Truck accidents usually come with a hefty price tag. After a truck crash, chances are you will face not only physical injuries and mental anguish but you will deal with substantial medical costs. You may have to take time off from work, which means the loss of a paycheck. With these financial expenses piling up, truck accident victims often have the same question – how much will it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
While the answer depends on a variety of factors, there are a few conditions victims need to understand to calculate the cost versus the potential reward.
Personal injury attorney’s fees are often calculated on an hourly rate or contingency basis. This can significantly alter the cost associated with your claim and the cost to hire an attorney.
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Most personal injury lawyers who focus on truck accident claims operate on a contingency fee structure. This means that you do not pay a lawyer’s fee upfront. Should you be awarded a settlement with the legal advice of a truck accident attorney, their fee is taken as a percentage of your settlement or award. Often, this percentage is one-third of your winnings. If you’re worried that an attorney’s fee will affect the amount you need to pay your bills, just know that the truck accident lawyer will do whatever they can to make sure you are appropriately compensated for your injuries.
When a personal injury attorney utilizes the contingency fee system, you can work with a lawyer you may not have otherwise been able to afford. Further, this ensures you get the highest quality representation, as the attorney is only paid if they win your case.
In addition, many attorneys offer a free evaluation of the case before signing you on, meaning that the cost of legal services begins once you are contracted with that law firm. It also gives you a chance to understand what your case is worth and learn how a truck accident lawyer can help you with your case. The free consultation means that you are not under any obligation to hire a truck accident attorney.
Suppose your personal injury lawyer is working on a contingency fee basis and is unsuccessful in getting you the compensation you deserve. You may wonder if you still have to pay their fees. The answer is no. If your case is not resolved, then you do not have to pay the attorney.
This gives you peace of mind, knowing that you have someone who will do everything they can to ensure you get the compensation you deserve following a trucking accident.
In addition to the legal fees your personal injury lawyer requests, there are other expenses that you should expect with a truck accident case. Generally, the lawyer will take on these expenses and add them to your final tab once the case closes.
The following are costs associated with evidence, legal costs, etc. you may incur to strengthen your claim:
These expenses may be deducted before the lawyer’s typical fees, while others may deduct expenses after the fees.
Further, should the attorney not win the case, you may be expected to pay out of your pocket for these expenses. Be sure to ask during your free consultation.
Compared to the contingency fee, an hourly fee is often more financially difficult for accident victims. In fact, in 2020, it was estimated that lawyers, on average, earn $73.86 an hour.
When you consider the amount of time a lawyer spends per case, this can add up. Not to mention the other legal fees associated with filing a lawsuit. Victims often have little to no financial resources, so a contingency fee is often the best option for a truck accident victim.
Some ask, “Can I afford legal representation?” In reality, you may need to ask yourself, “Can you afford not to have it?”
If you have been injured in a truck accident resulting in severe injuries, loss of income, or even death of a loved one, chances are you cannot afford to be without an attorney-client relationship.
Your attorney will be able to:
Further, if you have suffered severely, you may be in the midst of medical treatment, rehabilitation, therapy, etc., making your mind not in the place it needs to be for a solid legal case. Your attorney can gather evidence, meet with witnesses, speak to authorities, complete paperwork, and protect your legal rights, should you be unable to do so yourself.
The bottom line is this–you cannot afford not to hire a truck accident lawyer.
When you are involved in a claim with trucking companies after experiencing physical pain, economic damages, and property damages that result in injuries, you need a team to help with settlement negotiations. Whether you live in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia, Regan Zambri Long will get the best results possible for your case. Contact us today for a no-obligation, free consultation of your case. You don’t pay until we win.
Schedule your free legal consultation call at (202) 960-4746 or by filling out our online form.