Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney On A Budget

Few things are more frustrating than suffering an injury due to another person's actions and then dealing with an insurance company that is unwilling to fairly compensate you for your pain and loss of income. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is an effective way to get the compensation that you rightfully deserve. Though you may worry that you cannot afford a lawyer, there are several ways to utilize affordable legal counsel.

Consider Legal Aid

It is likely there is an organization in your area that offers free or reduced-cost legal aid. The amount that you pay is generally dependent upon your assets and your income. A nearby law school is one terrific source of possible reduced-cost legal advice.

Many personal injury attorneys offer a free or low-cost consultation. During this meeting, they hear the details of your experience to determine if they can provide adequate counsel for your case.

Evaluate Different Billing Methods

Lawyers charge in three common ways: flat fee, hourly rate, and a contingency fee. Personal injury lawyers often bill using a contingency fee. If the lawyer does not win your case, no money is received. For cases that are successful, the lawyer receives a percentage of the client's winnings. For example, the terms may read that the attorney receives 20 percent of rewards up to $10,000 and 15 percent of any amount over $10,000.

Contingency fee billing is an excellent option for individuals who do not have the funds to pay a lawyer upfront.

If your case is simple, but you prefer to have an attorney in your corner, paying an hourly rate may be a better option. Attorneys only bill for the time that they spend working on your case. You are also able to reduce costs by performing administrative tasks yourself, such as requesting copies of documents or transporting forms.

Be Willing to Settle

Cases that are settled out of court have fewer legal expenses than those that actually go to court. Some individuals who decide to settle have an attorney view the settlement before signing it to determine if they are getting an equitable deal. Lawyers who bill using a contingency fee may charge a lower percentage for cases that do not go to court.

Unfortunately, obtaining a fair settlement after an injury can be a tedious, cumbersome, stressful process. Hiring an expert personal injury attorney can successfully expedite the process. If cost is a concern, taking advantage of a few simple tips ensures that you can afford the help you need. For more tips, contact a firm such as Marcus & Mack.


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