If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash, slip and fall, or another incident caused by someone else, having an experienced accident lawyer can help increase your chances of recovering maximum compensation for your damages. However, injured victims often wonder how they’ll pay for legal fees during their recovery. Here, the accident lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices explain how initial consultations, attorneys’ fees, and other expenses are handled at our personal injury law firm in the Lehigh Valley.
The Cost of Consultations
Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial case evaluations. During your free consultation, an accident lawyer will listen to your story and discuss the details of your case with you. They will assess whether you have a potential personal injury claim and advise you on the most effective way to move forward. This initial consultation can help you learn more about the legal process and whether a particular auto accident attorney is a good fit for you.
Although it’s rare, some personal injury attorneys do charge a fee for an initial consultation, so It’s a good idea to ask about any potential costs to avoid surprises when you schedule an appointment. It can be challenging to know how to find a good car accident attorney, but asking around for recommendations and doing research can help. For example, if you’re a motorcyclist who’s been injured in a crash, you’ll want to look for an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer who understands the nuances of these types of cases. Talking to someone with a track record of success like the car accident lawyers at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices is a good place to start.
What Does it Mean to Take Cases on Contingency?
Auto accident lawyers in Pennsylvania usually take cases on contingency, which makes it easier for people with limited financial resources to pursue legal action.
Taking a case on contingency means that a personal injury lawyer agrees to represent a client without requiring any up-front fees or charging hourly rates for legal services. Attorneys’ fees are collected only if the client obtains a settlement or award. These fees typically are a percentage of the amount recovered or awarded to the client in a successful case. This percentage varies, depending on the complexity of the case and other factors. Typically, the percentage for attorneys’ fees is agreed upon from the start.
It’s important to keep in mind that there may be other costs associated with a personal injury or motor vehicle collision claim. This may include the cost of obtaining medical records and paying for the services of court reporters for depositions, expert witnesses, and court costs. Cases that go to court typically cost more due to filing fees, creating copies of legal documents, records requests, and other expenses. The amount of additional fees you may owe depends on the specifics of your case.
The terms of a contingency fee agreement can vary widely, so it’s vital to carefully review and understand the contract before signing it. The best accident lawyers will be happy to answer any questions you may have, clarify their fee structure, and get to work on your case should you decide to pursue it.
Contact an Accident Lawyer in Pennsylvania
To learn more about how the accident attorneys at Thomas, Conrad & Conrad Law Offices can help with your injury claim, contact us or call us at 610-867-2900 to schedule your consultation with a car accident lawyer today. We’re proud to serve personal injury clients in the Lehigh Valley at several locations in eastern Pennsylvania.