Are you thinking about filing a lawsuit after getting in a car crash?
Many people who get into a car accident wonder about the price of hiring an attorney to handle their car accident claim. Most of these clients have already suffered extensive physical and property damage, and they don't want to have to pay more money.
So, how much do lawyers charge for a car accident lawsuit? We'll get into everything you need to know about attorney pricing below. That way, you can determine which car crash lawyer is best for you. Keep reading to learn more!
The Price of a Car Crash Lawyer
Many people refrain from hiring a lawyer even when they should because they're afraid of needing to pay fees they can't afford.
They shouldn't worry, though. An auto accident attorney practices civil law, which involves lawsuits and money settlements. Unlike other attorneys, who charge by the hour, a car crash lawyer generally works for free unless you win your case.
This is actually an incredible deal. Lawsuits take at least several months, if not years, to resolve. For that time, you won't need to pay your lawyer anything.
What if you don't win? Then you won't owe your lawyer anything. This incentivizes a car accident attorney to work hard on your behalf!
Understanding Contingency Fees
By now, you might be asking, "If that's the case, then how does a car accident lawyer make money?"
Most include contingency fees in their contracts with their clients. You need to understand the nature of contingency fees before you hire a lawyer so you can make sure you're getting a good deal.
A contingency fee is the percentage of your winnings a lawyer will take for themselves. Contingency fees are often quite a substantial portion of your winnings. In fact, a car crash lawyer will take 25%-40% of your settlement.
Keep in mind, though, that you'll still be taking home the majority of the money. Usually, people win enough to pay their lawyers and still cover their accident-related bills. As such, even if a lawyer takes 40% of your settlement, you'll still be in a better place financially once you win the lawsuit.
Before signing a contract with a lawyer, you should talk to them about their contingency fees. You'll want someone who works hard for you and has a good reputation, regardless of what they charge. Still, if you find two good attorneys, but one charges less than the other, you'll end up saving money! As such, it pays to shop around until you find someone who gives you a good deal.
To determine who has the best rates, schedule a free consultation.
Understanding Other Associated Fees
While a lawyer might be free unless you win, a lawsuit may not be.
When you schedule your free consultation with a potential attorney, make sure you talk about the fees associated with the case. There might be a price tag attached to filing documents with the court. In other instances, people get charged for court depositions or for bringing in a witness.
These fees change on a situation-to-situation basis, so it's important that you talk to your attorney. They'll be able to tell you the closest estimate of what you can expect to pay for your lawsuit.
How to Get the Most for Your Money
So, the price of hiring an auto accident attorney can vary. Some people will pay nothing, while others may end up owing several thousand dollars.
This begs the question: how can you get the most for your money?
First, you should look for a lawyer with the right combination of experience and success. Many promising new lawyers join the field every year, but insurance agencies are more likely to offer good settlements to lawyers who have a reputation for being good at their jobs. These reputations often take years to build.
Plus, the more experience someone has, the more familiarity with the lawsuit process they possess. If they've won most of their lawsuits, they might have the ability to win yours.
Next, you should look for someone who is liked by their clients. Read reviews from former clients and decide whether the lawyer sounds like someone you'll want to work with.
Finally, during your free consultation, pay attention to how well you get along. The lawyer should seem genuinely interested in you and your case. If you like the attorney as a person, you'll have a more enjoyable working relationship.
What You'll Get for Your Money
So, once you've signed a contract, what services can you expect?
Your lawyer will guide you through the lawsuit process and explain any actions you need to take. They'll take the wheel, asking for information like medical bills, pictures, and other forms of evidence. They will interview witnesses and file court proceedings.
They'll also negotiate a good settlement price for you. Throughout the lawsuit process, the other party's insurance company may make offers. The lawyer will review the offer and tell you whether you should take it. Most cases settle outside of court.
If the case fails to settle, your attorney will represent your case in front of a judge and jury.
Ready to Hire a Car Crash Lawyer?
Hiring a car crash lawyer can be a great financial investment.
Insurance companies often try to get people to settle for less money than they need to cover their medical bills. A good car accident lawyer believes no person deserves to have their finances ruined by someone else's negligent driving. As such, they use the legal system to get their clients the money they deserve.
Looking for an attorney? Request a free consultation today!