Three Tips For Determining If You Can Afford A Personal Injury Attorney

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If you've been injured due to the negligence of another party, you might be considering a personal injury lawsuit. One important consideration is whether or not you can afford to hire an attorney. While it is true that most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, that's not the case for every lawyer. Here are a few things to consider when determining if you can hire an attorney.

Do You Need To File A Lawsuit?

In some cases, a responsible party might be willing to settle out of court. Your insurance company might be able to negotiate a settlement, which alleviates the need for a personal injury attorney completely. In other situations, a lawyer might be able to help you negotiate an agreement without a trial. In these cases, a lawyer might be more affordable simply because he or she won't have to spend time preparing for and representing you in a trial. Remember that attorneys bill by the hour, so the fewer hours your case takes, the less expensive it will be.

Is There A Free Consultation?

Most lawyers offer a free consultation before taking on your case. This lets you determine if you are hiring the right representation, and it gives the attorney a chance to review the merits of your case. Ask whether or not this initial meeting is free before you schedule an appointment, as this will prevent your legal costs from piling up before you even choose an attorney.

What Are The Legal Firm's Payment Terms?

The most affordable route with a personal injury lawsuit is to hire an attorney who works on a contingency basis. This means that your attorney won't collect a fee unless you win your case. There are a few things to remember with a contingency lawyer that some people overlook. While you may not have to pay the attorney's fees, you may still be required to cover expenses, which cover things like court filing fees, travel, and miscellaneous expenses. If you win your case, you will have to pay a percentage of your judgement to your attorney. This percentage can range from 33 to 40 percent, so you'll need to take that into consideration before you decide to file a lawsuit.

While hiring a personal injury attorney can be expensive, it can be beneficial. You won't have to navigate the world of court filings and insurance claims adjustors on your own, and you might even have a better chance of winning your case.


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