As per reports, between January and June 2021, there were 114 fatalities in vehicle accidents. Of those, 58 occurred when drivers or passengers were behind the wheel, 52 resulted from pedestrians’ activities, and four occurred due to bicyclists’ mistakes.
In case you are involved in a car accident, the time to hire a car accident lawyer is now. Phoenix is a big city, and accidents are bound to happen with all of the traffic. If you have been hurt in a vehicle accident that wasn’t your fault, you should contact an expert car accident lawyer right away.
This blog post will discuss when to hire a Phoenix car accident lawyer and what you can expect from the process.
Which Type of Car Accidents Require Legal Help?
While minor car accidents can often be handled without legal assistance, more severe accidents usually require the help of a qualified attorney. Accidents that result in injuries, significant damage to property, or death are usually complex and may require expert testimony to determine liability. In addition, insurance companies often have attorneys representing their interests, so it is essential to have legal representation to level the playing field.
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Steps for Getting Legal Help
Here are the necessary steps that you need to follow after a car accident.
- Seek Medical Attention:
Even if you feel fine, the first thing you should do is seek medical treatment. Many injuries do not manifest symptoms right away. Thus, it is critical to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Get the Police Report
The second step is to get a police report of the accident. It will help prove who was at fault for the accident.
- Contact Your Insurance Company
The third step is to get in touch with your insurance company and let them know about the accident. They will likely start an investigation and may ask you for a recorded statement. You should not provide any type of recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney.
- Hire an Attorney
If you have been injured in a Phoenix car accident, you need an experienced attorney on your side. The insurance companies will have their team of lawyers working against you, and you need legal help on your side to level the playing field.
How to Choose an Attorney?
After being in a car accident, the last thing you want to deal with is finding an attorney. However, hiring a reasonable Phoenix car accident lawyer can differ between getting the compensation you deserve and getting nothing. Here are certain factors to keep in mind when looking for an attorney.
1. Make sure the attorney has experience handling car accident cases. It is important because each state has its laws governing car accidents, and an experienced attorney will know how to navigate these laws.
2. Ask the attorney about their fee structure. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Make sure you understand how the attorney will be paid before hiring them.
3. Get a referral from someone you trust. If you know someone who has been in a car accident and was happy with their attorney, ask for a referral. It can help you find an attorney that you can trust.
4. Meet with the attorney before hiring them. It is crucial because you need to make sure you are comfortable with the attorney and that they are someone you can trust. Be sure to ask them about their experience and fees and ask any other questions.
Cost of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Phoenix
The average cost of hiring a car accident lawyer in Phoenix is $1,500. The most common fee charged by these lawyers is an hourly rate.
Some lawyers also charge a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the total settlement or verdict that the lawyer obtains for the client. The contingency fee percentage typically ranges from 25% to 40%.
If the lawyer obtains a $10,000 settlement for the client, the lawyer will get $2,500 to $4,000. If the lawyer obtains a $100,000 verdict for the client, the lawyer will get $25,000 to $40,000. In some cases, lawyers may also charge an additional “success fee” on top of the contingency fee.
What to Expect from Your Attorney?
Once you’ve hired an attorney, they will begin working on your case. The primary thing they tend to do is investigate the accident and gather evidence. It may include talking to witnesses, reviewing the police report, and looking at photos of the accident scene. They will also look at your medical records to determine the extent of your injuries.
Once they have gathered all of the evidence, they will start working on negotiating a settlement with the insurance companies. If a settlement cannot be reached, your attorney will file a lawsuit on your behalf and take the case to trial.
No one wants to be in a car accident, but if you are, it’s essential to know when to hire a Phoenix car accident lawyer and what to expect from the process. Hiring expert legal help can make the difference in getting the compensation you deserve.
