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A motor vehicle accident can leave you physically hurt, psychologically shaken, and uncertain as to what to do next. Hiring the right car accident lawyer can help to alleviate many of your fears and make it easier for you to look to the future with a sense of hope.
There are factors you need to think about when it comes to the decision to hire an attorney after you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident. In most cases, a small claim can be dealt with without the need for legal counsel. However, there are also times when hiring an attorney will help protect you from any future problems that may arise in regards to your injuries or the claim you filed.
Insurance companies can be sneaky. It is their job to make sure that they pay out the lowest amount to the plaintiff as possible. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to negotiate with the insurance claims adjuster to make sure that you get what you deserve. If it is becomes necessary, your case may have to be taken to court. If you decide that you want to deal directly with the insurance provider and you accept the amount of money they offer, that is the end of it. The settlement you accept cannot be altered later on if you decide to hire an attorney. If you find out at a future date that your injuries are worse than expected, you have no recourse.
A car accident lawyer does not get paid anything until you get paid. If the attorney wants to take on your case after hearing what it is all about, he should accept it on a contingency basis. Basically, this means that there is no upfront payment for him. This should make it financially more feasible for you to afford to hire representation at a time when you are low on funds.
The legal provider will work out a percentage of how much he will take once the case has been settled. Usually the fee works out to be around one-third of the payout. Find out from your attorney if the percentage he is awarded out of the total will cover all of the legal expenses or if there will still be money owing afterwards.
Timing is important when it comes to finding a car accident lawyer. The longer you put off speaking to a legal practitioner, the more difficult it may become to prove the case or to receive financial compensation for your suffering. There is a statute of limitations on cases involving motor vehicle crashes and it is not the same in every state.
Some of the best attorneys come by way of referrals, and not by flashy advertising. Ask for references from the attorney and find out if any complaints have ever been filed against him or her. You can never go wrong with an experienced car accident lawyer.
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