Are you considering hiring a personal injury lawyer? Are you wondering how much you’re going to end up spending?
Believe it or not, the best personal injury lawyer for you won’t necessarily be the least expensive professional. You’ll also want to consider things like experience and expertise. However, it’s important that you don’t overpay for personal injury services.
Here’s what you need to know before searching for a “personal injury lawyer near me.”
What Does It Cost To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Many personal injury attorneys will charge you a contingency fee. This is a percentage of the amount obtained in court or through a settlement.
A contingency fee depends upon your lawyer winning some kind of award for you. It allows you to hire an experienced professional without having to pay an hourly fee.
A legal professional’s contingency fee amount could range anywhere from 25% to 75% of what you get awarded. Generally, however, you can expect to pay between 33% and 40%.
The actual cost you’ll pay could depend upon a number of factors. These include the length and complexity of your case. You can also expect to pay more at a larger or more experienced law firm.
Before you decide on a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to get at least three estimates from local attorneys. Of course, you’ll want to choose someone in your area as these folks will have intimate knowledge of local laws and ways to find regulations that work in your favor.
You’ll want to be certain that the contingency fee you end up paying seems reasonable for both the size of your case and your geographical location. However, you’ll also want to consider the reputation of the law firm. You may decide it’s worth it to pay a bit more to get someone you feel quite comfortable and confident using.
When Do I Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
Folks generally hire personal injury lawyers when they’ve been injured at work or in a car accident. If they weren’t at fault or the accident was preventable, they are entitled to compensation.
If you’ve been involved in a work accident, you’ll need to file an insurance claim. However, the insurance company may refuse to pay or offer only to pay a very low amount.
Some injuries are minor and require only immediate medical attention. For example, you may have sustained some cuts and bruises, or you may require a few stitches.
Other injuries, however, are more serious and require ongoing attention. You may have trouble with your memory or mobility to a back or head injury. Getting the right compensation could require the help of a professional.
Accidents can involve a lot of expenses. For example, you may have to pay for emergency room stays, hospital care, and doctor visits. And you may have ongoing rehabilitation for common injuries affecting your neck, spine, or head.
This is not even to mention the wages you’ll lose for the time you have to miss on the job. You deserve maximum compensation for your time, expenses, and trouble.
Pleading your case in court or looking for a settlement outside of court requires extensive knowledge of the law. It also means that you’ll need to know the right way to argue your case.
You’ll need an experienced professional who can help you. They can bring an objective, non-emotional perspective to your situation. And they can get you the remuneration you need.
What Should I Look For in a Personal Injury Attorney?
Choosing a personal injury attorney is an important decision that you shouldn’t take lightly. It’s important to do your research to give yourself confidence that you’re going to win.
Start by asking friends and family who have filed personal injury suits in the past who they would recommend. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Did the lawyer win the case? Were they personable and professional? Were the fees reasonable?
You can also ask for recommendations on social media community groups. You can then read reviews to get an idea of what former clients are saying. These will be available on lawyer’s websites, as well as review-only sites.
Any lawyer can get a poor review once in a while, but you’ll want to be on the lookout for repeated comments. For example, if a lot of former clients are saying that the attorney rarely responded to their phone calls, you can probably expect that to be your experience.
Many lawyers also offer free initial consultations. These can give you an excellent opportunity to decide whether or not they’re the right professional for your case.
Ask your prospective lawyer about their experience with personal injury cases. Have they ever handled a case similar to yours? What was their strategy?
This is also a good time to find out what percentage of their cases they win. You can also inquire about any other professionals who will be working on your case. If an associate or paralegal is going to be helping with paperwork or communication, you’ll want to meet them beforehand.
The right professional will be knowledgeable, experienced, and committed to doing an excellent job. Meeting them in person can help give you great assurance.
Moving On
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is an important decision. You’ll need to do your homework to make sure you’re getting the right professional at a reasonable price. Once you’ve found one, you can look forward to getting the compensation you deserve to pay your bills and move on with your life.
Don’t stop getting smart about your personal injury case now. For world-class personal injury professionals, contact us today.
