Available 24/7Many car accident victims falsely believe it will cost too much for them to hire an attorney to manage their claims. However, most injury victims do not need to worry about paying for legal representation. Unlike other types of lawyers, most personal injury lawyers handle accident claims on a contingency fee basis.
If you were hurt by a careless or reckless motorist, you can hire an Idaho car accident lawyer to manage your case with no upfront fees or costs. They will get paid only when they recover money for you.
Most Idaho Car Accident Lawyers Work on Contingency
When a personal injury lawyer works for a contingency fee, their clients do not pay upfront. Instead, the lawyer only gets paid if (and when) they win the case. Their fee is a percentage of the total settlement or court award, which means there are no hourly or flat fees in these cases. There is no need to pay a retainer.
Under Idaho civil rules, an attorney will offer your contingency fee agreement in writing and explain any parts of the contract you do not understand.
Contingency fee agreements benefit car accident victims in several ways. These benefits include:
- Aligning the client’s and lawyer’s goals
- Making legal representation possible despite tough financial circumstances
- Allowing clients to fight for fair compensation without taking financial risks
It’s free to speak with us and learn the value of your case today.
Call Us NowAdditional Costs That Might Arise in an Idaho Car Accident Case
While car accident attorneys generally work based on contingency fees, there might be some other expenses and costs that victims need to pay. These costs will depend on how the personal injury law firm structures its agreements. Some attorneys in Idaho only deduct expenses if they win. Some build them into their contingency fees. Others require payments regardless of the outcome of the case.
Some common expenses you might encounter in an Idaho car accident case include:
- Filing fees paid to the court if you sue the at-fault driver
- The cost of hiring an expert witness if you need an accident reconstruction specialist, medical expert, or economic expert to support your claim
- Fees for requesting medical records or police reports
- Costs of taking depositions and having them transcribed when necessary
- The expense of hiring a private investigator, if required
Your personal injury attorney should explain how their firm handles these costs and fees when you discuss the contingency fee agreement.
What Factors Could Make Your Case More Expensive?
When you discuss your fees with your attorney, they will give you the percentage of your payout that you will pay as their fee. This percentage may already take into account whether you need to file a lawsuit, or there may be another value if they need to prepare your case for trial.
Some factors that could make an attorney charge more for your case—or increase the costs you need to cover—include:
- Disputed Liability: If the at-fault party or insurance company disputes liability, the state’s modified comparative negligence law, set by Idaho Code § 6-801, will come into play. These cases take more resources, such as expert testimony, and could require a lawsuit.
- Severe Injuries: Cases that involve severe or catastrophic injuries often have long-term disability and ongoing medical care to take into account. Recovering the money to cover these costs often requires extensive medical documentation, including expert testimony.
- Lawsuit and Trial: While most personal injury claims settle, lawsuits are sometimes necessary. When a personal injury lawyer litigates a case, the expenses add up quickly. Attending hearings, taking depositions, navigating discovery, and preparing for trial takes time and money.
If you’ve been injured or a loved one has been killed through an act of negligence, you need the highest level of legal representation.
Schedule a Free ConsultationHow to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer in Idaho Based on Cost
If you still have concerns about how much it will cost to hire a car accident lawyer in Idaho, consider asking these questions and taking these steps before you sign an agreement.
- What percentage of the settlement do you take?
- Do I owe anything if we do not secure a payout?
- How are case expenses handled?
- Will I need to pay for any costs upfront?
- How will you deduct expenses from my settlement?
Once you have chosen an attorney and are going over the agreement, be careful to
review all terms in the written fee agreement before signing it. Make sure they match the answers to your questions and bring up any discrepancies. Your attorney should be glad to explain the agreement to you in detail.
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Schedule NowWhat Else Should You Keep in Mind When Hiring a Lawyer?
Most collision attorneys in Idaho do not require you to pay any upfront fees due to working on contingency. However, you may have a few expenses to pay, especially if you have a complex case. Choosing the best lawyer for you involves understanding and being comfortable with how they manage fees and costs.
However, it is a good idea to act quickly after an accident. While Idaho Statutes § 5-219 gives you up to two years to sue the at-fault party with the help of a personal injury or wrongful death lawyer, you do not want to wait.
Hiring an attorney as soon as possible after your crash ensures you have someone advocating for your best interests while you continue your treatment and healing. They will deal with the insurance company, investigate and build your case, and take other necessary steps to protect your rights. You can focus on getting better.
Discuss Your Idaho Car Accident Claim With Our Legal Team for Free
At Sargent Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we have secured more than $40 million for injured clients. We work on contingency and never ask our clients to pay anything upfront. Let us review your case for free, and we can explain how a car accident attorney from our Idaho team can help you get the maximum compensation you and your family deserve. Contact us today to get started.
