Your car insurance does not cover your attorney’s legal fees after an auto accident. Instead, you are solely responsible for your lawyer’s legal fees. However, sometimes an attorney works on contingency, which means you will not need to pay unless you win or settle your case.
At The Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we understand all aspects of motor vehicle accident cases. We can answer any questions you have about whether your auto insurance covers your lawyer’s legal fees and similar topics. Reach out to our law firm today.
Do I Need to Contact My Car Insurance Company After an Auto Accident?
If you are involved in a car accident, you should contact your insurance company. This allows you to report the accident and provide details about any damages you incurred. From here, your insurance company can engage with the insurer of the driver responsible for your accident.
Reaching out to your auto insurance company shortly after your accident is beneficial. As soon as your accident happens, make sure you and everyone else at the scene are OK. You should also call 911 so police officers and medical personnel can arrive on the scene to assist those in need.
In the days after your accident, you should request an accident report from your local police department. This report details what happened during your accident. It can be used in a personal injury lawsuit against any at-fault parties in your case.
Do I Need to File a Lawsuit After My Car Accident?
Your car insurance company can work with the at-fault driver’s insurer to help you recover some damages. Yet, your auto insurance company only helps you get compensation for any vehicle-related damage. There may be other damages you suffer due to your accident, and your auto insurance company or the at-fault driver’s may refuse to cover them.
If you have a valid claim for damages, your attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit. If you are interested in pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, it pays to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer. You can give the lawyer information about your accident, and the attorney can perform a full review of your case.
Your attorney can explain any fees involved for their legal services. In some instances, a lawyer sets up contingency-fee agreements with their clients. With a contingency-fee agreement in place, you can focus on what is most important: working with your attorney to resolve your case.
What Is a Contingency-Fee Agreement?
With a contingency-fee agreement, you agree to pay your attorney a certain percentage of your projected settlement. In exchange, your lawyer represents you during your auto accident lawsuit and does everything possible to help you secure the most damages possible. If you are not awarded any damages, you do not pay your lawyer any legal fees.
A contingency fee agreement represents a great option for individuals who have limited resources available. If you are worried about the cost of hiring an attorney, your lawyer may offer a contingency-fee agreement. This allows you to receive legal representation and pay it off only if you win or settle your case.
The lawyer is responsible for helping you throughout your case. If your attorney succeeds in helping you secure damages, only then do you pay your attorney for their legal services. In addition, an attorney takes 100% of the risk in a contingency fee agreement.
Do I Need to Pay Anything to Hire an Attorney for My Auto Accident Case?
Many lawyers do not charge a fee for an initial consultation. During the consultation, you can share details about your auto accident with the lawyer. Meanwhile, the attorney asks questions and gets a complete rundown of your accident.
If you and an attorney decide to work together, only then will you need to figure out a payment plan. You may be able to set up a contingency-fee agreement. Or, your attorney may request a retainer and bill you on an hourly basis.
There is a filing fee of $150.00 for a new case in South Carolina. Also, there is a filing fee of $25.00 for any additional written motions. Your attorney can explain these fees in detail to you.
When Should I Hire an Attorney to Represent Me After a Car Accident?
It is generally a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney within days of your auto accident. In South Carolina, you have up to three years to file a personal injury lawsuit. By filing your lawsuit right away, you can speed up the process of getting damages.
Your attorney will work diligently to represent you at each stage of your litigation. To do so, your lawyer will collect evidence, look for witnesses to testify on your behalf, and help you prepare for your trial. If a defendant comes forward with a settlement, your attorney can review it with you and help you decide how to proceed.
If you ever have legal concerns or questions for your attorney, you should share them. Your lawyer wants you to make informed decisions as you navigate the legal process. For those in need of extra help along the way, your attorney is available to provide assistance.
How Can I Find the Right Attorney for My Auto Accident Lawsuit?
Meet with a car accident lawyer to find out if there is a good fit for both sides. The initial meeting allows you to learn about an attorney and their experience in auto accident cases. This meeting also enables a lawyer to learn about you and explain what they can offer.
Consider how an attorney bills their clients as well. If you are concerned about the upfront cost of an attorney, you may want to hire one that provides contingency-fee agreements. On the other hand, if you prefer to pay a retainer and hourly rates, you can select an attorney that offers this option.
At The Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our team is available to review your auto accident case. For more information or to request a free consultation, please get in touch with us today.
