How Much Do Car Accident Attorneys Cost in Houston?
Most people drive or use cars daily, and no one gets on the road expecting to have a car accident. However, accidents happen due to negligence and other unavoidable factors, causing injuries, car damage, and sometimes even death. It is common to hire a car accident attorney Houston to help make an injury or car accident claim. Most people perceive that attorneys are expensive, but here is a breakdown of the cost of a car accident attorney in Houston.
No Upfront Payments
When resolving a car accident, the victim may decide to take a settlement from the company representing the driver at fault or, in a few states, from their insurance company. The crash victim can also file a court case, and a judge will determine the amount of money to be awarded.
In the case of the latter, the initial consultation with a lawyer is usually free, and it is at this point the lawyer decides whether or not they’ll take a case. If they do, you’re not expected to pay anything upfront; the attorney covers the filing costs and fees, but the charges must be refunded when you win or settle the case.
Payment After Settlement
When refunding, the attorney takes a percentage of your judgment or settlement proceeds, known as the contingency fee. However, if the lawyer goes to trial, the rate goes up to approximately 40 % because going to trial can be time-consuming, expensive, and involve much research and work. If the case is resolved without litigation, the charges lie between 25 – 33% of the settlement proceedings.
It is advisable to involve a lawyer even in such a scenario to prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you and not paying what you deserve. It is worth noting that if you go for a settlement, you lose the right to pursue a claim if you realize you have damages that should have been paid for.
Payment Depending on Physical Injuries
A car accident attorney in Houston will charge depending on the presence of physical injuries sustained. The most critical force in a car wreck case is whether one suffered any physical injury; if one did, the cost would be higher. If a victim suffers long-term injuries such as spinal cord injuries, the cost increases, and there is massive compensation. Also, charges are higher if they need long-term recovery or care such as rehab, mental health counseling, or physical therapy since the damages are more significant.
Payment Depending on the Value of your Vehicle
The vehicle damage sustained in a car accident and the car’s value will play a significant role in determining the cost of a car accident attorney in Houston. If it’s an expensive luxury car that is new, then the cost of the lawyer will be higher;
Other Payments
While the attorney fees are contingent on the case’s outcome, some costs occur when claiming after a car accident. Sometimes, clients are expected to pay these other costs regardless of the outcome. The expenses may include things like expert witness fees and the cost to obtain medical records and reports, so it is essential to find out about the charges of a car accident lawyer in Houston.
Summary
Car accidents are traumatic, and the recovery process can be easier with the help of an attorney who specializes in ensuring you get the appropriate compensation. If one is a victim of a car accident, hiring a car accident attorney in Houston and knowing the costs is a good place to start.