How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer?
How much it costs to hire a truck accident lawyer typically varies from firm to firm. Generally speaking, victims can expect to pay an attorney up to 40% of the amount they receive in their settlement or award.
Most, but not all, law firms operate on a contingency-fee-basis to give victims the ability to effectively build a case and fight for what they deserve without worrying about how they’re going to pay for it. Truck accident victims should ask for a clear explanation of the fee structure before signing a contract.
Why You Want to Work With an Attorney
Trucking companies have teams of attorneys fighting to protect their best interests and pay as little as they can. Navigating these unfamiliar and stressful waters can quickly overwhelm victims who are trying to simply get from one day to the next while recovering from emotional trauma and serious injuries.
Understand the Fee Structures Lawyers Use
An attorney will be familiar with the strategies insurance companies typically employ, will understand how state law applies to you, and will know what to look for when compiling evidence. As victims realize how much goes into negotiating a settlement, the questions shift from how much it will cost to hire a truck attorney to how much it will cost them not to hire an attorney to fight for their family’s rights.
Contingency Fee
A contingency-fee structure was designed to give victims the ability to hire an attorney without having the money ready upfront. In this system, all legal services are provided free of charge until a settlement is reached and the victim receives compensation.
At that point, an attorney will deduct their fee from the amount awarded to the victim. In many instances, attorneys will go beyond that to cover all upfront expenses associated with investigating and negotiating a fair settlement.
Contingency Fee Plus Retainer
Similar to the contingency fee structure, firms that operate on a contingency fee plus retainer system require victims to pay a portion of the cost upfront to enable investigation and document filing. In either instance, fees aren’t required until your case is resolved.
Hourly and Flat Rates
Firms that don’t use contingency fee structures charge hourly or flat rates. As with any service, these services are rendered as needed, and payment is based on either an agreed-upon price or the amount of time an attorney spends working on your case. The upfront fee is paid, and the team gets to work on building your case.
Often, hourly or flat rates are utilized when clients are looking for one-time legal assistance in reviewing documents before signing them.
Nearly every firm offers a free case review call at the beginning of your working relationship. This is the perfect time to ask how its fee structures work and what it means in your case.
Prioritize Experience Over Cost When Selecting an Attorney
As bills pile up and lost wages continue to increase, victims often seek the fastest and least expensive way to secure compensation and look for the least expensive local attorney. While on the surface, this makes financial sense, it can backfire.
By hiring an inexperienced attorney, victims are adding expenses to their total without the peace of mind that comes from a proven track record of success.
Instead of basing the decision on cost alone, ask potential firms about their experience in negotiating truck accident settlements. Search for a semi-truck accident lawyer in Long Island with a strong record of won settlements and civil lawsuits. A reputable law firm in your area with experience in truck accident cases could manage your case faster and better than other less expensive but less experienced firms. While fierce negotiators do not come cheap, they can obtain you a lot more in terms of time, settlement money, and smooth processes. In the end, the increase in compensation you may receive will negate any cost difference.
Over a Century of Experience
The attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP have over 100 years of collective experience in truck accident settlement negotiations and have secured millions of dollars in settlements for victims across the state, and all services are provided free of charge until you win your case. If you do not recover compensation, you do not pay our attorneys for their time.
The Attorneys at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, LLP Are Ready to Hear from You
Call (866) 878-6774 for a free case review regarding your options. We can offer our guidance and determine exactly how we can help you fight for compensation following a truck accident.
Remember that CVP §214 limits how long you have a limited time to file a lawsuit. Your lawyer can discuss with you any existing circumstances that might allow you more time to take legal action. We are familiar with New York law and how it might allow for some leeway in certain circumstances.
