Auto accident lawsuits are a common way of handling damage claims after a car accident. You may be unsure of the cost of such a lawsuit and wonder whether it will be worth your time and money. Costs will vary from state to state and attorney to attorney. It is wise to discuss your case with a professional to assess the likelihood of success in trial.
Free Consultation
Most attorneys will provide you with a free consultation, which is an initial meeting during which they will assess your case and advise you of their fees and availability to handle your case. When you call to make an appointment to discuss your case, you should ask if they provide a free consultation. This is a common practice, and it gives you the opportunity to check out an attorney before you commit.
Fee Agreements
Attorneys have contracts with their clients called fee agreements. Fee agreements must state the cost of any anticipated actions the lawyer will take. This is ethically required so that you do not incur any hidden costs during your court case. If an attorney does not provide you a fee agreement at the outset of your case, you should ask for one and it should also put you on notice that the attorney may not be following proper procedure.
Contingency Fees
Many personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that your attorney only gets paid once you get a settlement or an award. Not all cases are handled this way, but many are. There are a lot of fees associated with trial, so some attorneys will not assume those costs if you refuse a settlement in favor of a trial. Trials cost the attorney time and money. They must do depositions (interviews with the major players in the case) and there may be travel involved. Trials can last several days or even weeks depending on how complex they are. That is a lot of attorney hours. Your attorney should advise you at the outset as to whether your case will be handled on contingency.
Getting Legal Advice
If you are considering filing an auto accident lawsuit, an attorney is in the best position to advise you of the associated costs. Getting legal help with your case puts you in a better position because an attorney will be able to handle your case swiftly and confidently. Understanding the legal processes and advocating for clients are the job of an attorney.
