a payment when you win. When you get paid by the insurance company, the lawyer takes a fixed percentage of that amount, depending on what you had discussed initially. In other words, you don’t have to pay anything to get an attorney on board. Also, most accident attorneys will be happy to evaluate your case, for which they don’t usually charge a fee. The fee for such claims may vary, but the norm is between 30% and 40%.
Understanding the role of accident attorneys
What can you expect when you hire an injury lawyer for your car accident claim? A skilled and competent accident attorney can do the following –
- Review what your case is all about
- Investigate the accident thoroughly and gather the necessary info
- Find evidence and witnesses to add heft to your claim
- Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
- Manage all the paperwork and things related to the claims process
- Go to trial if needed
Choosing the right lawyer
Not every injury lawyer can claim that they have experience handling auto accident claims. As a client, you have to do your research and find an attorney you can trust for their expertise and work. Get references, check what clients say about a law firm, and make sure the shortlisted accident attorney is based in your city. You may want to also check whether the lawyer has been to court for injury cases. Although most auto accident claims are settled without a trial, things may move differently for you, and it’s best to be prepared than sorry.
Make a list of the best-rated auto accident attorneys now and discuss your case at the earliest.