Hiring a car accident lawyer can be an excellent idea if you are involved in a car accident. A lawyer can explain the laws regarding car accidents. An attorney can also help you get a fair settlement. However, it is also wise to consider the contingency fee that a car accident lawyer charges.
Getting a Fair Settlement
Hiring a car accident attorney is crucial if you’ve been in a collision to receive a just settlement. A lawyer will ensure that your claim is handled correctly and that you receive fair compensation for your accident-related expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Although hiring a lawyer will cost you money, it is well worth it in the long run.
First, make sure you hire a lawyer as early as possible. You might need more time to sort through insurance paperwork and find an attorney like SLG Accident Attorneys when dealing with physical injuries or property damage. However, the longer you wait, the harder it will be to obtain a fair settlement. In addition, the best evidence is available at the time of the accident.
Secondly, ensure you are willing to pursue a court case if necessary. Insurance companies often take advantage of victims by offering less than what is deserved. Moreover, they may also deny your claim, resulting in lower compensation. You should retain the right to file a lawsuit if you are unsatisfied with the settlement offer you received.
It is also essential to ensure you have sufficient coverage from your car insurance company. Often, a no-fault insurance policy is not enough to cover your damages. Again, having a car accident attorney on your side can increase the chances of getting a fair settlement.
Fighting For Your Rights
Retaining an attorney is crucial if you have been involved in a car accident. It’s only sometimes in your best interest for insurance companies to provide coverage. Because they are paid by taking as much premium as they can from you and holding onto it for as long as they can. An attorney can help you fight for maximum compensation by negotiating with the insurance company.
Negotiating a Contingency Fee
When hiring a car accident lawyer, you can negotiate a contingency fee based on the settlement or court award. Some attorneys take a percentage of the final payment, while others charge a flat fee. Some law firms also accept a retainer in addition to a contingency fee.
While there are many fee agreements, contingency fees are the most common. While most attorneys will take a fixed price before taking your case, others will take a retainer fee up front and deduct it from the contingency fee. For example, a lawyer may charge $50,000 but accept only $45,000 after deducting the retainer fee.
The contingency fee depends on several factors, including the case’s complexity, the expected amount of work, and the attorney’s reputation. Generally, a contingency fee will range from 33% to 45% of the recovery.
One of the best benefits of a contingency fee is that you won’t have to worry about paying the lawyer unless you receive a settlement or jury verdict. Instead, your lawyer will build a solid case to get the maximum compensation for your injury, which means no up-front costs for you.
It would help if you also considered hiring an attorney with a proven track record in personal injury cases. You don’t want an attorney who isn’t willing to take risks on your case. Low-fee attorneys are often less ready to take risks because they’re under pressure to settle the case sooner. Often, they’re younger and have a spotty record.
