After a car accident, you may find yourself in a difficult financial situation. This can deter you from hiring a lawyer to pursue monetary compensation from the at-fault party. However, it is in your best interest to hire an Atlanta auto accident lawyer. The benefits of hiring one supersede the legal cost you incur.
You might have questions like, “How much does a car crash lawyer cost?” Whether you seek an insurance settlement or court judgment, you need a lawyer. Your concern about the attorneys’ fees should not deter you from talking to a lawyer about your case.
A lawyer will help you avoid making mistakes and guide you through the legal process. However, if you wonder about a lawyer’s cost, think about your health and the compensation you deserve to recover. This article enlightens you on what to expect for an auto accident lawyer’s fee.
What Constitutes an Attorney’s Fees in Atlanta, GA?
Attorney’s fees are the amount billed to a client for legal services performed on their behalf. The payment may be hourly, contingency, flat, retainer or hybrid, etc. The fee arrangement you have with a lawyer can significantly impact the cost you pay for their services.
Generally, the cost of a lawyer depends on various factors. They include:
- The amount of time spent on the case
- The lawyer’s ability
- Years of experience and practice
- The novelty and difficulty of the case
- The size of the law firm
- The reputation of the lawyer
- The lawyer’s overhead expense, etc.
What Do Attorney’s Fees Cover?
Attorney’s fees usually cover the services provided by the lawyer to clients. Typically, it will include the following:
- Legal advice
- Negotiations
- Production of documents
- Legal research
- Investigations
- Legal representation in court, etc.
How Much Does Hiring an Atlanta, GA Auto Accident Lawyer Cost?
Atlanta personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. It means you do not pay the attorney unless they recover compensation for your case.
A contingency fee arrangement is a contract between a lawyer and a client. For example, the lawyer receives a percentage if you recover money through an insurance settlement or court judgment. However, the lawyer does not get paid if no recovery is made.
This type of arrangement relieves the stress of worrying over the cost of hiring a lawyer. In addition, you pay no hourly fees or money upfront. Hence, an average person can seek legal help after a car crash.
Advantages of a Contingency Fee Arrangement
The contingency fee arrangement is beneficial to both you and the lawyer. The benefits include:
- It allows injured victims who could not ordinarily afford a lawyer to seek counsel.
- No upfront fee is required.
- You do not have to pay any out-of-pocket fees.
- The lawyer can start your case immediately.
- It aligns your lawyer’s interest with yours since they only get paid if you win.
- The lawyer’s fees will be a percentage of the compensation recovered through settlement or judgment.
- This fee structure provides a win-win situation for everyone.
- It is lucrative for lawyers who can stomach the risk.
- If the lawyer fails, you are not obligated to pay the legal cost.
What Is the Average Contingency Percentage for Car Accident Lawyers in Atlanta, GA?
A contingency fee percentage is typically 33% to 40% (one-third) of the amount recovered. Your contingency fee arrangement with the lawyer will set out the exact rate. The actual fee is not set by law but is negotiable between you and the attorney.
While some lawyers charge higher fees based on risks, some may take a smaller fee. However, the exact percentage charged may depend on factors such as:
- The complexity of your case
- Estimated duration of your case
- The size of the law firm
- The geographic location of the lawyer
- Years of experience and reputation
- The specific circumstance of your case
- The estimated compensation to be recovered, etc.
The factors may vary per lawyer or per law firm. Most attorneys offer free consultations, so you can discuss in detail before hiring them.
Are There Other Costs and Fees to Be Paid?
Besides the contingency fee, there are unknown costs associated with filing a personal injury claim. In most arrangements, the client is not required to pay upfront for these costs, and your lawyer pays and keeps a record of them. You can reimburse them back from the compensation received.
These costs include the following:
- Filing fees
- Deposition fees
- Medical records
- Expert witnesses and investigator fees
- Court costs
- Postage fees
- Administrative costs (photocopying, typing)
- Expenses associated with transcripts and trial exhibits
- Service and subpoena fees, etc.
What to Expect When You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
The resulting consequence of a car crash can be overwhelming, hence the need for legal representation. A lawyer should handle your case while you focus on your health.
When you hire a car accident lawyer to represent you, you can expect them to do the following:
- Assess and evaluate your case
- Negotiate fair compensation
- File a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf
- Handle all the necessary paperwork for your insurance claim
- Communicate with all other parties and their representatives
- Calculate the full scope of your damages
- Thoroughly investigate the car crash
- Prove liability of the at-fault driver
- Represent you at trial if necessary
- Gather all necessary evidence
- Help you comply with the Statute of Limitations, etc.
Contact an Atlanta, GA, Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
Personal injury due to someone’s negligence has serious consequences. The wounds and losses suffered can impact you for a long time. However, you do not have to go through this alone. You need the help of an experienced legal team.
At Jamie Ballard Law, we have extensive legal experience handling personal injury claims. We will fight to help you recover maximum settlement and judgment for your injuries and losses. We operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Atlanta personal injury lawyer.
