Auto accident claims can be complicated, and insurance companies’ coverage explanations may leave you in the dark. You need clarity to file an air-tight case that gives you the compensation you deserve. Hiring an auto accident lawyer helps you get the most out of your claim, but how expensive is it? The cost of an auto accident attorney depends on your case.
Determining When You Need to Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer
Start with the facts of the incident. Some auto accidents are straightforward, but you will need assistance if there are gray areas. For instance, accidents in Florida can be particularly challenging because of the pure comparative negligence laws. Even a minor error can cost you a significant amount of compensation. This is where hiring local lawyers like Orlando car accident attorneys can come in handy. Consider these steps before you seek one out.
Step 1: Evaluate the Severity of the Accident
If the accident was minor and did not result in significant injuries or damages to your vehicle, you may not need to hire a lawyer. You can handle the claim by filing a claim with the insurance company.
Step 2: Consider the Extent of your Injuries
If you were injured in the accident, consider the extent of your injuries. If your injuries are minor, you can handle the claim independently. However, if your injuries are severe, you may need to hire an auto accident lawyer to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Step 3: Determine the Liability of the Other Driver
You may not need a lawyer if the other driver is at fault. However, if liability is disputed or unclear, hiring a lawyer is necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve. Sometimes insurance companies assign comparative or contributory negligence where both parties are appointed fault. This reduces your claim payout. An auto accident lawyer helps disprove your percentage of fault in these cases.
Step 4: Review your Insurance Coverage
If you understand insurance coverage, review your coverage to determine your rights. Your insurance company will discuss coverage options with you. If you disagree with the insurance company about your coverage, you will need an auto accident attorney.
Contacting an Auto Accident Attorney
If you need an auto accident lawyer:
1. Consult multiple firms.
2. Evaluate your options with each firm and decide the best firm for your claim.
3. Consider the past cases they’ve won similar to your lawsuit.
4. Ask them for supporting documentation of these cases.
No Fault Vs. At Fault
Local state laws play a major role in your choice of lawyer. Different states have different insurance laws when it comes to car accident claims. For instance, Florida is a no-fault state, which means drivers are required to incur all accident-related damages regardless of who is liable for the crash.
Due to Florida’s “no-fault” insurance law, dealing with car accident claims can be challenging. Since PIP only covers a certain amount of damages, you’d have to file a separate claim in case your injuries are serious. That is why it is important to contact an experienced accident lawyer when met with an accident in Orlando.
On the other hand, according to the at-fault insurance law, the driver responsible for the accident is liable to pay compensation to the victim. Victims can opt to sue the responsible party for damages if the driver does not have sufficient coverage.
Free Consultation
Most law firms offer free consultations. The consultation reviews the facts of your claim to determine the claim’s value and merits. The lawyer will provide outcome expectations and determine if you have a winnable case. The consultation will include discussions about fees and how your case is going.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
Some auto accident lawyers work on a “contingency fee basis.” This means they only get paid if they win your case. This type of fee arrangement differs from a standard hourly rate.
To make an auto accident attorney more affordable, consider those who offer contingency fee agreements. This mitigates your exposure to expenses. Also, consider those with lower contingency fees. Contingency fees can be as low as 25% of your settlement. The highest fees are upwards of 50%. Compare contingency fees between multiple firms. Ask various questions about the contingency fees.
What Can You Expect to Pay for an Hourly Rate Auto Accident Attorney?
Generally, you can expect to pay between $100-$500 per hour for an auto accident attorney. Factors that affect the hourly rate of a lawyer include the following:
– Experience
– Location
– Case Complexity
Final Thoughts
Auto accident attorneys’ fees vary depending on your auto claim and experience. Contingency fees are a popular way accident attorneys retain clients.
Photo by Giammarco Boscaro on Upsplash
Speak Your Mind