How Are Car Accident Lawyers Paid?
Before you bring on a car accident lawyer to help you navigate the claim process, it’s quite likely one of the first questions that’ll go through your mind is: “How will I pay the lawyer?” To get an answer to this question, as well as answers to other frequently asked questions regarding how lawyers get paid, read on! We provide most affordable car accident lawyer Richmond Hills services!
Call 1-800-HURT-511 now to speak with our car accident lawyers in Richmond Hills. They are sought after for their skills and experience, and they’ll defend your rights and exhaust every available option to make sure you’re fairly compensated for injuries sustained during a car accident.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
Most car accident lawyers charge what’s known as a contingency fee for their assistance, and some regard hiring a contingency lawyer as being a risk-free option. That’s because a contingency lawyer doesn’t get paid unless their client receives an award. An award will come from a judge or jury, or it can come from a settlement reached between your lawyer and your insurance company.
A contingency fee can be a great motivator for a car accident lawyer, and it will ensure you and your lawyer are working towards the same goal. Also, there’s a greater chance of receiving fair compensation if you hire a lawyer who works off contingency, as they will have just as much interest as you do in securing fair compensation.
How Much Will a Lawyer Charge for Their Services?
Although there are laws, regulations, and ethical codes which determine how much a lawyer can charge as a contingency fee, it’s accepted practice for a lawyer to claim between 33.3% and 40% of an award as a contingency fee. A lawyer will probably charge the lower fee if the case gets settled out of court, and the higher fee if the claim ends up in court. When a claim goes to trial, there will be more time, money, and resources required, hence the higher fee.
The American Bar Association (ABA) has found that if you get involved in your case, such could cut costs. However, you should discuss getting involved in your case with your lawyer first, as they may want you to just sit on the sidelines. And if you overstep and get in your lawyer’s way, you could make things difficult and even jeopardize your claim.
What Are Flat Fees and Retainers?
Almost all car accident lawyers work on contingency, but there are some lawyers who utilize a different payment system. For example, some lawyers collect a retainer, while others work on a flat fee. If you hire a lawyer who requires a retainer, you’ll have to pay a certain amount up front, and then you’ll have to pay a contingency fee later on if your claim is successful. However, if you secure compensation, what you paid as a retainer will be deducted from the contingency fee.
Flat fees are typically used by lawyers who aren’t practicing personal injury law. With these lawyers, a single payment is required, and you may even be able to pay this in installments over time. In instances where a personal injury claim is likely to yield a small amount in damages, a car accident lawyer may charge a flat fee, though this practice is rare.
What Expenses Are Associated With Bringing a Car Accident Claim?
When a car accident lawyer files a claim on your behalf, they’ll be responsible for paying expenses associated with forwarding the claim. Although you won’t be charged for these fees up front, these fees will be covered by the portion of compensation your lawyer takes after securing you an award. Below are common fees associated with bringing a claim:
- Filing fees
- Bringing on expert witnesses or investigators
- Photocopying fees
- Fees associated with gathering medical records
- Postage fees
- Fees related to transcripts, depositions, and trial exhibits
A transparent car accident lawyer will let you know about fees as they come, and they’ll refrain from charging needless fees. If you’re concerned about being saddled with additional fees, this is something you should discuss with potential hires during the free initial consultations. You should understand a lawyer’s process before you enlist their services, as you don’t want to be stuck in a situation where your claim fails yet you’re still saddled with fees.
Are There Laws, Regulations, or Ethical Codes That Govern How Much Car Accident Lawyers Can Charge?
Yes! In New York, a variety of laws, regulations, and ethical codes govern how lawyers are supposed to be paid. For example, a lawyer can’t charge you an exorbitant contingency fee, no matter what reasoning they present. The laws and regulations that apply to car accident lawyers in New York are not the same everywhere, and this is something you should be aware of when interacting with potential hires. You can even ask them about certain laws and regulations to show your knowledge of the restrictions.
When Does a Lawyer Get Paid?
Once an award has been reached, the money will be sent to your lawyer. When your lawyer gets the money, they’ll cover the total cost of all fees and then compensate themselves for their efforts. Even after a settlement is reached, it may take as long as a month to get a settlement check secured in your bank account.
Is Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Worth It?
The answer here largely depends on your situation. In the vast majority of cases, bringing on a car accident lawyer faq is a good move, as they can handle the tedious processes and negotiate with your insurance provider for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery. They’ll also be able to represent your interests in court if the claim ends up there. However, if the settlement amount you hope to reach is quite low, it’s best to resolve things without bringing on a lawyer.
Get in touch with our car accident lawyers in Richmond Hills if you’ve recently been injured in a car accident. We’d love to hear from you, and we’d love even more if we could help you file a claim so you get fairly compensated.
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