After a car accident, many people may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. It is understandable to be anxious and scared after a collision, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. If you have been injured in a car accident, there are many decisions to make, and many questions that need answering. You may be wondering if it’s worth it to hire an attorney. In truth, it depends. There are a few determining factors when deciding whether or not hiring a lawyer is the best option for you.
Consider Your Financial Status
One important factor to consider is your financial status. If you are unable to pay for an attorney, there may not be much value in doing so. However, if you have significant assets or insurance coverage, hiring an attorney may be worth your time and money. It is important to remember that not all car accidents result in injury or damage. In fact, many accidents can be resolved without the need for legal representation. However, if you have been injured and believe that you may have legal rights, it is important to speak with an attorney.
Will It Impact Your Insurance Claim?
Another important question to ask yourself is if your insurance policy will cover any legal fees. Many insurance companies have a set limit on how much they will pay out in claims, and attorney fees can push that limit significantly. If you are unsure if your insurance company will cover any costs associated with a car accident, it is best to speak with an agent.
According to rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com, “[a]ll states have statutes of limitation that govern the time within which a personal injury victim may bring a civil action. This time limit is usually three years, although it may be longer in some cases.” The deadlines for filing the claim may intercept the deadlines with your insurance company. This could impact how much your insurance is willing to pay out.
Will I Get The Settlement I’m Looking For?
Deciding whether or not hiring an attorney and pursuing a car accident settlement is worth it can be a difficult decision. While attorney fees can add up quickly, a successful settlement could result in significant financial relief. If your potential payout is less or barely breaking even with the money you put into attorney fees, you may not want to pursue a settlement. It is important to weigh all of your options before making a decision.
Are You Suing An Individual Or A Company?
The legal process, the difficulty, and the settlement amount are all impacted by who you’re suing. When it comes to claims against an individual you’re suing for personal injuries, the legal system is more forgiving. For claims against a company, the legal system can be harsher.
If You’re Suing An Individual
When you sue an individual, your lawsuit generally goes before a small claims court. This court is typically less formal than a regular court and you’re likely to get a settlement or judgment that’s much lower than what you could receive in a regular court case. However, if you sue an individual and win, you can collect punitive damages (money awarded as punishment) which can increase your settlement amount.
If You’re Suing A Company
When you sue a company, your lawsuit will go before a district or superior court. The outcome of your case could be much different depending on the jurisdiction in which the lawsuit is filed. A company may settle your claim without going to trial if it feels it has a good chance of winning. If the company does go to trial, however, it may be able to convince the court to dismiss your case or award you very little money.
A claim against an individual may not be as lucrative as a claim against a company. In opposition, a claim against a company will certainly be more difficult. Companies are more likely to fight the claims. This means you may end up spending more money on representation than you would if you sued an individual.
With a company, you’re also more likely to end up in a courtroom rather than settling outside of one. This is where experience comes into play. A company may have more resources to hire an attorney and finance a legal battle. This could mean you end up with a smaller settlement or no settlement at all.
Are You At Fault?
Another important factor to consider is whether or not you think the accident was your fault. Many people who are injured in car accidents feel as though they were at fault in some way. This can be a difficult belief to shake, and hiring an attorney can help you explore all of your options and find the truth about what happened on that fateful day. If you do not think that you were at fault for the collision, then it may not be worth spending the money on an attorney. However, if you do believe that you were responsible for the accident, hiring an attorney will give you access to vital legal resources and support during your case process.
The Cost Of Hiring An Attorney
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the cost of hiring an attorney will vary based on the specific facts of your case. However, in general, hiring an attorney can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. This price tag is likely to increase if you require specialized legal services, such as representation in a car accident lawsuit.
When To Hire An Attorney
If you have been injured in a car accident and are considering hiring an attorney, it is important to speak with a qualified professional as soon as possible. The sooner you can get started on your case, the better chance you have of getting the results that you need and deserve.