Many people agree that a car accident claim would be easier to handle if they had an attorney. Yet, legal assistance has the reputation of being expensive, but is that true? How much will you actually need to pay a car accident lawyer?
An experienced legal team can help you protect your legal rights after a car accident. The right lawyer can act quickly to pursue compensation while overcoming obstacles that could slow down your case. Yet, many accident victims fear they cannot afford excellent legal representation.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we understand that many accident victims have financial concerns. After all, medical bills and car repairs are expensive. New life circumstances could affect your ability to earn a living, perhaps permanently.
However, getting justice should be independent of how much money a person has. You will be relieved to discover professional legal services within your reach. Call our law firm today at [phone] to schedule a free consultation. Learn how our No Fee Guarantee® makes it possible to start a car accident case without paying anything out of pocket.
No one wants to be shocked by a huge, unexpected bill. Understanding how much it costs to hire a car accident attorney can help you make an informed decision.
Honest lawyers should let you know how your case’s legal costs will be covered. Let’s discuss some of the most common legal expenses and payment structures.
The lawyers of our law firm are confident in our experience and resources. Our commitment to the Judd Shaw Way means we want to come to your rescue, not add to your worries. We work on a contingency basis to ensure that pursuing justice doesn’t drain our client’s finances.
Contingency fees are advantageous for accident victims in two significant ways. First, you will never pay for a loss. Contingency fees only apply when attorneys win a monetary award for their clients. So, if your attorney is unsuccessful and you do not receive compensation, you will not owe anything for your legal representation.
Second, paying on a contingency means that all legal fees come out of your settlement. You will keep the remaining money to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident losses.
Of course, there is a possibility that lawyers will not win the car accident case at hand. Thus, payment on contingency can serve as an incentive for your attorneys to put forth their best efforts not only to win but also to maximize the settlement amount.
Some lawyers require you to provide funds upfront for your legal expenses. This advance payment is called a retainer fee. Sometimes lawyers also charge hourly rates for additional services.
Let’s consider what that might mean for you. Suppose a lawyer asks for a $1000 retainer fee. Their services cost $100 per hour. So, in essence, you are covered for the first 10 hours of legal work and consultations.
If your case is settled quickly, you could receive a refund for the unused portion of your retainer. However, most car accident cases take extensive time to research, prepare documents, and present your case in court. If your case is complex, you might have to pay for dozens of hours of legal services before you receive any compensation for your case.
If you were hurt in a car accident, you know better than anyone that many things in life are uncontrollable. Yet, you can select a reputable law firm and take the following actions to keep your costs manageable.
Recovering emotionally and physically from car accident injuries takes time. Months or even years can pass by quickly. However, you have limited time to take legal action.
In New Jersey, the law requires you to file personal injury lawsuits within 2 years of the event. Delaying the start of your case could result in undesirable consequences, namely:
If you decide to work on a contingency fee basis with a law firm, lawyers can begin work immediately to meet important deadlines, without you having to worry about paying upfront.
Whether you pay a retainer or decide to cover costs with your settlement, it is in your best interests to recover as much money as possible.
To help your lawyer seek the highest cash value for your car accident claim:
Never assume that insurance companies are willing to pay out the maximum compensation without a fight. After all, the money insurers save on claims can go toward their profits.
Before making a major purchase, you should do your research. The same principle applies to hiring a lawyer. How can you get to know your lawyer?
First, check out the law firm’s website. The About Us page often reveals the legal backgrounds of the lawyers and how long the firm has been in practice. You can also learn about their record of success by reviewing their case results and testimonials.
If possible, stop by the firm’s office. Our law firm welcomes your visit to our Red Bank and Toms River offices in New Jersey. Of course, if injuries prevent you from making the trip, we would be happy to come to you.
Prepare a list of questions to ask about pricing on your initial visit. Remember, you want to avoid hidden costs and unexpected fees when hiring a car accident lawyer.
Some lawyers charge flat rates for specific legal tasks. For instance, a lawyer might charge you a specific price for preparing a will or filing a divorce petition. The unique nature of car accidents makes it difficult to determine the complexity of a case before conducting a thorough investigation. Therefore, some attorneys charge a retainer for their services.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Our No Fee Guarantee® means that legal costs don’t have to prevent you from seeking compensation for your losses.
Since our clients don’t need to pay out of pocket, anyone can afford to receive our excellent legal services after a motor vehicle crash. Connect with our car accident team at [phone] today to start your free case review. Our resourceful lawyers are ready to seek maximum compensation without asking for a dime in upfront costs.
A few quick questions help us understand your situation. There is no obligation, and the consultation is free. A member of our team will be in touch within one business day.
Hurt and don’t have a doctor yet? We can help.
After decades of representing medical providers across New Jersey, we have built a deep network of trusted specialists. If you have been injured and need a referral to the right doctor for your situation, we will connect you. It is one of the quiet advantages of working with a firm that has spent years building these relationships.
Judd Shaw No-Fault Law has represented thousands of New Jersey residents over more than two decades. We know the local courts, the insurance carriers, and the tactics they use to minimize claims. We also know how to fight back.
Tell us what happened. A member of our team will reach out within one business day.
No recovery, no fee. Ever.
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