How Do I Pay for a Lawyer in a Personal Injury Case?

Jun 6, 2022 | Personal Injury

Signing contract papers with the attorney

You don’t have to pay any money upfront for a personal injury lawyer. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they get a flat percentage only once you close your claim or reach a settlement with the insurance company. Typically, the flat percentage is between one-third or 40 percent of your settlement, depending on whether the case settles before or after a lawsuit is filed. 

Additionally, many cases settle or close with a far higher compensation rate when victims have had an attorney alongside them. People get more money because their lawyers know how to negotiate a settlement and navigate the claim process.

Still unsure whether hiring an attorney is right for you? Learn the benefits of having an attorney on your side.

Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney

Hiring a personal injury attorney has many outstanding benefits. Here’s a look at the top benefits most personal injury victims experience when hiring an attorney:

1. Personal Injury Attorneys Work on a Contingency Basis

We’ve already covered this, but it’s important to note that despite the stress you might feel with getting your property fixed and focusing on your health, you won’t have to worry about legal fees.

In reality, you won’t have to pay any legal expenses out of pocket because the money will come from the settlement you receive.

2. They Know Who to Interview for Evidence

Collecting evidence is an essential element of a personal injury case. Your attorney will review the details surrounding your case to look for opportunities to interview potential witnesses or expert witnesses who can make your case more compelling.

When you present more evidence, the case is more likely to settle outside of court. This means, you’ll get compensation to pay your bills faster and you won’t have to deal with the case long-term.

3. An Attorney Brings In-depth Knowledge into the Law

Laws help protect you, but they are still complicated. To have the best chance of success with your case, having someone who knows the law will strengthen your case. That might mean access to the police report, getting the other side to show the evidence they have, etc.

Knowing your rights will help you protect those rights to the fullest, so you maximize your total settlement amount. This includes knowing what areas of compensation to seek for your case to ensure maximum compensation.

4. They Know What to Say and Not Say to Insurance Companies

Sadly, insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. And because of that, they look for ways to trap you by saying the wrong things so they can avoid paying out on your claim or reduce the amount they pay significantly.

Knowing what to say and not say to an insurance company can help you navigate the claim process while protecting your rights and ability to pursue compensation for your injuries. Listen carefully to the advice your attorney offers, including seeing your doctor based on the care plan the doctor has created for you. You must follow your doctor’s guidance closely or the insurance company could use it against you to avoid paying out for your claim.

5. They Are Expert Negotiators

When people think about hiring an attorney, they are probably envisioning that attorney representing them during a court case. Thankfully, many personal injury cases settle outside of court, which means through settlement negotiations.

Attorneys know how to use the evidence in your case to negotiate a fair settlement to prevent the added expense of taking a case to court.

Geoff McDonald & Associates No Fee Guarantee

Geoff McDonald & Associates operates on a no-fee guarantee. That means that you don’t pay anything until we win your case. Ready to get started, call 804-888-8888 or contact us to schedule your free consultation.

Geoff McDonald and Associates: 804-888-8888.

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