The pros and cons of hiring a car accident lawyer vary depending on whether you want a free consultation or a contingency fee basis. The Insurance Research Council reports that people who hire an attorney receive a higher settlement than those who represent themselves. Hiring an attorney also allows you to refuse an insurance company’s settlement offer. Here are some of the main reasons to hire a lawyer: a free consultation, a contingency fee basis, and negotiation with parties who are legally liable.
Free consultations
When you are involved in a car accident, it is very important to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can deal with the day-to-day issues that arise with the insurance company, as well as start an investigation to secure evidence.
During a free consultation, your attorney will gather the evidence that you need to make a compelling case for your case. Ideally, you will bring the accident police report, your insurance policy, and any correspondence you have had with the insurance company. Your attorney may also want to view a scan of these documents to better assess your case. Remember that a free consultation is only as good as the information you provide.
It is also helpful to gather any physical evidence that may be present at the scene of the accident. Obtaining any witness statements is also essential. If possible, you should also gather the contact information for the insurance carrier of the other driver. The more details you can provide, the better. Also, keep in mind the statute of limitations. In Texas, for example, the general statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Other limiting factors will vary depending on the type of claim you are filing.
Contingency fee basis
Typically, attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if they win a case. Some attorneys work on a flat fee, while others will accept a percentage of the settlement. You should discuss the fee arrangement with your attorney before hiring one. Most car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means that you will not be required to pay them upfront if you’re not successful in your case.
A contingency-fee attorney won’t charge you a single penny upfront, which means you can access qualified legal representation, regardless of your financial situation. This means that you can afford a lawyer even if you’re on a tight budget. Likewise, you can choose to pay the attorney only if you win your case, so you won’t be stuck paying the costs out of pocket.
A contingency-fee arrangement benefits both the plaintiff and the defendant. Those who don’t have the financial resources to hire an attorney will be able to afford the legal services they need, and a contingency-fee car accident lawyer will help them by eliminating upfront costs. After all, many accident victims can’t afford to pay upfront. This is because they’re also responsible for paying for medical bills and other non-legal fees.
Negotiation with parties with legal liability
Your car accident lawyer will help you deal with negotiations with parties with legal liability. You will need to establish who was at fault, how much damage you sustained, and what bills you will need to pay. These negotiations can take a long time, so it’s important to have a lawyer on your side. Here are some tips to make it easier. Hire a car accident lawyer to help you deal with the insurance company.
First, send a demand letter to the liable party. This letter should state the value of your claim, explain why you need the money and why the other party was at fault. Make sure to include evidence. You may not be able to get the full amount you deserve without evidence. Hiring a car accident lawyer can make the process go more smoothly and efficiently. The insurance company representative will want to investigate your claim. Then, the insurance company will offer you a counteroffer, usually a lower amount than you originally requested.
Getting a settlement can be difficult if the accident involved more than one party. Insurance companies will want to pay as little as possible, so it’s vital that you hire a lawyer who will fight for your rights and fight for a fair amount. However, the process can take months or even years, and you may not get the amount you deserve if you settle for less.