How Do I Afford To Hire An Attorney After An Auto Accident?
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
If you have been injured by a negligent driver in an accident, you have probably incurred a host of accident-related expenses. The costs of a serious car crash including repairing or replacing your auto, medical expenses, missed work and no income, can add up quickly. If you are under these financial constraints, it may seem that hiring an expensive attorney may is unattainable. However, attorneys do not cost what you may think. Why Having An Attorney Represent You Is Needed
What many people are not aware of is that insurance companies are under no obligation to settle for a fair amount. They have a staff of agents who are trained and whose only job is to pay you as little as possible to keep making money for their stockholders. Some ways insurance companies minimize payouts:
● Make an initial offer unreasonably low so other still inadequate offers seem more reasonable
● Misrepresent your legal rights such as telling you there is no compensation for pain and suffering
● Advise you that you will get less compensation and it will take years if you hire an attorney
● Waiting until medical bills and other expenses start to pile up, putting you under financial distress before making an offer in hopes you will just settle
● Pressure to make a statement (usually as soon as possible) about the accident when it is not required by law, then use this statement against you to get you to settle for less
These dirty tricks highlight the need for an attorney. However, you may be wondering how to afford one if your money is tied up in medical costs. One option is to hire an attorney on a contingency fee.
Understanding How Contingency Fees Work
You have the option of retaining an experienced personal injury attorney with no up-front expense. You will only have to pay the legal fees if the attorney successfully negotiated a reasonable settlement on your behalf. This allows you to access to an attorney regardless of your ability to pay a retainer. Most contingency lawyers will work for 33 to 40% of the final financial settlement. A small price to pay for the work they do on your behalf.
What Can I Expect If I Choose To Hire A Lawyer On A Contingency
A personal injury attorney has the tools and contacts to ensure no stone is left unturned when it comes to your settlement. Some things that your attorney will do include:
Collect Evidence: Your attorney and his staff will gather whatever evidence is necessary to verify how the accident happened and who is at fault. This includes witness statements, photographs, police reports and sometimes hiring a private investigator.
Prove Injury: Obtain all medical reports, records, bills, employment reports and other paperwork necessary to document all aspects of your damages.
Send A Demand Letter: Your attorney will solicit what they feel is a reasonable offer to the insurance company.
File A Lawsuit: If your attorney and insurance company cannot settle on a fair amount, they will file a lawsuit or will demand arbitration. In the majority of cases, it does not progress beyond this step.
At All Injuries Law Firm, we have been working with accident injury victims like yourself for over three decades. We understand the financial constraints you are facing and will work with you. We’ll fight to protect your rights, get you the full settlement amount you need, and help you get your life back. Contact us to receive a free case evaluation and learn more about our fees.