Practical and Helpful Tips: Attorneys
Should you ever become a victim of a motor vehicle accident, there are some considerations you have to make immediately after the crash. You have to gather information, get medical help, speak to your insurer, find witnesses and get more information, take photographs as evidence, and more.
However, in terms of the legal issues involved in the car accident, hiring a car accident attorney is the best thing you can do. For what reason? Clearly, there are near-countless benefits you can get from a legal professional.
Defense Against the Insurance Company
Keep in mind that insurance companies are always protecting their own bottom line, which means paying out as little they can for car accident claims. With a lawyer by your side, you can prove that you deserve maximum compensation.
Proper Handling of the Legal Process (Especially Evidence)
Auto accident cases have a statute of limitations dictating the allowed timeframe (beginning from the date of the accident) for you, as a victim, to file a claim. A lawyer can certainly help you meet such deadlines while preparing the necessary paperwork and information.
Legal Resource Access
Lawyers have quick access to expert witnesses – for example, medical professionals, and others who will be able to bolster case. These resources may not be available to you except through them.
Legal Process Education
As you probably know, the legal system is intricate, and there are lots of factors to review when seeking compensation in a car accident case. Hence, you need someone with professional knowledge and experience so you can have a strong chance at a positive resolution.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
A lot of people skip hiring a car accident lawyer because they think they can’t afford the fees and all. This means they will get paid only after you recover money, and if your case is unsuccessful, you pay them nothing at all. The percentage you pay the lawyer depends on certain limits imposed by the state (which also varies from one state to another), but this would be around 25% to 40% of the total sum you get. So with a 30% contingency fee arrangement in a case where you recover $80,000, you will pay the lawyer $24,000.
In some states, percentages can shift, depending on the stage of your case and how much money you recover. The fee can also depend on whether or not the defendant has responded to your complaint in court. Should the case settle prior to a response from the defendant in court, this percentage is generally lower. But if settlement happens after the defendant has formally answered your complaint, or if the case actually proceeds to trial and a jury has reached a verdict, the allowed percentage may increase.