Many drivers assume that insurance is enough to handle the cost of most accidents on the road. However, when you’re facing mounting bills from a crash that’s not your fault, consulting with a lawyer can be the best way to protect your rights and minimize your losses.
In the uncertainty after an accident, drivers tend to hesitate and assume that legal support is more expensive than they can afford. Do I need an attorney’s help? How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
This blog post will clarify these common questions. We’ll discuss fee structures for car accident claims and the benefits of an attorney’s support after a crash.
How Much Are Car Accident Lawyer Fees?
The cost of a car accident lawyer can vary greatly depending on your situation and the personal injury law firm you work with.
There’s no universal formula for calculating the cost of a car accident lawyer. Generally, personal injury attorneys in North Carolina charge clients on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee means a client only pays the law firm if they win their case. Usually, this also means that the client is awarded compensation through a settlement or court-ordered verdict. The law firm then collects a portion of the client’s compensation.
So, what percentage does an accident lawyer get if the case is successful? It depends. Generally, law firms charge 30-40% of the amount recovered. The average contingency fee in North Carolina is approximately one-third of the total amount recovered. Some of the factors that can impact a firm’s contingency fee are:
- The severity of the crash and extent of injuries;
- The complexity of the legal case;
- The location and size of the law firm; and
- An attorney’s education, skills, and experience.
Many personal injury lawyers charge contingency fees. Although it’s less common, some attorneys charge an hourly rate for their services. Others may charge a flat fee for representation—regardless of the outcome of your case. Ensure you understand an attorney’s billing policy details before you retain their services.
Why Should I Contact a Car Accident Lawyer?
Behind the question how much does a car accident lawyer cost is another question that concerned drivers often forget to ask: How can a car accident lawyer help me?
Here are some ways an attorney can provide much-needed support for drivers navigating the legal and financial stress of a crash.
Communicating with Insurance Companies
The aftermath of a car accident often involves juggling multiple insurance companies. An attorney can be a helpful mediator between your insurer and the representatives of any other drivers involved. When speaking to insurers without legal advice, drivers can harm their claim.
A lawyer can help protect you as you navigate the insurance process. When a legal professional manages your communications, you can avoid common pitfalls, like admitting fault and potentially lowering the value of your insurance claim.
Gathering Evidence
Evidence is critical to any car accident claim. Generally, you’ll need physical proof to demonstrate that the crash wasn’t your fault to recover compensation for the cost of a car accident. A lawyer can be valuable for identifying and preserving the evidence you need to justify compensation. Some types of evidence an attorney can help you collect include:
- Surveillance or dashboard camera video footage,
- Cell phone records,
- Police reports,
- Medical records, and
- Witness testimony.
In some cases, when there’s a dispute over the cause of the crash, an attorney can help retain an accident reconstruction expert to analyze the available evidence. An expert’s opinion can be valuable in proving another driver’s fault.
Calculating and Negotiating Compensation
Drivers often receive more compensation than expected in an auto accident claim. Unfortunately, insurance companies can use this to their advantage. Insurers usually try to resolve car accident claims as cheaply and quickly as possible.
The initial compensation offer you receive may only account for part of the full extent of the damages you could be entitled to. A trained personal injury lawyer can evaluate your situation and accurately estimate the economic and noneconomic damages owed under North Carolina law.
These damages can include compensation for vehicle damage, medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress caused by the aftermath of the crash. Your attorney can negotiate with insurers on your behalf and try to ensure that you receive the maximum legal compensation for your situation.
How Long Do I Have to Contact an NC Car Accident Lawyer?
In North Carolina, drivers generally have up to three years after the date of a car accident to file a personal injury claim. In legal terms, this deadline is called a statute of limitations.
Three years may seem like a long time, but it’s in your best interest to contact a legal professional sooner rather than later. If the statute of limitations passes before you take action, you lose your right to seek legal compensation for any damage caused by another driver.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Legal Advocate
On top of vehicle repairs, missed work, EMT bills, and insurance claims, finding a trustworthy personal injury attorney following an accident can seem more trouble than it’s worth. At Mehta & McConnell, PLLC, we understand that accident victims are often overwhelmed, grappling with the emotional—if not physical—trauma of a crash.
That’s why we offer free initial consultations for potential accident claims. When you meet with one of our board-certified personal injury attorneys, they can review your situation and help you understand your rights. There’s no fee and no obligation to pursue a claim. If you have a case, our team can support you at each step in recovering the compensation owed to you.
With our contingency fee policy, you won’t pay unless we can help you reach a positive outcome. Our attorneys have over 30 years of combined legal experience navigating car accident claims in North Carolina. Contact our office today to speak to an attorney about how we can help you.
Jason McConnell
Jason McConnell is the managing attorney of Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers, a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation law firm. In his free time he enjoys playing golf, cooking, traveling and following the UNC Tar Heels and Carolina Panthers.
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