Car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their fee is a percentage of the damages you recover. The agreed-upon percentage is how much a car accident lawyer in Georgia will charge and can vary greatly between lawyers and law firms. Many law firms offer a free consultation that gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the fee structure and all other aspects of your case.
Your case could greatly benefit from hiring an Atlanta car accident lawyer rather than facing a powerful insurance company on your own. With no upfront costs or out-of-pocket fees to worry about, you can get the legal services you need right from the beginning. You also get the peace of mind that comes with knowing your case meets all the required legal parameters.
Understanding Contingency Fees for Car Accident Lawyers in Georgia
When your Atlanta personal injury lawyer gets a percentage of your settlement, it does not come out of your pocket. They receive compensation from the settlement of the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They will deduct their agreed-upon percentage and remit the remainder of the settlement to you.
The contingency fee percentage breakdown can range from one-third (this is typical) to as high as one-half (this is less common). The contingency percentage could increase due to:
- The filing of a civil lawsuit, or
- The complexities of the case
The law firm will disclose their fee upfront in writing to ensure all parties are fully aware of how a settlement is received and disbursed. The best way to understand the contingency fee of a particular law firm is to speak with a representative.
What Expenses Are Covered Under a Contingency Fee Agreement?
A car accident claim can involve more upfront costs than you might expect. When a car accident lawyer represents you, they cover all legal costs, which can include:
- Photocopying fees
- Court filing fees
- Deposition expenses
- Discovery costs
- Evidence collection
- Expert consultations
- Investigation costs
- Mail and stamps
- Mediation costs
- Paperwork fees
Every case is different and yours may not include all the costs listed here. It could incur additional fees and costs. To fully understand the specific details of your case, consult with a car accident attorney.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
Why Hiring a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Can Benefit Your Case
Preparing a car accident insurance claim or lawsuit involves a significant amount of detailed work. If you suffered severe injuries, you may not be able to participate in your case as fully as you would prefer. A lawyer can take on the hard work of your claim, so you can focus on your recovery or on helping an injured loved one through their recovery.
Your lawyer can:
- Collect evidence that supports your injury claim
- Consult experts who substantiate your case
- Collect proof of the value of your income losses
- Complete and submit insurance claim forms
- Respond promptly to your questions and concerns
Complex car accident cases could benefit from a lawyer’s familiarity with personal injury laws. Even a seemingly minor car accident could benefit from a lawyer’s input.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover with Legal Representation
Car accident claims are complex and can result in varying amounts of recoverable damages for accident victims. Your lawyer will seek recovery of these financial expenses and losses on your behalf:
- Economic damages: Recovery of past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation and therapy bills, past and future loss of income and earning ability, and property damage, destruction, or diminished value.
- Non-economic damages: Compensation for lasting disfigurement and impairment, pain and suffering, inconvenience, mental trauma, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Wrongful death damages: The costs of your loved one’s funeral and burial, loss of their financial and household support, and loss of consortium, guidance, companionship, care, and support.
Your car accident lawyer will include evidence of your recoverable damages in your case file. With their guidance and support, you can maximize your car accident settlement.
When Is the Best Time to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?
The best time to hire a lawyer is as soon after the accident as possible. The sooner a lawyer gets involved in your case, the sooner they can:
- Start investigating the accident scene
- Obtain and preserve critical evidence
- Speak to witnesses while their memories are vivid
- Canvass the scene for photos and video footage
Hiring a car accident attorney sooner rather than later also means they will have sufficient time to interpret and comply with the statute of limitations. In general, you have:
- Six months to file a claim against a governmental agency or municipality, according to O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5
- Two years to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit, according to O.C.G.A § 9-3-33
The statute of limitations can fluctuate. A primary benefit of hiring a car accident lawyer is their ability to accurately apply the appropriate filing deadline to your case. They can also file your lawsuit on time and with the appropriate Georgia court.
The Importance of Meeting Georgia’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims
Complying with the statute of limitations is a mandatory part of your car accident lawsuit. If the allotted time runs out:
- The court may not allow you to file your lawsuit at all
- The court might dismiss your lawsuit out of hand
- The insurance company can stop negotiations
You should not have to incur financial hardship due to another driver’s negligence. A lawyer can help you avoid these costly consequences by ensuring your lawsuit is filed on time.
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Contact Our Law Firm to Get Started with a Free Car Accident Case Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a recent car accident, you can discuss your case and its possibilities with a member of our legal team at no cost or obligation. If we mutually agree on representation, we will accept your case on a contingency basis.
Learn how much our car accident lawyers charge in Georgia and how diligently we work to recover maximum compensation for you. Contact Kaine Law to discuss your legal options during a free initial consultation today.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
