How to Find a Car Accident Attorney: A Guide for People Looking for Legal Help.

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, then you might be looking for legal help. Car accidents often result in physical and emotional trauma. When it comes to finding a good lawyer, it can be difficult to know where to start—there are literally hundreds of options! We reached out to multiple lawyers for their best advice on finding a reputable accident lawyer. Here’s everything you need to know from choosing the right type of lawyer, knowing what protections are offered, car accident attorney questions to ask, and how much you should expect to spend on your case. After reading this guide, you’ll be prepared with all the knowledge you need to find the perfect attorney for your needs.

 

What to Look for in a Car Accident Attorney

The first step in finding a reputable car accident lawyer is to decide which type of lawyer you need. There are two main options: contingency and hourly

How to Find a Car Accident Attorney: A Guide for People Looking for Legal Help

A contingency fee agreement means that the attorney’s fee is taken out of any settlement money or jury award you receive. This means that if there is no case, you won’t have to pay the attorney anything. However, this type of agreement also means the attorney will only get paid if you win your case. If there's no case and the attorney isn't paid, he or she doesn't do any work on your case.

An hourly fee agreement means that an attorney will charge for every hour he or she spends on your case (regardless of whether it results in a trial). The upside here is that the lawyer may be willing to take less upfront payment up front so long as he or she gets paid at least something for their time. But beware! Hourly agreements can turn into a much larger deal than anticipated, depending on how long your case takes to resolve. Make sure to ask about what kind of rate they charge before you sign anything!

Another thing to keep in mind when choosing a lawyer is whether they accept the type of claim you have. For example, some lawyers specialize in car accidents while others only handle medical malpractice claims. Make sure that the lawyer specializes in what you want them for and has a history of winning cases like yours!

 

What to Ask When Choosing a Lawyer

When choosing a lawyer, there are a few questions you should ask. The first is what type of law do they specialize in? Not all lawyers handle the same cases. For example, if you were in a car accident and suffered injuries such as whiplash or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), you’ll want to find a personal injury lawyer. If your case is a more complex one like medical malpractice, then it might be best to find an attorney who focuses on that specific area of law.

The next question to ask is how much do they charge for their services? Different attorneys have different rates of pay depending on the type of case and the skill level required for it. For example, if you had an easy case with no complications, then you might not need the expertise of a higher-priced attorney. If your case is more complex and needs someone with more skill, then it might be worth it to invest in their services.

 

How Much Will It Cost?

The cost of hiring a lawyer will vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of your case. A smaller, less complicated case might be able to be handled for much less than a larger, more complicated one. Generally speaking, you should expect to pay between $2,500-$10,000 for an attorney’s fees during the course of a car accident lawsuit.

Depending on what type of lawyer you end up hiring, you might also have additional expenses like medical records copies or depositions. This can sometimes cost anywhere from $150-$500 per item (deposition).

Some lawyers might require a retainer fee upfront in order to process your case right away—a retender can range anywhere from $1,000-$5,000. You may also owe court costs/fines at the time of your hearing. The amount varies but usually ranges from $100-$400 depending on where you live and whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony charge.

It’s important to note that all these numbers are an approximation and shouldn’t be taken as fact. Your actual costs may vary based on what type of case you have and what part of the country you live in (medical records copes or depostions for example). And remember—you don’t have to spend any money up front with most lawyers! It is also possible to get reimbursed by insurance companies after filing suit if they were responsible for the accident in some way.

 

What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to find an attorney. A car accident lawyer can help with your case and ensure that you receive the damages you deserve. In some cases, the other driver’s insurance might cover the harm caused by their negligence. But if it doesn’t, your attorney will work on getting you a fair settlement.

 

How Much Should I Expect to Spend on a Case?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, the cost of hiring a lawyer will vary. If you have an easy case with no extenuating factors, then you can expect to pay as little as $500 or so. But if you have a complicated case with multiple parties and high damages, your costs could be astronomical. For example, cases involving wrongful death can cost upwards of $100,000.

One way to reduce your costs is by working out a contingency fee agreement with your lawyer. In this arrangement, the lawyer gets paid only if he wins the case for you—much like how lawyers who represent criminal defendants get paid only if they win their cases. This type of agreement means that the attorney will take less money upfront to work on your case because he’s not worried about paying his mortgage during the whole time it takes to complete it. You should consider this type of agreement before hiring an attorney because it can significantly reduce attorney costs while still giving you quality legal representation.

 

What protections are offered for car accident cases?

The most important thing you should know is that the type of protection varies depending on the state. Some states offer only limited protection in the event of a car accident, while other states offer extensive protections to those who are injured or have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. For example, if you live in California, you’re eligible for three types of protections:

* Personal injury protection (PIP)

* Medical payments coverage

* Uninsured motorist coverage

You can opt out of PIP and medical payments if you want, but uninsured motorist coverage is required by law. If you live in Illinois, however, there are no mandatory protections for those who have been injured or lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. This means that it is up to your personal policy. You should check with your insurance company and your employer before moving forward with any legal action.

 

Conclusion

When faced with the aftermath of a car accident, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. Luckily, the car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Bryan W. Stone are available to provide you with the legal guidance you need.

We can help you understand your options and protect your rights when dealing with an injury from a car accident. We will also be there for you every step of the way to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

If you’re ready to take your first step toward recovering after suffering a car accident injury, give us a call today.