If you are wondering how much a car accident lawyer costs, you should know that some lawyers operate on a contingency basis. This means you do not need to pay any upfront fees to start your case. Instead, the lawyer will only take a percentage of your potential compensation once your case is resolved.
This arrangement allows you to seek legal assistance without the burden of immediate financial obligations. If you do not win your case, you typically do not owe any legal fees. This can provide peace of mind as you focus on your recovery and the details of your situation.
If you have further questions about legal costs or how to proceed, you can consult with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer to discuss your options.
How Much It Costs to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer on a Contingency Basis
Contingency arrangements are a common payment structure car accident lawyers use, making legal representation accessible to many individuals. When you hire a Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer on a contingency basis, you agree that they will receive a percentage of the compensation you win in your case rather than charging you upfront fees.
This means you don’t have to pay anything unless your lawyer successfully secures financial recovery for you.
Typical Percentage
The percentage that lawyers take as a contingency fee can vary, but it typically ranges from 25% to 40% of the total settlement or court award. The exact percentage may depend on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the stage at which the case is resolved.
For example, if a case goes to trial rather than settling out of court, the fee may be higher due to court fees.
Other Potential Costs
While contingency fees mean you don’t pay upfront, there may still be other costs associated with your case. These can include:
- Court filing fees: Costs to file necessary legal documents.
- Expert witness fees: Payments for professionals who may provide testimony or analysis.
- Investigation costs: Expenses related to gathering evidence, such as police reports or accident reconstructions.
- Administrative fees: Charges for photocopying, shipping, and other clerical tasks.
You can discuss these potential costs with your lawyer. They should provide a clear breakdown of how their fees and any additional expenses will be handled throughout the process.
More people choose The Schiller Kessler Group because they know that we’re a cut above other personal injury law firms.
Benefits of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Hiring a car collision lawyer provides numerous advantages that help you seek the compensation you deserve. Here are some key benefits of working with a legal professional after an accident.
Legal Paperwork
Filing legal paperwork can be overwhelming, especially when recovering from car collision injuries. A lawyer will handle all the necessary legal paperwork for you, filing and submitting documents correctly and on time. This includes:
- Filing claims and lawsuits: An attorney will ensure that you properly submit all required documents for an insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Drafting legal documents: A legal team will create and review legal documents, such as complaints, motions, and settlement agreements.
- Meeting deadlines: A lawyer will keep track of important deadlines to avoid any potential setbacks in your case.
Skilled Negotiation With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, which can make negotiations challenging. A car accident lawyer will negotiate with insurers on your behalf. They will help by:
- Assessing your claim: A lawyer will determine the value of your claim based on damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Communicating with insurance companies: An attorney will handle all correspondence with the liable parties, their insurers, and their defense attorneys, which reduces your stress and ensures that your rights are protected.
- Countering low offers: Hiring legal representation will help you advocate for a fair settlement and counter inadequate initial offers.
Maximizing Compensation
One of the primary goals of hiring a car accident lawyer is to maximize your compensation. They will identify all potential damages you may be entitled to, which may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Peace of Mind
By hiring a lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while knowing that a professional is managing your legal affairs. This peace of mind allows you to concentrate on healing without the added stress of handling the legal process alone.
A Lawyer will Help You Step Outside of Florida’s No-Fault System
In Florida, the no-fault insurance system generally requires drivers to seek compensation for injuries from their own personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if you have suffered serious injuries, you may have the option to step outside of this system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Florida Statutes § 627.737 defines serious injuries that allow you to bypass the no-fault system. If your injuries meet any of these criteria, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Filing a Lawsuit Within the Statute of Limitations
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the accident, as outlined in Florida Statutes § 95.11. This means you must file your lawsuit within this timeframe to preserve your right to seek compensation. A lawyer will help you meet this requirement.
Call Us to Learn More About How Much a Car Accident Lawyer Costs
At The Schiller Kessler Group, our car accident attorneys take cases on a contingency basis. You will not have to worry about paying upfront fees or hourly rates with us. During a free consultation, we will explain more about how much our car accident lawyers cost and how our contingency policy works.
Our lawyers have over three decades of experience. Call us today to get started on your case. We are available any time of the day to take your call.
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