When a car accident occurs, most victims resort to taking matters into their own hands rather than seeking legal advice from an accident lawyer, mainly avoiding the attorney fee. Also, accident attorney fees vary from one lawyer to another, making the decision even harder to make.
While it's true that personal injury lawyers don't charge the same fees, most follow a more or less similar fee structure, called the contingency fee basis. To get an answer to the frequent question “how much do accident lawyers charge?” Continue reading for an overview auto accident attorney fees.
How Contingency Fees Work
By fast, that refers to a case that is resolved by car accident attorneys an insurance company without a lawsuit, or a case that goes to court but not necessarily to trial. Contrarily, if the case proceeds to trial, mediation, or even arbitration, the fee of your car accident lawyer will be towards the higher end of the range.
Do I Need to Pay Other Fees?
Sometimes, your lawyer may charge you other fees, such as court costs, filing costs, expert witness costs, photocopying fees, consultation costs, or similar. This one flat fee not only depends on the lawyer but also on the case.
Therefore, make sure to ask your lawyer about whether you incur these costs, personal injury lawyer or the firm absorbs them on your behalf. Additionally, an attorney may choose to work on a retainer fee structure (requesting an amount upfront to be deducted upon receiving the contingency fee), which is another question you need to ask during your attorney consultation.
Is It Worth Getting a Car Accident Lawyer?
You may still be wondering whether you need an accident lawyer in the first place. We're aware that a vast majority of individuals can handle the case themselves, but we really advise against it. Why so?
By fast, that refers to a case that is resolved by an insurance company without a lawsuit, or a case that goes to court but not necessarily to trial. Contrarily, if the case proceeds to trial, mediation, or even arbitration, the fee of your car accident lawyer will be towards the higher end of the range.
Do I Need to Pay Other Fees?
Sometimes, your lawyer may charge you other fees, such as court costs, filing costs, expert witness costs, photocopying fees, consultation costs, or similar. This not only depends on the lawyer but also on the case.
Therefore, make sure to ask your lawyer about whether you incur these costs, or the firm absorbs them on your behalf. Additionally, an attorney may choose to work on a retainer fee structure (requesting an amount upfront to be deducted upon receiving the contingency fee), which is another question you need to ask during your attorney consultation.
Is It Worth Getting a Car Accident Lawyer?
You may still be wondering whether you need an accident lawyer in the first place. We’re aware that a vast majority of individuals can handle the case themselves, but we really advise against it. Why so?
Legal Knowledge
Firstly, a case can seem simple, yet legal matters go beyond what is visible at first sight. The smallest of details can make all the difference in the compensation you receive from your case, which is why a lawyer with first-hand experience with diverse cases is guaranteed to obtain the maximum compensation possible.
Handling Insurance Companies
You have to remember that another party is involved in the case other than you and your lawyer, and that is the insurance company representing the car accident attorney or other person. Insurance companies are known for their extreme negotiation efforts to reduce the settlement.
That is where your lawyer will step in. By knowing your exact rights and the duties of insurance companies, a serious injury lawyer will be able to negotiate back and advocate on your behalf to obtain your full rights.
Money Loss
The primary reason we've emphasized why car accident lawyers and victims don't resort to an attorney is the fear of asking the question: “how much does an attorney cost?” However, what isn't usually considered is the possibility of money loss due to the lack of a lawyer.
You may not know it, but having a reliable lawyer can save you the loss of thousands of dollars. If you aren't able to represent yourself competently without a lawyer's presence, you run the risk of either not receiving compensation for personal injury claims or receiving a subpar one.
Therefore, you may not end up saving money at all, opposite to what you may believe is the case by avoiding a lawyer's fee.
When Should I Hire an Attorney for a Car Accident?
If you were hurt in an accident that wasn't your fault, that's when you should seek an attorney. At the bare minimum, you should at least schedule a consultation with law firm or an attorney to discuss the case, possible outcomes, and the attorney fees.
As we've discussed earlier, having the right attorney by your side is a hassle and risk-free experience for you through the contingency fee structure, meanwhile ensuring the attorney has your best interest at heart.
However, the golden rule is that the more serious your case, the higher your need for an attorney.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Minor Car Accident?
As you would expect, the claims and settlements vary depending on the nature of the car accident cases themselves. The true matter of the situation is that the more the injuries and their seriousness, the higher the settlement value you receive.
