For car accident victims in New York, it’s helpful to know the cost of hiring a lawyer. After an accident, victims may face high medical bills and might be financially impacted by lost wages. Understanding the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer can help victims prepare for a lawsuit in New York.
Depending on a law firm’s options, the cost of hiring a car accident in New York can vary. The cost usually depends on the complexity of a case and its expected length. Rates can reflect an attorney’s experience, so more skilled lawyers might have higher rates. While hiring a lawyer in New York can be expensive, it shouldn’t bankrupt you. Some lawyers offer contingency fees, meaning they don’t get paid until you receive compensation for your injuries. Empathetic attorneys can work with you to find a fee agreement that makes sense for you financially.
You deserve compensation for injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of your financial situation. For a free case evaluation and to discuss contingency fee agreements, call the New York car accident lawyers at The Carrion Law Firm today at (718) 841-0083.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
The cost of hiring a lawyer in New York depends on the firm you choose to represent you. While some firms charge clients upfront, others don’t require payment until clients receive compensation for their injuries. The latter agreement is called a contingency fee. That’s the best option for car accident victims in New York.
Contingency fees are designed so that victims do not have to pay anything upfront. Not only is that helpful to victims with financial difficulties, but it also gives lawyers an extra incentive. Attorneys will only be paid when their clients receive compensation for their injuries at the end of a car accident lawsuit. This can be optimal for victims who are recovering after a car accident in New York. When car accident victims hire an attorney on a contingency fee-basis, they aren’t required to pay for legal counsel until they are compensated for their injuries.
Unfortunately, not all law firms offer transparent contingency fees to clients. Because of this, car accident victims in New York may face high legal fees. Victims need to know which fees will suit their financial situation after a car accident and which fee agreements should be avoided.
Fees to Avoid When Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in New York
Although many things determine the cost to hire a car accident lawyer in New York, that doesn’t mean that the cost always has to be high. Of course, the firms with higher success rates might cost more. But don’t be fooled by egregiously high rates. Although hiring a car accident lawyer in New York can be expensive, it shouldn’t outweigh your expected compensatory damages.
Retainer Fees
Some law firms offer retainer fees to plaintiffs. This is supposed to be a flat fee that victims pay at the onset of a lawsuit. As your attorney uses resources and spends time on your case, funds will be deducted from the retainer amount. If you choose to hire a lawyer, you may be able to pay a retainer fee. If funds remain at the end of your lawsuit, they will be returned to you. However, retainer fees aren’t always a set price. It could be that your attorney requires additional funds to represent you in a car accident lawsuit in New York.
The time spent on a case can impact the cost as well. If your car accident lawsuit is expected to take many months, that means your lawyer might have to be devoted to your case alone during that time. More experienced attorneys might charge retainer fees than those who are just starting. Throughout a lawsuit, your lawyer might run into roadblocks that require more resources and time to overcome. That might mean more money from you.
Hourly Fees
Paying hourly fees can be pricey. Lawsuits can take a long time to complete, and a significant amount of work is required by an attorney. Car accident victims can be severely injured after a car accident and thus require a significant amount of compensative damages. That being said, it can take months for a case to resolve. Your lawsuit might require additional negotiation efforts on your lawyer’s behalf if you intend to settle.
When it comes to lengthy car accident lawsuits, it might be wise for victims to avoid hourly rates. If your case is likely to take a significant amount of time, agreeing to an hourly rate might impact your finances more than you expected.
What If I Can’t Afford to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in New York?
Unfortunately, not all car accident victims can afford a lawyer. Car accidents can be financially damaging to victims, so it’s no wonder why they might be wary of the cost of hiring an attorney. While experienced attorneys do come at a certain price, some law firms understand that accessibility is necessary for victims.
If you are having financial difficulties after a car accident, there are certain fee agreements you might choose to pursue. Empathetic attorneys, like the Bronx car accident lawyers at The Carrion Law Firm, understand that it can be difficult for all car accident victims to hire an attorney. Being able to afford high rates shouldn’t prevent you from suing a negligent driver that caused your injuries. If you’re having difficulty finding a law firm that will take your case at a reasonable rate, don’t lose hope. The Carrion Law Firm’s Queens car accident attorneys can use a fee agreement that meets your needs. Our Sunset Park, Brooklyn car accident lawyers often offer contingency fees, meaning that they’re not compensated until you are. Lack of funds shouldn’t prevent you from getting the justice you deserve.
Call Our Firm if You Need a Car Accident Lawyer in New York
Victims expect that hiring an attorney can be somewhat expensive. However, receiving compensation for your injuries doesn’t have to further impact your finances too much. Call the Long Island car accident lawyers at The Carrion Law Firm today for a free case evaluation or explore a contingency fee arrangement at (718) 841-0083.