If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be wondering how much it will cost to start a case. The good news is that most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they don’t get paid until you do. This article will give you a general idea of what to expect when it comes to costs and fees associated with starting a personal injury case.
Find the right personal injury attorney
The first thing you’ll need to do is find a personal injury attorney who you feel comfortable working with. This may involve meeting with a few different attorneys and asking them questions about your case. Namely, whether you are trying to reach a personal injury lawyer in Taylorsville, UT, or beyond, you’ll want to ask about their experience with cases like yours and what they think your chances of success are. Once you’ve found an attorney you trust, they will likely ask you to sign a contingency fee agreement. This agreement will outline the percentage of any settlement or verdict that the attorney will receive.
After you’ve signed a contingency fee agreement, your attorney will begin working on your case. This work may include investigating the accident, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence. Your attorney may also need to file a lawsuit on your behalf to get the insurance company to take your case seriously.
What are the costs of hiring an attorney?
The costs of starting a personal injury case will vary depending on the facts of your case and the work that needs to be done. However, you shouldn’t let the cost deter you from seeking justice if you’ve been injured in an accident.
When it comes to personal injury cases, most attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means that they don’t get paid unless their client does. To find the right attorney for your case, you may need to meet with a few different lawyers and ask them questions about their experience and fees. Once you’ve found an attorney that you trust, they will likely ask you to sign a contingency fee agreement. This agreement should outline the percentage of any settlement or verdict that the attorney will receive.
After you sign a contingency fee agreement, your attorney will begin working on your case. This work can include investigating the accident, interviewing witnesses, and gathering evidence. In some cases, your attorney may also need to file a lawsuit on your behalf to get the insurance company to take your case seriously.
Are there any additional costs?
While the costs of hiring an attorney may vary depending on the facts of your case, there are also other potential costs to consider. For example, if you need to file a lawsuit, there may be filing fees associated with that. Also, if you win your case, you may be responsible for paying any expert witness fees. Namely, these are just a few examples of additional costs that could be associated with starting a personal injury case.
Even if you have to pay some additional costs upfront, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t let the cost deter you from seeking justice if you’ve been injured in an accident.
What can you expect to get in a settlement?
The amount of money you may receive in a settlement or verdict will depend on the facts of your case. For example, the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical bills, and whether you lost any wages as a result of the accident will all be taken into account.
In some cases, insurance companies will try to lowball you with an initial offer. If this happens, you should consult with your attorney to see if the offer is fair. If it’s not, your attorney may negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to try and get a better settlement.
Are there any discounts available?
Some personal injury attorneys may offer discounts if you agree to pay their fee out of your settlement or verdict. This means that you wouldn’t have to pay anything upfront. However, it’s important to make sure that you understand the terms of the discount before agreeing to it. For example, some attorneys may require you to pay a higher percentage of your settlement if you choose to take the discount. Otherwise, there is a risk that you could end up owing your attorney more money than you would have if you had paid their fee upfront.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
If you can’t afford an attorney, there are still options available to you. For example, some legal aid organizations may be able to help you with your case. Also, some attorneys may be willing to work on a pro bono basis, which means they would represent you for free. This is usually only an option in cases where there is a significant amount of money at stake.
If you’re considering representing yourself in a personal injury case, it’s important to understand that the process can be complicated. If you have any questions, you should consult with an attorney before making a decision.
What is the statute of limitations?
The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after you’ve been injured in an accident. In most states, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years from the date of the accident.
However, it’s important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you were injured in a car accident caused by a defective product, the statute of limitations may be different. Namely, you would have to file your lawsuit within the statute of limitations for product liability cases, which is usually one year from the date of the accident. If you’re unsure about the statute of limitations in your state, you should consult with an attorney.
So, there you have it! These are just a few things to keep in mind when you’re thinking about starting a personal injury case. The costs may seem daunting at first, but it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t let the cost deter you from seeking justice if you’ve been injured in an accident. Also, keep in mind that the amount of money you may receive in a settlement or verdict will depend on the facts of your case.
