Over 2 million car accidents occur in the United States annually. Each of these crashes represents real financial and emotional challenges for the people directly involved.
A car accident can happen in many different ways. One of the most common types is a rear-end collision. While this type of accident tends to be the least serious, it is a good idea to know what to do when this happens.
If you suffer this misfortune, you may try and handle the situation without the assistance of a car wreck lawyer. After all, how big of an impact can this minor bump-up have on your life?
Before you decide not to hire a car wreck lawyer post-crash, keeping the following information in mind can ensure you are properly accommodated financially.
The Benefits of Hiring a Car Wreck Lawyer
There are many benefits of hiring a car wreck lawyer. One of the first things they can do is collect evidence related to the car accident that will be valuable to your case. For example, they could get police reports, perform vehicle inspections, and access witness statements.
The best attorney dealing with car accidents can investigate if there was any negligence on behalf of the person who may have hit you. This level of inspection can work in your favor when it comes to being awarded any money.
A car wreck lawyer understands the laws and knows how to handle insurance companies. Their negotiation skills ensure that you are compensated relatively after being involved in an accident. They recognize how adjusters do business and how they are there to help the insurance company, not you.
Your attorney will act as a buffer while helping you realize the money you may be entitled to.
One last benefit of hiring a car wreck lawyer is peace of mind. A car wreck lawyer can have a dedicated team help you from the beginning, allowing them to strategize the best way to win your case.
The Process of Hiring a Car Wreck Lawyer
The first step in hiring a car wreck lawyer is to find one that is reputable. You want someone who has a history of winning accident-related cases. A quick search for the best attorney in car accident cases can be a step in the right direction.
Once you have done this, you should call to set up a consultation. During your consultation, your lawyer will ask a few questions related to your accident and see if it makes sense to take your case.
While paying an upfront cost in auto accident-related cases is not common, understanding payments and fees are essential in your initial discovery call. Next, you want to get a contract to outline services clearly. This will help you understand and provide as many details and evidence of the accident.
As the accident lawyer is working on your case, be sure to ask questions and have patience while they work to settle.
The Cost of Hiring a Car Wreck Lawyer
The cost of hiring a car wreck lawyer will vary depending on a few things. For instance, the state you live in is one factor that will impact the cost of hiring a car wreck lawyer. Another factor is the amount of time your case takes to settle.
Some attorneys may charge you an hourly fee, yet it is a common practice for accident lawyers to perform services on a contingency basis.
A contingency plan works because you only have to pay the attorney if you receive any money from your car accident case. This can be very helpful not to worry about costs, especially after a rear-end collision.
If your car wreck lawyer can win your case, they deduct their fee on a percentage basis from your total settlement amount. Again, if they cannot recover any money for you, you won’t be responsible for paying any fees.
The benefit of finding a car wreck lawyer who works on a contingency fee type payment structure is that you will have a lawyer dedicated to winning your case. They will have done a lot of work for you to win, because if you win, they get paid.
Since you don’t have to worry about upfront costs, the attorney can start working on your case immediately.
The most common contingency fees range between 33% and 40%. While not common in rear-end accident cases, the contingency fee can be higher if your case is required to go to mediation, arbitration, or even trial.
The Time Frame for Hiring a Car Wreck Lawyer
After you have been in a rear-end collision, you don’t want to waste any time before hiring an accident lawyer. Each state has a statute of limitations that allows you to seek compensation after an accident.
A car wreck lawyer can tell you how long you have to bring a case forward for compensation based on your state’s legislation.
The Outcome of Hiring a Car Wreck Lawyer
Having a knowledgeable car wreck lawyer can work to your advantage. Not only are there many benefits to hiring one, but having someone on your side can also help put your mind at ease.
Hiring a reputable car wreck lawyer can make all the difference. Have you been in a rear-end collision? Our dedicated team has been helping our clients for many years and can do the same for you, so reach out today to learn more about how we can help you.
