Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer: How Much Does It Cost?

Most victims of an Annapolis car crash worry about the cost of engaging a lawyer to file their claim. Hiring an Annapolis auto accident lawyer to handle your car accident case is an important decision. So any concerns about the car accident lawyer’s charges should not deter you.

Most accidents in Annapolis result in serious injuries that can impact one’s life. Where this happens, the victim has a right to file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver. The legal process can be complex, time-consuming, and frustrating. You need the support and guidance of a lawyer to pursue your claim while you focus on your recovery.

Car accident lawyers are skilled in representing injured victims to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. They will assess your claim and guide you through the legal process. This article discusses the cost of engaging the services of a lawyer in Annapolis after an auto collision.

What Are Attorney’s Fees?

Attorney’s fees are payments for legal services performed on the client’s behalf. The fees can be hourly, contingency, flat, retainer, etc. The fees charged vary from one firm to the other and among states. Generally, attorney’s fees for personal injury claims usually cover the following:

• Legal advice
• Negotiations
• Production of documents
• Legal research
• Investigations
• Legal representation in court, etc.

Is Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Worth the Cost?

There are financial, physical, and emotional repercussions suffered from car accidents. A victim incurs unplanned financial costs of medical treatments, property damage, lost wages, etc. The State of Maryland allows you to file a lawsuit within three years from the accident date.

You will deal with the insurance company adjusters when seeking compensation for damages. Insurance adjusters are trained professionals hired to investigate the accident and determine the worth of your claim.

The adjuster’s interest is to limit liability and protect the insurance company’s interest. They will try to avoid or devalue your accident claim and convince you to accept a lowball settlement offer. If you are inexperienced in handling them, you may be under-compensated.

An experienced car accident lawyer has the skill and experience to handle insurance companies. Hiring a lawyer lets the insurer know that you take your injuries seriously. The attorney will determine the worth of your claim and use their expertise to get the best outcome.

Benefits of Hiring an Annapolis Auto Accident Lawyer

The more serious the injuries suffered, the greater the benefit of hiring a lawyer. Even if your injuries are minor, you still need legal representation. Having a lawyer by your side makes a difference. It increases your chances of getting the best financial compensation you deserve.

The benefits of hiring a lawyer outweigh the legal fees you fear incurring.  These benefits include:

• An experienced lawyer has in-depth knowledge of the law and practices applicable to your case.
• The lawyer will help evaluate the strength and weaknesses of your case.
• They will help calculate the full value of your injuries and losses.
• They will help you file a claim and handle communications with the insurance company.
• An experienced lawyer will help you recover full and fair compensation.
• They will help you gather all evidence to prove your claim.
• They will pursue your interest while you focus on your recovery, etc.

How Much Does Hiring an Annapolis Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Annapolis personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means the lawyer only gets paid if they succeed in recovering compensation on your behalf. If no recovery is made, there will be no legal fees to pay. This payment arrangement relieves your stress of worrying about the cost of legal representation.

Your lawyer agrees to handle your case without charging upfront or hourly fees in this arrangement. Rather, they agree to accept a fixed percentage of the total amount recovered. Bear in mind that not all lawyers operate under the same payment schedule.

Once you have agreed to retain the lawyer, a contingency fee agreement will be signed by both parties. The contract includes the due percentage of the lawyer and other costs.

The Average Contingency Fee for Car Accident Lawyers

The standard practice of a contingency fee is one-third, which is 33% to 40% of the amount recovered. However, the lawyer may charge a higher fee depending on the case’s circumstance. Factors that affect the exact percentage charged include:

• Geographic location
• The complexity of the case
• Years of experience and reputation
• Size of the law firm
• The estimated value of your compensation<
• The specific circumstance of the case
• Estimated duration of the case, etc.

It is important to have an initial consultation to discuss all the details. That way, both parties are clear on the potential outcome of the case and the legal charges.

Advantages of a Contingency Fee Arrangement

The advantages of a contingency fee arrangement include:

• You don’t need to worry about any cost when hiring a lawyer.
• The fees will be paid from the compensation awarded instead of out of your pocket
• Your legal interest aligns directly with the lawyer.
• A win for you is a win for the lawyer.
• If the lawyer does not succeed, there will be no legal fees to pay.
• Some lawyers may waive their expenses if they cannot win the case.

Are There Other Expenses in Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

There are other costs associated with filing a personal injury claim. These costs are typically not included in the contingency fee arrangement. This means you will be responsible for these expenses. Other associated fees include:

• Filing fees
• Court costs
• Expert witness fees
• Deposition costs
• Shipping or postage fees
• Investigator costs
• Charges relating to serving summons and subpoenas
• Administrative costs (photocopying, typing)
• Expenses associated with transcripts and trial exhibits
• Charges related to obtaining medical records, police reports, other documents, etc.

Depending on your agreement, the lawyer may pay for these expenses throughout your case. You can reimburse them back from the compensation received.

What Compensation Can a Car Accident Lawyer Recover for Me?

You have a right to file a claim against the negligent driver who caused your injuries. The amount of compensation you receive depends on the circumstance of your case. Bear in mind that you may decide to settle out of court. If so, your settlement will be based on the negotiation between your lawyer and the insurance company.

The recoverable damages include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damages
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering
• Short/long term disability
• Funeral and burial costs<
• Emotional damage

Hire an Annapolis Personal Injury Lawyer Today!

When a car crash has occurred, you may be under a tremendous amount of stress. The last thing you want to worry about is the additional cost of getting legal representation. Hiring an attorney is the right decision to make despite the fees.

At Pinder Plotkin LLC, our Annapolis personal injury lawyers have extensive experience helping victims recover maximum compensation. This is why we offer our clients a free consultation and a no-fee guarantee. Contact us today for a free consultation.