Posted on Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 at 10:00 pm
When you are injured in a car accident in California caused by another driver, you might be entitled to compensation from the other driver for your injuries and damages. In most cases, filing an insurance claim is the first step in recovering money for your accident claim. However, if the insurance company denies liability for the claim, you may need to discuss your options with a Sacramento car accident attorney.
How Can I Afford to Hire a Car Accident Attorney After a Traffic Accident?
Paying an attorney to represent you in a car accident claim can seem like an impossible task, especially if you have been out of work recovering from injuries. Money can be very tight, but you need an attorney’s advice and help with your accident claim. Without an attorney, you may not receive any money for your claim or very little money for your claim. It is a stressful and frustrating situation.
The good news is that most personal injury attorneys in California represent injury victims without charging them any money up front for attorneys’ fees. The arrangement is referred to as a contingency agreement.
With a contingency fee agreement, the attorney agrees to wait to receive his or her attorneys’ fees until the client receives money for his or her claim. If the attorney is unable to settle the claim or obtain a court judgment for the claim, the attorney does not receive any money for attorneys’ fees. Therefore, the accident victims receive the experienced legal advice and representation that the victim needs without worrying about how to pay an attorney.
The fee is based on the amount of the settlement or court order. When the client hires the attorney, the parties agree to a specific percentage for the contingency fee. Therefore, the attorney has the incentive to maximize the amount of compensation paid to the client because the attorneys’ fees are based on that amount. The more money the client receives, the more money the attorney receives. The arrangement works well for both parties.
Who Pays the Costs and Expenses of the Case?
Ultimately, the client is responsible for paying the costs and expenses related to the case. Costs and expenses of a personal injury case may include:
- Expert witness fees
- Court filing fees
- Copy costs
- Postage
- Travel costs
- Deposition fees
- Costs for obtaining copies of police reports, accident reports, and medical records
In most cases, the law firm pays for the costs and fees during the case. When the case is settled, the law firm is reimbursed for the costs and fees it paid on behalf of the client.
Contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney for More Information
If you have been injured, we want to help. Our attorneys understand how difficult it can be to make ends meet after an accident. Please take advantage of our free consultation to discuss your case with an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer.
