Hi there, I am Sonya. Welcome. I am excited to talk to you today about completing paperwork for your personal injury case. The paperwork itself doesn't excite me, but helping you get the compensation you deserve does. The sheer amount of work required for this type of case can feel staggering. As the documents pile up, you should hire a personal injury attorney to help you out. These professionals can quickly and thoroughly complete the paperwork you need for your case. Your attorney will also help you gather evidence and witness statements to further strengthen your case for your court date. My site will explore the process of completing paperwork on your own and with help from an attorney.
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Completing Paperwork For Your Personal Injury Case
Paying Your Personal Injury Lawyer: How To Cope
Christopher Wilson
Being hurt from a car wreck can put you in no position to interview lawyers, but it's helpful to understand the way that these legal professionals determine costs. While contingency fee arrangements are common, they may not be the best way to go for everyone, and you will want to fully understand those agreements before you sign up. Read on to learn more about how auto accident attorneys charge for their time and expertise.
Contingency Fees, Flat-Rates and Hourly Rates
With all the choices it's no wonder that accident victims get confused. Most personal injury attorneys will speak to you without charging a fee, so take advantage of that free consultation to find out how they determine their fees. Here are three fee methods you might encounter:
1. Flat-rate: Here, you pay an agreed upon flat-rate fee that covers most common legal cases, and this fee must be paid up front.
2. Hourly rates: This is the traditional way to pay a lawyer, but very few personal injury lawyers use this method. Usually, a retainer fee is charged for hourly fees.
3. Contingency fee arrangements: This arrangement is probably what the majority of lawyers you contact use. Here, you pay only if your case is successful, and the amount owed is a percentage of your monetary compensation. For example, if your agreement calls for your lawyer to get 30% of a settlement and you are awarded $30,000, then your lawyer gets $9,000 and you get the remaining $21,000.
The Details
No matter what type of agreement offered, make sure you fully understand the arrangements. The amount of the percentage on a contingency fee arrangement can vary based on the complexity of the case, local custom, number of lawyers in the area, and more. An attorney that charges a lower percentage rate is not necessarily a bargain but not necessarily a desperate lawyer either. Contact the local Bar Association to find out what the average rate in your area might be.
Pay close attention to any extra charges or changes in the agreement should the case have to go to trial. Many attorneys must charge more when a case cannot be settled outside of court. Some attorneys will also charge a higher percentage rate if the case is small since small cases often require almost as much labor as a higher dollar case. Don't be afraid to "shop around" for the attorney that is right for you. Go with an attorney that inspires confidence, is experienced with your type of case, and is easy to talk with. No matter what you do, avoid trying to save a few bucks by going without competent legal help.
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