What Should I Do if I Cannot Afford an Attorney for My Florida Auto Accident Case?

May 27, 2022 | By Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers
What Should I Do if I Cannot Afford an Attorney for My Florida Auto Accident Case? Most people know that hiring an attorney can come with a significant price tag, and for some, this is enough to steer them away. If you find yourself facing the aftermath of a car accident and feel as though you cannot afford an attorney, we are here to tell you otherwise. Experiencing a car accident can bring many burdens to individuals and their families. Fortunately, there can be affordable and risk-free payment plans that an attorney may offer. If you think that you cannot afford the helpful services of an attorney, here’s what you should know. 

Do You Really Need an Attorney for A Car Accident Case?

There are some people who choose to take on their legal battles themselves and forego the chance of working with an experienced legal professional. However, that is not necessarily the wisest choice. A Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer can help with the legal proceedings while you focus on recovering from the accident. Florida has strict car accident laws that require victims to contact their own insurance representatives before considering the possibility of a lawsuit. This is because it is a requirement for drivers to carry specific coverage to protect them in case they are ever involved in an accident. A Lighthouse Point car accident attorney can advise you on how to proceed throughout the process. If you have never dealt with insurance adjusters before, then you might not know that they are not as helpful as they appear to be. Insurance companies are consistently looking for ways to save the company money and reduce how much you deserve in a settlement. This is one of the multiple reasons why having an attorney can be very helpful.  Many people wait to hire an attorney when they run into issues with their insurance agents, but having an attorney from the beginning, even before you speak to an insurance agent, can be beneficial in the long run. Often, car accident victims are not aware that what they say to their insurance representative could end up reducing an offer they may have received significantly. A lawyer can prevent this possibility by carefully reviewing the evidence to determine if an offer is adequate and using their negotiation skills to discuss a fair outcome.

How To Find The Right Attorney

Some people have attorneys that they have worked with before, but other car accident victims need professional help for the very first time. If you are trying to find the right attorney to work with, this is what to look for. 

Research

Finding the right attorney for your case and your needs starts with researching who the right firm to work with is. Start by looking for firms in the Boca Raton, Florida, area and carefully read the reviews and testimonials. As you begin to consider several firms to consult with, you should make sure that one of their practice areas is car accidents.

Experience

When you go in to meet with each firm on your list, it’s crucial that you find out more about their experience working on these types of cases and whether they can handle yours. Preferably, you will want an attorney with several years of experience.

Communication

You should feel highly confident in the attorney you choose. When you meet with them, ask how they plan to communicate with you throughout the case and how they will inform you of progress. Having clear and consistent communication with your attorney is important.  You should also ask how the attorney plans to speak to your insurance representative on your behalf. Professional attorneys always have a plan with your best interest in mind and have no problem discussing how they will handle your claim.

Budget

You should always ask how the attorney prefers to be paid and what their fee is. Attorneys typically opt to be paid on an hourly basis, contingency fee, or a combination of both. Whichever the agreed-upon method is, always have it in writing if an issue were to arise.

What If I Can’t Afford an Attorney?

You should not allow the cost of an attorney deter you from seeking the legal guidance you need. Most firms work on a contingency fee basis, which means you would pay only if and when you win your case. This can help ease some of the financial pressure you may feel about the cost of an attorney. Always contact an attorney beforehand to know what to expect regarding payment.

What Is a Contingency Fee?

An attorney can agree to be paid by an hourly or contingency fee (or combination). Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is a certain percentage of the final earnings that are paid to the attorney for their services. Most attorneys charge a contingency fee between 33%-40%. Therefore, if your attorney agrees to a contingency fee of 33% and your final earnings come out to $40,000, you will owe your attorney $13,200, leaving you with $26,800.

Speak To Us Today About Your Claim

We understand that it can be very daunting to hire an attorney for your claim, especially if you are financially burdened from the accident. This is why the team at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers wants to make the process as easy as possible.  We operate on a contingency fee basis and our attorneys will discuss these fees in detail with you to ensure that you understand and agree. Our firm is highly awarded and trustworthy for car accident cases in Boca Raton, Florida, and the surrounding areas (by appointment only). If you are ready to talk to an attorney about your car accident, here’s how to get started.  You will need to schedule a free consultation so one of our attorneys can know more about what happened and how to best serve you. To set this up, please call our office at (561) 800-8000 or leave your information in our online form. Someone will reach out to you and schedule a meeting at a time that is convenient for you.  If you feel that we are the right fit, we will get started immediately.  Florida’s Statute of Limitations allows residents two years from the date of the crash to file a claim, whether it’s with insurance or a lawsuit. Don’t let any more time pass you by. Call Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers today. 

Legally Reviewed By: Steven L. Frankl

Steven L. Frankl represents clients in cases of catastrophic injury, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, trucking accidents, medical malpractice, and product liability, as well as slip/trip fall accidents and nursing home neglect. Mr. Frankl’s practice is built on the pursuit of justice and fair compensation for his clients.

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