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When you are involved in a car accident, one of the most important decisions you will make is whether or not to hire an attorney.
Car accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence in today’s world. This is why you need to have a Car Safety Checklist before you drive to ensure safety. It is important to have professionals on your side who understand car accidents and the accompanying laws so they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you ever find yourself in this situation, someone like this Knowledgeable Hermosa Beach Car Accidents Attorney can help you navigate this stressful process so that you can reach a decision that will benefit you as the victim.
Before hiring a lawyer, there are certain points that you need to consider first. So, here are five things to think about when making that decision:
Do I need an attorney?
There are a few factors to consider when answering this question. First, how serious are your injuries? If you have been seriously injured, you will likely need an attorney to help you get the compensation that can help to cover the cost of any medical bills or loss of earnings that you need to think about. Second, how complex is your case? If the other driver was clearly at fault and there is no dispute about what happened, you may not need an attorney. However, if there are disputed facts or the other driver is claiming that you were at fault, an attorney can help investigate and gather evidence to support your case. Third, do you have insurance? If you have car insurance, your policy may include coverage for hiring an attorney.
What kind of attorney do I need?
If you decide to hire an attorney, such as Tampa car accident lawyer, Dennis Hernadez, you will need to choose between a personal injury attorney or a car accident attorney. Personal injury attorneys represent people who have been injured due to the negligence of another person or entity. Car accident attorneys, on the other hand, specifically represent people who have been involved in car accidents. While both types of attorneys can help you with your car accident case, the latter may be more familiar with the specific laws and regulations that apply to car accidents.
How much will it cost to hire an attorney?
Hiring an attorney typically costs between $200 and $500 per hour, though the cost may be higher or lower depending on the attorney’s experience and location. There is also the likelihood of needing to pay a retainer fee, which is a deposit that ensures the attorney will represent you. The retainer fee is typically between $1,000 and $5,000. In some cases, car accident attorneys may work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case.
How do I find the right car accident attorney?
There are a few ways to find this specialist type of attorney. One option is to ask family and friends for recommendations. Another option is to search online for car accident attorneys in your area. You can also contact the State Bar Association in your state or the American Bar Association to find a list of car accident attorneys in your area.
What are the next steps?
If you decide to hire an attorney, the next step is to get in touch with your professional contact and schedule a consultation. During the consultation, the attorney will ask you about your car accident and review your case. They will then give you their opinion on how to best proceed with your case. If you decide to hire an attorney, they will begin working on your case and will keep you updated on the progress.
You may also have the opportunity to resolve the case without going to court. Some factors to consider when deciding whether to settle out of court might be:
- The car insurance company may want to settle for less money than what is fair. If the car accident victim does not have an attorney, they may not be able to negotiate a higher settlement. Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and overwhelming, especially if the victim is still dealing with injuries. A car accident lawyer can handle all the communication and paperwork so the affected victim can focus on healing.
- Costs for hiring a car accident attorney can be substantial if one does not settle out of court, but it is still useful to this type of professional initially to decide on the best course of action. The greater settlement that can be expected through the court system will likely make it more than cost-effective to hire a car accident lawyer and fight for your entitlement in damages.
- A car accident lawyer may be able to get you a higher settlement than if they tried to negotiate on their own. A car accident lawyer has more experience dealing with these types of cases and knows what to look for when negotiating with the insurance company.
If the person involved in the accident does not have a lot of evidence to support their claim, the lawyer may not be able to help them. They will need to see medical records, police reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to hire an attorney. Car accident attorneys are specifically trained to help people involved in car accidents and help you achieve larger settlements in compensation.
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