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The exact cost of a car accident lawyer is different from one case to the next. This is because car accident lawyers typically work for contingency fees. As such, the payment your attorney receives depends on the settlement you get. While some attorneys work for fixed fees, we’ll focus on the more common practice of contingency fees.
Contingency fees are helpful for many victims because you are not required to give your attorney any money up front. Most importantly, you do not pay your attorney any money for their services if you do not receive a financial award. Instead, you and your attorney will agree upon a percentage to be taken from your award when it is finally paid out.
Additional Fees That May Be Added to Your Car Accident Case
All cases are different, and your personal injury lawyer may need to add on some extra costs depending on the services they render throughout your case. Some of the services that may incur additional fees include, but are not limited to:
- The cost of retaining the services of expert witnesses
- Fees associated with obtaining medical files
- Serving documents to the defendant and other parties relevant to the case
- Fees that are paid to court reporters
- Various costs related to paperwork and documentation
- Paying third-party investigators or other investigation-related costs
- Court filings
- The cost of mailing documents
- Making exhibits to present at trial
- The cost of obtaining police records
- And more
If your attorney is working for contingency fees, fees will be added on to the percentage you agreed upon. If your attorney is working for a fixed rate, your attorney will likely factor these fees into their overall price. They must first examine the types of obstacles they may face with your case. Know that you may be charged additional fees after the case settles.
If you have any further questions about the amount of money you will be charged for the legal services your attorney provides, representatives at our law firm will be happy to assist you.
Understanding When Your Attorney Will Collect Their Payment
Payments will not be collected until you “win” your case. It is important to understand that winning your case can happen both inside and outside of civil court.
Basically, your case is finished when the court makes their final ruling. If they rule in favor of the defendant, you will not be receiving any compensation for your losses. If the court determines that you were not at fault for your injuries – thereby holding the other party accountable for your losses – they will award you a pre-determined amount of damages.
Not to be ignored, many cases are settled outside of court once an amicable amount of compensation can be reached by you and your lawyer. In either case, once the finances are handed over, your attorney will take their percentage, and you will be free to do as you wish with the remaining money.
What You Are Paying For When You Retain a Car Accident Lawyer
Car accident attorneys are there to provide you with a multitude of legal services. These services will vary depending on whether you decide to take your case to trial, you choose to settle out of court, or you want to forgo a lawsuit and file an insurance claim.
Some of the more common legal services provided by lawyers in Georgia and South Carolina include:
- Assessing the overall value of your case
- Negotiating settlements
- Studying laws and established legal precedents
- Evidence gathering
- Fighting for your case in civil court
- Filing motions
- Examining deadlines that may affect your case
- Retaining expert witnesses to assist with the investigation and trial proceedings
- Providing general legal counsel
- Determining liability
- And much more
If you want to know more about the services car accident lawyers typically provide, a representative from our firm will be happy to inform you.
A Car Accident Lawyer From Our Firm Will Proudly Advocate For You
Our law firm takes pride in fighting for the common man. If you are harmed in a car accident due to another party’s negligence, they should be held accountable. We are here to fight for your rights at every turn and secure the compensation you are entitled to.
Our firm works on a contingency-fee basis, so there are no financial risks when you work with us. Our lawyers will not get paid unless you do.
Call Today and Speak with a Compassionate Team Member at No Cost
If you have questions and/or concerns about the cost of retaining a car accident lawyer at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, our team is standing by to help. We are ready to help you and your loved ones after an auto accident in Georgia or South Carolina.
Contact a representative today at (888) 612-7001 to get started with your free consultation.