Do I need a lawyer after an injury traffic accident?
After involvement in any type of automobile or traffic accident you should contact an experienced injury attorney to receive legal advice and find out what your legal rights and responsibilities are regarding the accident. A person’s legal rights will be affected following an accident, which makes it very important to asses the content of your case with an attorney before making any decisions. By learning what steps to take after an auto accident you will better be able to protect your rights. A knowledgeable attorney can go over your case and tell you what the process will be. The attorney can assist with information regarding automobile replacement, medical treatment, automobile repairs, and the negotiation of a just and satisfactory settlement with the insurance. During the free initial consultation you and the attorney can discuss if you have a case and what steps need to be taken to protect your rights.
How much will this cost me?
Using a competent and experienced traffic accident attorney may in fact increase the amount of money you recover after an accident. Even after you have paid the attorney’s fee you will likely have more money than if you had put forth the effort to represent yourself. Personal Injury Lawyers work on a “contingency fee” basis, which means that they do not get paid until there is a successful recovery from the negligent party. Being represented by an experienced and skillful traffic accident injury attorney shows the insurance company that you are serious about protecting your legal rights.
What is a contingency fee?
A contingency fee means it is paid from the monetary outcome of the settlement, so you do not have to pay any money up front to obtain legal representation. If there is no recovery, you do not owe any fee. The amount of the contingency fee is governed by State law and cannot be raised by the attorney based on the amount of the settlement.
After an injury traffic accident will I have to sue the negligent party?
Sometimes, but not always. If the negligent party’s insurance company is uncooperative or offers an unacceptable amount for the settlement, a lawsuit may need to be filed to recover the full monetary value of your damages.
Isn’t it easier, quicker and cheaper to accept whatever the insurance company offers, rather than risk it all with a lawsuit and trial?
This is something only you and your attorney can decide at that point in your case. If you hire an experienced traffic accident lawyer, they will guide you through the legal process and assist you in making the right decisions
If you have been seriously injured in an auto accident, contact an auto accident lawyer immediately to find out your rights.