Why hire a personal injury attorney?
When you’re involved in an accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Amidst the physical pain and emotional distress, dealing with legalities can be daunting. This is where a personal injury attorney comes into play. One of the significant advantages of hiring an attorney is the potential for better settlements, even after accounting for their contingency fees. Here’s why:
Personal Injury Contingency Fees Explained
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if they win your case or reach a settlement. The national average contingency fee for a personal injury attorney is between 33% and 40%Â of the settlement or award. For example, if you receive a settlement of $30,000, you would keep $20,000, and your lawyer would take $10,000.
Why Personal Injury Settlement is Better with an Attorney
Despite the contingency fee, hiring a personal injury attorney often leads to better settlements for several reasons:
Expert Negotiation Skills
Personal injury attorneys are skilled negotiators. They know how to deal with insurance companies, who often try to minimize the compensation amount. An experienced attorney can effectively counter their tactics to ensure you get a fair settlement.
Comprehensive Damage Assessment
Attorneys have the expertise to accurately estimate the full extent of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This comprehensive assessment can significantly increase the settlement amount.
Legal Representation
If negotiations fail, a personal injury attorney can take your case to court. The possibility of a lawsuit can motivate insurance companies to offer a higher settlement to avoid the uncertainty and expense of a trial.
No Upfront Costs
Since attorneys work on a contingency basis, you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees. This arrangement allows you to get legal representation without adding to your financial burden after an accident.
In conclusion, while a contingency fee might seem like a significant portion of your settlement, the expertise and representation offered by a personal injury attorney often leads to better settlements. They bring their knowledge, experience, and commitment to your case, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in a wreck, contact SK Walker Law or give us a call today at (618) 703-5400 to see if we are a good fit for you, and we'll find a way, a legal way to get you the compensation you deserve.