For minor car accidents, you should expect around $3,000-$4,000 in settlement, in addition to the costs of your medical bills. This is mainly applicable to minor and moderate whiplashes. However, suppose you suffer from tissue or joint damage that is easily treatable or only require physical therapy. In that case, you could receive up to $10,000 and the cost of medical bills.
Next Steps: Talk to Our Lawyers for Free!
Now that you have the full picture painted out, contact us at Georgia Auto Law if you've been involved in an auto accident lawyer, and would like to take your case further. We solely specialize in Georgia auto accident cases, and we're winning cases every day.
Our case evaluation free consultation is 100% free, with no commitment required. You won't lose anything by knowing what your settlement is worth. And should you decide to work with us, be assured that we're fully dedicated to granting you the compensation you rightfully deserve, and our lawyers tirelessly work to make the process as smooth as possible.
You will have a dedicated team of attorneys handling your case whom you can contact anytime for updates. Even if you don't, we always stay in touch and update you with your progress every step of the way.
Don't hesitate to reach out and become the next member of the Georgia Auto Law family. We're available 24/7 via text, live chat, or call us at (404) 662-4949! And since we're speaking of fees, we promise that if we don't win, you won't pay a dime; no out of pocket expenses.
Conclusion: Is it Worth Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Georgia?
Comprehensive Legal Knowledge
To begin with, lawyers possess deep legal knowledge that isn't easily replicated. The nuances of personal injury law can be complex and navigating this terrain without experience can prove to be a hindrance in obtaining the maximum possible compensation.
Expertise in Handling Insurance Companies
Secondly, attorneys are adept at handling insurance companies. These companies are notorious for attempting to reduce the settlement amount, and having a lawyer to negotiate on your behalf ensures your rights are upheld.
Prevention of Money Loss
Lastly, by avoiding attorney fees, you may unintentionally expose yourself to greater financial loss. Without a lawyer's assistance, you run the risk of receiving insufficient compensation for your claims or, in the worst-case scenario, not receiving any compensation at all.
Knowing When to Hire an Attorney
If you find yourself involved in an accident that was not your fault, that's when you should consider hiring an attorney. Even if you're unsure, scheduling a consultation with a law firm can provide valuable insights into your case, possible outcomes, and the attorney fees involved.
Expectations for Minor Car Accident Settlements
The settlement you can expect varies greatly depending on the specifics of the car accident case. For minor accidents, anticipate approximately $3,000-$4,000, in addition to medical bill costs. However, if physical therapy is needed for treatable joint or tissue damage, settlements can reach up to $10,000.
Moving Forward with Georgia Auto Law
Free Consultation and Case Evaluation
Georgia Auto Law offers a 100% free, no-commitment case evaluation. You have nothing to lose by understanding the worth of your settlement.
Commitment to Client Satisfaction
Our team of attorneys is dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. We work tirelessly to make the process as smooth as possible, keeping you informed at every stage.
FAQs
Q1: What is a contingency fee and how does it work for car accident lawyers in Georgia?
A1: A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where the client only pays the attorney if the case is won. It is a prevalent fee structure among personal injury lawyers in Georgia. The lawyers receive a pre-agreed percentage of the total settlement after the case is resolved.
Q2: What percentage of the case settlement do lawyers in Georgia typically charge for car accident claims?
A2: The percentage of the case settlement charged by lawyers in Georgia for car accident claims is not standardized. However, it typically ranges between 33.3% and 40% of the case settlement.
Q3: Are there additional costs besides the contingency fees that may be charged by the lawyer?
A3: Yes, a lawyer might charge additional fees such as court costs, filing costs, expert witness costs, photocopying fees, and consultation costs. The applicability of these costs varies depending on the specific case and lawyer.
Q4: When should an individual hire an attorney for a car accident in Georgia?
A4: One should consider hiring an attorney for a car accident in Georgia if they were hurt in an accident that wasn't their fault. It is recommended to at least schedule a consultation with an attorney to discuss the case, possible outcomes, and the attorney fees.
Q5: What is the average settlement for a minor car accident in Georgia?
A5: The settlement amount varies greatly depending on the nature of the car accident. However, for minor car accidents, the settlement could range from around $3,000-$4,000, plus the costs of medical bills. For injuries requiring treatable tissue or joint damage or physical therapy, the settlement could reach up to $10,000 in addition to the cost of medical bills.