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An experienced legal team can help you protect your legal rights after a car accident. The right lawyer can act quickly to pursue compensation while overcoming obstacles that could slow down your case. Yet, many accident victims fear they cannot afford excellent legal representation.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, we understand that many accident victims have financial concerns. After all, medical bills and car repairs are expensive. New life circumstances could affect your ability to earn a living, perhaps permanently.
However, getting justice should be independent of how much money a person has. You will be relieved to discover professional legal services within your reach. Call our law firm today at 732-888-8888 to schedule a free consultation. Learn how our No Fee Guarantee® makes it possible to start a car accident case without paying anything out of pocket.
Avoid Surprise Expenses
No one wants to be shocked by a huge, unexpected bill. Understanding how much it costs to hire a car accident attorney can help you make an informed decision.
Honest lawyers should let you know how your case’s legal costs will be covered. Let’s discuss some of the most common legal expenses and payment structures.
Contingency fees
The lawyers of our law firm are confident in our experience and resources. Our commitment to the Judd Shaw Way means we want to come to your rescue, not add to your worries. We work on a contingency basis to ensure that pursuing justice doesn’t drain our client’s finances.
Contingency fees are advantageous for accident victims in two significant ways. First, you will never pay for a loss. Contingency fees only apply when attorneys win a monetary award for their clients. So, if your attorney is unsuccessful and you do not receive compensation, you will not owe anything for your legal representation.
Second, paying on a contingency means that all legal fees come out of your settlement. You will keep the remaining money to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident losses.
Of course, there is a possibility that lawyers will not win the car accident case at hand. Thus, payment on contingency can serve as an incentive for your attorneys to put forth their best efforts not only to win but also to maximize the settlement amount.
Retainer fees
Some lawyers require you to provide funds upfront for your legal expenses. This advance payment is called a retainer fee. Sometimes lawyers also charge hourly rates for additional services.
Let’s consider what that might mean for you. Suppose a lawyer asks for a $1000 retainer fee. Their services cost $100 per hour. So, in essence, you are covered for the first 10 hours of legal work and consultations.
If your case is settled quickly, you could receive a refund for the unused portion of your retainer. However, most car accident cases take extensive time to research, prepare documents, and present your case in court. If your case is complex, you might have to pay for dozens of hours of legal services before you receive any compensation for your case.
Find the Best Value
If you were hurt in a car accident, you know better than anyone that many things in life are uncontrollable. Yet, you can select a reputable law firm and take the following actions to keep your costs manageable.
Respect the statute of limitations
Recovering emotionally and physically from car accident injuries takes time. Months or even years can pass by quickly. However, you have limited time to take legal action.
In New Jersey, the law requires you to file personal injury lawsuits within 2 years of the event. Delaying the start of your case could result in undesirable consequences, namely:
- Finding evidence becomes more challenging or even impossible
- Making mistakes due to lack of time or of legal counsel
- Losing your right to recover any compensation
If you decide to work on a contingency fee basis with a law firm, lawyers can begin work immediately to meet important deadlines, without you having to worry about paying upfront.
Maximize compensation
Whether you pay a retainer or decide to cover costs with your settlement, it is in your best interests to recover as much money as possible.
To help your lawyer seek the highest cash value for your car accident claim:
- Collect and keep evidence: At the accident scene, take pictures of anything related to the accident. For instance, photographs of your injuries, all vehicles involved, and road conditions can prove invaluable in proving your case.
- Seek medical attention: Healthcare professionals need to evaluate the extent of your injuries. These records will show why you require specific medical treatment and follow-up care. Otherwise, insurance companies might argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim.
- Don’t accept the first offer: When an insurance company offers you a payout, it may not be as much as you are truly entitled to receive. Why not consult the lawyers at Judd Shaw Injury Law before accepting a settlement? Your free case review can reveal how much your case is really worth.
- Avoid social media: What you post online can affect the outcome of your case. Even “innocent” remarks, pictures, and videos can be twisted out of context. Rather than take the chance, resist the urge to share comments, pictures, and videos on social media websites.
Never assume that insurance companies are willing to pay out the maximum compensation without a fight. After all, the money insurers save on claims can go toward their profits.
Choose your lawyer wisely
Before making a major purchase, you should do your research. The same principle applies to hiring a lawyer. How can you get to know your lawyer?
First, check out the law firm’s website. The About Us page often reveals the legal backgrounds of the lawyers and how long the firm has been in practice. You can also learn about their record of success by reviewing their case results and testimonials.
If possible, stop by the firm’s office. Our law firm welcomes your visit to our Red Bank and Toms River offices in New Jersey. Of course, if injuries prevent you from making the trip, we would be happy to come to you.
Prepare a list of questions to ask about pricing on your initial visit. Remember, you want to avoid hidden costs and unexpected fees when hiring a car accident lawyer.
Schedule Your Free Case Review Today
Some lawyers charge flat rates for specific legal tasks. For instance, a lawyer might charge you a specific price for preparing a will or filing a divorce petition. The unique nature of car accidents makes it difficult to determine the complexity of a case before conducting a thorough investigation. Therefore, some attorneys charge a retainer for their services.
At Judd Shaw Injury Law, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Our No Fee Guarantee® means that legal costs don’t have to prevent you from seeking compensation for your losses.
Since our clients don’t need to pay out of pocket, anyone can afford to receive our excellent legal services after a motor vehicle crash. Connect with our car accident team at 732-888-8888 today to start your free case review. Our resourceful lawyers are ready to seek maximum compensation without asking for a dime in upfront costs.