When you’re involved in an auto accident, one of the first concerns you might have is the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer. Many people worry about whether they can afford legal services after an automobile accident.
You don’t need to worry about car accident lawyer fees at Mogy Law. Our car crash attorneys use a contingency fee arrangement. You only pay your Charlotte car accident lawyer after we win your case.
This guide explains how contingency fees work and the benefits of hiring an attorney. If you have been in a wreck in North Carolina, call our law firm today for a free consultation.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Car accident lawyer fees can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure the law firm uses. Some personal injury attorneys may charge an hourly fee or a flat fee for the entire case.
Most Charlotte car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer only gets paid if you win your case, usually taking a percentage of the settlement or court award.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee arrangement is where the lawyer’s fees are based on your compensation. If you don’t win your car accident claim, you typically don’t owe the lawyer any fees. The arrangement makes legal representation more accessible for car accident victims who may already be dealing with mounting medical bills and lost wages due to their injuries.
Because auto accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, they are highly motivated to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Their payment depends on your success, so you can be confident that your lawyer will work diligently to pursue the maximum compensation available.
How Much Are Contingency Fees?
In most cases, the contingency fee agreement stipulates that the lawyer will receive a percentage of the settlement or court award. This percentage can vary but generally falls between 25% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and the stage at which it is resolved.
For example, if your case settles before going to trial, the fee might be on the lower end of the scale. However, if your case goes to court, the lawyer’s contingency fee could be higher due to the additional work involved.
Additional Costs and Expenses
While the contingency fee covers the lawyer’s work, other costs associated with your car accident case may still need to be addressed. These can include costs for filing court documents, expert witness fees, and more. A law firm may pay these costs and deduct them from your settlement or ask you to cover these expenses as the case progresses.
You should ask your Charlotte personal injury attorney what additional costs could be involved in your car accident claim and how they will be handled. Transparency will help you understand the cost of legal services.
How a Lawyer Can Help Your Car Accident Claim
Given the complexity of personal injury law and the challenges of negotiating with insurance companies, hiring a personal injury attorney can significantly increase your chances of securing a fair settlement. Here are some key benefits of having a Charlotte car accident attorney on your side.
Gathering Evidence and Building a Strong Case
Our car accident lawyers know what evidence is needed to build a strong case. They will gather all relevant information, including the police report, medical records, witness statements, and photographs from the accident scene.
Your lawyer may also work with accident reconstruction experts and other professionals to strengthen your case.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
One of the most challenging aspects of dealing with a car accident is negotiating with the insurance company. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, often offering settlements far below what accident victims need to cover their expenses.
A car accident attorney can negotiate on your behalf, leveraging their knowledge of personal injury claims and North Carolina law to push for a settlement that reflects the true value of your case.
Handling the Legal Process
The legal process following a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if you’re also dealing with medical treatment and recovery. A car accident lawyer can handle all aspects of your case, from filing paperwork to representing you in court if necessary.
This allows you to focus on healing and have peace of mind.
Maximizing Your Compensation
One of the primary reasons to hire a Charlotte car accident lawyer is to maximize your compensation. Without legal representation, you may not be aware of all the damages you are entitled to claim, such as compensation for emotional suffering, lost income, and future medical expenses.
A skilled attorney will evaluate the full impact of the accident on your life and work to ensure that your settlement reflects this.
Representation in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If the other driver’s insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your auto accident lawyer may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit. If necessary, your attorney will aggressively represent you in court.
While most car accident cases are settled out of court, having a personal injury lawyer who is prepared to take your case to trial can put pressure on the insurance company to offer a reasonable settlement.
Benefits of a Free Consultation
Many law firms offer a free consultation to discuss your case. You can ask questions about the contingency fee agreement, potential additional costs, and the law firm’s experience with car accident cases.
This is a risk-free way to learn about your legal options.
Is There a Deadline to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. You could lose the right to seek compensation if you miss the deadline. There are some exceptions to this deadline, such as cases involving minors or situations where the injury wasn’t immediately apparent.
It’s essential to consult with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to begin building a robust case.
Call a Charlotte Car Accident Lawyer Today!
Car accidents can lead to serious injuries, lost income, and costly medical bills. If you were in a car crash where the other driver was at fault, you shouldn’t be left to shoulder the financial burdens.
By working with a Charlotte car accident lawyer, you can pursue fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. Having a skilled personal injury attorney by your side can make all the difference in your case.
Don’t let concerns about attorney fees hold you back from seeking the legal representation you need. Our personal injury attorneys at Mogy Law use a contingency fee agreement, you pay no upfront legal fees. Your car accident lawyer gets paid after winning your case.
Contact our North Carolina car accident lawyers today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward securing the maximum compensation for your injuries.