We work for our clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing upfront, so you do not have to stress about how much it will cost to hire a truck accident lawyer. When an attorney wins the case and their client is fairly compensated, there is a fee taken from the settlement for the attorney. When an attorney accepts work on a contingency fee basis, they typically agree to one-third of the settlement, according to the American Bar Association (ABA).
If your case is not successful, you and your lawyer will not collect any money. In addition, you will not have to pay your attorney for any of their work on your case. While you will not have to pay your attorney anything if you lose your case, you will likely have to pay court filing costs.
Understanding How a Lawyer Gets Paid in Personal Injury Cases
Truck accidents fall under the category of personal injury, and contingency fee arrangements are common in personal injury cases. This type of case can generate a large amount of compensation for an injured client.
Many clients do not have the financial means to pay a lawyer, so a contingency fee arrangement is beneficial to them. According to the Legal Information Institute (LII), “a contingency fee is a form of payment to a lawyer”. Rather than paying hourly fees, a client would pay one amount that is agreed on between the client and the attorney.
How Legal Fees Work in Truck Accident Cases
The potential recovery a client can receive for a truck accident case can be hefty. This is due to the possible long list of economic and non-economic damages. Victims of truck accidents are often awarded compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, ongoing care costs, lost income, lost earning capacity, and more.
Factors that determine how much a truck accident victim and their attorney will be awarded include:
The Liable Parties
There can be multiple liable parties in a truck accident. This can include the truck driver as they may have made an error, such as working for too many hours then falling asleep at the wheel and crashing into a car. It can be difficult to prove the driver was at fault, but the more likely the truck driver will be found responsible for the accident, the more likely an insurance adjuster will be willing to offer a higher settlement.
The trucking company can also be held liable for hiring a negligent driver or a driver who is not properly trained for the job. The driver and their company usually share liability. A third party that can also be found at fault includes safety inspectors and vehicle manufacturers if the truck was poorly maintained or had defective parts.
Medical Expenses
Your medical care following a truck accident may last a long time. It is wise to wait until your condition improves before reviewing your medical care costs. Making an estimate of your expenses too early can mean losing out on thousands of dollars in compensation that you deserve.
Taking the Case to Trial
If your lawyer feels that a better outcome in your case can be obtained through litigation, they may choose to take your case to trial. If an insurance adjuster refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney may choose litigation rather than accepting their offer.
Hiring a Lawyer Who Works on Contingency Can Be Beneficial
It can help to have your fees paid through your compensation; it can be less stressful for a client who has trouble paying the hourly rate. Clients can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they do not have to pay ongoing charges throughout the duration of their case. If there is no win, there is no fee.
Contact Our Office to Learn More About How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You
A truck accident lawyer from George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers can be your strong legal advocate during a difficult time where you are likely on a journey of recovering physically and financially. You do not have to worry about the cost to hire a truck accident lawyer. One of our dedicated lawyers will be committed to your case and work towards the best possible outcome.
Do not let your fear of an inability to pay for a lawyer deter you from reaching out for legal assistance when you may be entitled to compensation. You only have to focus on getting better and leave the rest to us. Call today to speak with a member of our team for a free case evaluation.