How Much Does It Typically Cost To Hire A Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
If you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident and want to seek compensation for your pain, suffering, lost wages, and other aspects of your injuries, it is natural to wonder how much it will cost to hire a pedestrian accident attorney. At The Leach Firm, P.A., we represent pedestrian accident victims on a regular basis, so we get this question all the time.
We typically work on a contingent fee basis. This means we can never give an exact answer about the total amount of legal fees in advance, but we can tell you that we do not ask you to pay a retainer up front or charge an hourly fee for our time. While the outcome of calculating legal fees is different in each case, we can explain how the process works so you can make informed decisions when seeking legal assistance.
What Affects Attorney Fees?
Most personal injury lawyers, including those specializing in pedestrian accidents, work on a contingency fee basis. This means your attorney’s payment is contingent upon winning your case. When we succeed in recovering compensation for you, we receive a percentage of the settlement or verdict awarded. If the claim does not succeed, then you do not owe legal fees.
- Contingency Fees Explained: This fee structure aligns your attorney’s interests with yours, as our payment depends on successfully resolving your case. Typically, contingency fees range from 33% to 40% of the recovery amount but that can vary. It is a good idea to discuss the precise percentage with your attorney before agreeing to representation.
- Costs and Expenses: Besides the contingency fee, you need to be aware that there may be costs and expenses related to your case, such as filing fees, costs for obtaining medical records, and expert witness fees. Discuss with your attorney how these costs will be handled.
Comparative Fault Law in Florida and Georgia
It is important to understand the impact of the “modified” comparative negligence standard in Florida and Georgia when determining compensation in pedestrian accident cases, because this will affect legal fees as well. If you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still recover damages as long as you bear less than half of the blame. However, your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation.
So, if you were 10% at fault for causing the accident and the court awarded you $100,000, your damage award would decrease by 10% ($10,000) due to your share of fault. Your award would be $90,000, and your attorney would receive a percentage of that award as their legal fee.
Factors to Keep in Mind In a Pedestrian Accident Case
When considering the cost of hiring an attorney in a pedestrian accident case, it is important to consider what your attorney will be doing for you and what would happen if you chose not to hire an attorney. At The Leach Firm, P.A., we work diligently through each stage of a case to recover maximum compensation for our clients, and that means assisting with the collection of evidence, handling questions from investigators and insurance companies, and building the strongest legal arguments to support your claim.
If you choose not to work with us, be sure that you or your attorney are prepared to handle issues such as:
- Navigating Insurance Claims: Dealing with insurance companies can be complex and frustrating. Insurers usually attempt to minimize their payouts by arguing the pedestrian’s fault in the accident. An adept attorney can negotiate with these companies on your behalf, aiming for a fair settlement that reflects the true cost of your injuries and losses. When insurance companies deal with accident victims who are not represented by an experienced attorney, they usually offer far less than a claim is worth and pressure them into accepting an extremely low amount.
- Role of Evidence: The outcome of your claim heavily relies on the evidence presented. This includes eyewitness testimonies, traffic camera footage, accident reports, and expert analyses. An attorney with experience in pedestrian accidents will know how to effectively collect, compile, and leverage this evidence.
- Timely Legal Action: Florida and Georgia each have a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including pedestrian accidents. Your claim must be prepared and filed within this time limit to preserve your right to compensation.
Why Choose The Leach Firm, P.A.?
Our firm prides itself on transparency and keeping it real with our clients. We offer more than just legal representation–we provide support and guidance through challenging times. With over 100 years of combined experience in Florida and Georgia, our attorneys are well-versed in the intricacies of personal injury law, including pedestrian accidents. We’re committed to exploring every avenue to secure the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Contact an Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Florida and Georgia
The Leach Firm, P.A. offers a consultation and free case evaluation for anyone injured in a pedestrian accident. With our commitment to transparency and client-focused approach, we’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the maximum recovery. Call us at 844-722-7567 or contact us online to speak with a seasoned lawyer in Florida or Georgia. Let us help you navigate the legal process and fight for compensation you deserve.
