When it comes to personal injury cases such as car accidents, the majority of Personal Injury Attorneys offer a free consultation. This consultation gives you a chance to discuss the details of your case with an attorney, and it also allows your attorney to determine if you have a relevant case. If you do end up partnering with an attorney and they take you on as a client, they will most likely have you sign a contingency agreement. This agreement means your attorney only gets paid if they recover compensation for your losses. In this agreement, there is no upfront cost or fees.
Contingency Fee Arrangements for a Modesto Car Accident Lawyer
Contingency agreements are usually what a lawyer will have you sign if they agree to take you on as a client and you agree to have them represent you in your legal matter. According to the American Bar Association, most motorcycle accident lawyers will accept a fixed percentage of the final settlement amount if the plaintiff (their client) wins their case. If the plaintiff loses the case, then they are not responsible for paying any lawyer’s fees whatsoever.
In certain circumstances, some motorcycle accident attorneys will charge an hourly fee for their services. Hundreds of hours are spent on personal injury cases, so accident victims should be cautious before agreeing to an hourly wage. Hourly wages can be several hundred dollars per hour, which can end up costing a substantial sum, even if the case is not successful.
Costs Associated with Partnering with a Car Accident Lawyer in California
Depending on your case, there could be additional costs that will be taken out of your settlement. An experienced lawyer should make you aware of additional costs as they arise, however, it is always good to understand the expenses you may be accumulating as your lawsuit progresses. Fees and costs associated with a car accident claim may include:
- Copy fees
- Cost of obtaining medical records, accident reports, and other necessary records
- Cost of securing expert witnesses
- Cost of travel and lodging expenses for you and anyone else involved in your case
- Expenses related to independent accident investigations
- Deposition costs and fees
- Postage costs
- Trial costs (if necessary)
How Do Fee Agreements Work if I Change Lawyers in Modesto?
Let’s say you are 8 months into a high-value, personal injury case. As of late, it is becoming impossible to contact your law firm, and your concern mounts as they have yet to file the complaint. Your firm has barely scratched the surface of your case, only collecting your medical records and speaking to a couple of witnesses. In cases like this, it is common to wonder about switching lawyers. Before you make the switch, you might ask yourself, “Will my old lawyers still be entitled to a percentage of my settlement?”
The short answer is, yes. However, your old law firm is not entitled to the percentage you originally agreed upon. Instead, your old attorney will only receive payment for the amount of work they’ve done on your case. This is referred to as “Quantum Meruit,” which means, “as much as deserved.” If your former law firm has done hardly any work, then they will only be entitled to a small amount. Your new attorney will be responsible for negotiating with your former firm as to how much compensation they can receive from your settlement.
It is important to note that there will most likely be delays in your case for switching attorneys, but a temporary setback may seem worth it if you are unhappy with your current representation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Modesto?
If you’ve sustained injuries from an accident, it is advisable to seek legal counsel from a reputable car accident attorney. Even if you believe the insurance company will cover your damages, speaking with a personal injury lawyer will help you understand all of your legal options before you decide to settle. If you decide to file a lawsuit through an attorney, they will:
- Identify All Liable Parties: Accidents typically involve multiple cars or “at-fault” parties. An accident attorney will collect all responsible parties and file a personal injury lawsuit against them, maximizing your chance at full, financial recovery.
- Follow Proper Legal Procedures: An experienced vehicle accident attorney understands the complexities of suing liable parties and the specific legal rules that must be followed. Having your lawsuit properly filed and the details of your situation perfectly outlined for the insurance adjuster will let the defense know you are aware of your rights and are prepared to exercise them.
- Prepare for Litigation: An attorney will expedite the litigation process if no acceptable offer is made. They will prepare you for trial, handle all legal proceedings, and represent you in court.
- Allow you to focus on Recovery: Hiring a well-practiced attorney will allow you to recover, while they deal with the legal side of your case for you. Not only will this give you a better chance at compensation, but it will alleviate your stress and give you peace of mind while dealing with a very traumatic time in your life.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Modesto
If you or a loved one have been injured due to the carelessness of another driver in Modesto, the Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto are here to get you the compensation you need. We’ll fight for a fair settlement on your behalf, as well as ensure your insurance rates do not go up if you’re not liable for the accident. We’ve managed numerous car accident cases and we specialize in protecting drivers from liability. Contact us today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.