It is a dubious distinction, but Florida ranks near the top of the annual national list when it comes to car accidents and dangerous roads. The convergence of overcrowded highways, millions of tourists, and severe weather results in thousands of car accidents, injuries, and fatalities each year. After a car accident, you may have many concerns about how to proceed, but your concern about being able to pay an attorney may be the variable that prevents you from seeking legal counsel. For many victims, the possibility of paying exorbitant legal fees may prevent them from making the call to obtain the professional assistance they need. But hiring an attorney who understands the complications and nuances of insurance and legal claims after a car accident is an invaluable advantage. This article will explain how fees are generally handled and why no one should be afraid to call an attorney because of legal fees.
Attorney Fees After a Car Accident
Attorneys have several options when deciding how to be compensated for their work and expertise.
One option that car accident attorneys have is to charge clients on an hourly or fixed fee schedule. An hourly fee will be determined based on the amount of time that an attorney spends working on the case. A fixed fee represents a mutually agreed-upon dollar amount that is established contractually when the attorney agrees to take on the case. While this fee structure is a possibility, most Florida car accident attorneys opt to utilize a contingency fee structure. A contingency fee assumes that the car accident attorney representing their client is only paid if the case is successful – meaning that the victim will collect a settlement for any awarded damages. The arrangement dictates that the attorney will be eligible to receive a percentage of whatever settlement is collected.
In other words, the attorney fees that are generated during most car accident cases are collected as a percentage of the awarded damages. If the plaintiff does not win their case, the attorney will not receive any compensation. Therefore, attorneys will only take cases with merit that they feel are viable. Anyone seeking to hire an attorney should provide all of the required information and documentation associated with the case so that a car accident attorney will understand their chances of winning the case.
Car accident victims deserve to be compensated for all of the physical injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering they experienced. The most effective way to accomplish that goal is to trust an experienced Sarasota, Orlando, or Tampa car accident attorney. Attorneys understand the nuances of the law, will collect all the relevant documentation, negotiate with the insurance provider and facilitate mediation or arbitration. If the case must eventually go to court, they will represent you with expertise earned from hundreds of similar cases.
At Probinsky & Cole, our roster of professional personal injury attorneys have decades of experience dealing with Florida car accidents. If you have been in a car accident, first make sure you have the medical treatment you need. Then we can work together to build a solid case to guarantee that you get the representation and compensation you deserve.
For more information about car accidents and personal injury cases, we recommend reading these relevant articles:
Car Accidents – Should You Settle or Sue?
Importance of the Witness in a Car Accident
Car Accidents and Financial Reimbursement
Once you’ve chosen your car accident attorney – especially the team at Probinsky & Cole – you can rest assured that they will fight on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. Do you need more information? Call Probinsky & Cole today.
