If you have been in a car accident, you may require the services of a car accident lawyer. After an accident, you may end up with long-term issues stemming from your injuries. Dealing with the other driver or their insurance company may also be a hassle. A car accident lawyer offers services that can help you in the aftermath of an accident. Here are three things to know if you plan to hire a car accident lawyer.
How Much Time You Have To Take Action
In an ideal world, you would have all the time you need to deal with the legal issues that may stem from a car accident. However, in real life, there are time limits for taking legal action after a car accident. If you plan to take legal action after a car accident, it's essential to know the statute of limitations for a personal injury case in your state. Typically, you have one to six years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your lawyer will determine whether your situation falls within the necessary time limit.
Most Consultations Are Free
Another challenge regarding car accidents is knowing whether you have a case. Unless you are a legal expert, it can be challenging to know what options you have and what the best path forward will be. A car accident attorney can quickly determine whether you have a case, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg to get an initial consultation. Most car accident lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations that will give you a clearer view of your legal situation. When searching for a lawyer, it's also a good idea to interview a few before committing.
How Payment Works
It's also important to know how payment works for car accident lawyers. Most car accident attorneys charge contingency fees for their services. If your attorney wins your case or settles it, they get a portion of that settlement or award. However, you may be responsible for court fees, expert witness fees, and other expenses, so get a breakdown of what's required before hiring an attorney. For most car accident cases, the lawyer's contingency fee will be around 33 percent.
If you are looking to hire a car accident lawyer, here's what to know. First, there are time limits for taking legal action, so determine whether you can file a claim before starting your case. Second, most car accident lawyers offer free consultations that you can take advantage of to get more information. Finally, knowing how your car accident attorney will be paid is vital.
Contact a local law firm, such as Siben & Siben LLP, to learn more.
