When Should I Get an Attorney After an Accident?

Auto accidents can be confusing, stressful endeavors for everyone involved. With so many moving parts to keep track of, these cases can seem too complex and daunting to bother with, and it can be tempting to accept the first offer made by an insurance adjuster to get things over with. In chaotic times like these, an attorney can ease your burden significantly by offering professional guidance and legal assistance every step of the way.

What Can an Attorney Do For Me?

Attorneys know every law that pertains to your case and are intimately familiar with the claims procedure, meaning they can guide you through your entire case. A lawyer can also exert legal pressure and a strong network to secure evidence from uncooperative sources, which can be invaluable while proving fault and damages. Remember, although insurance adjusters can’t legally make bad faith claims, they can still use underhanded tactics to undervalue your case, leveraging your inexperience to devalue your claim. An experienced lawyer is your first line of defense against dishonesty and can ensure you receive a fair settlement, which usually will be significantly higher than what you’d earn on your own.

In addition to the objective upsides an attorney can bring to your case, lawyers also offer a level of unmatched convenience by doing most of the hard work for you. A personal injury lawsuit is a time-consuming, complex, and tedious process, but an industry professional can shoulder most of the burden on your behalf, freeing your time up for personal affairs and recovery.

How Much Will An Attorney Cost Me?

The costs you’ll incur vary by attorney and case, but most lawyers operate on a contingent-fee basis, meaning that their payment is dependent on you receiving a settlement. If your case pans out well and you receive compensation, an attorney will take a portion of what you earn, usually around 33 percent. If you don’t receive any recoveries, your attorney won’t take anything.

Regardless, there might be smaller fees and up-front costs associated with some personal injury firms, but these are generally minor and are seen more frequently in small cases. Although giving up a third of your recoveries might seem like an outstanding cost, in practice, hiring an attorney will usually result in a significantly higher settlement amount, meaning you’ll still profit.

When Don’t I Need an Attorney?

Generally, if your accident was simple, involved no serious injuries or outstanding costs, and you’ve received an offer from an insurance adjuster that you’re completely satisfied with, there isn’t much reason to hire an attorney. However, even if you don’t plan to hire a lawyer, talking with one about the details of your case is still helpful. By seeking legal guidance, you can make a well-informed decision about whether you really need an attorney.

Talk To an Arizona Auto Accident Attorney

Even if you’re not sure whether an auto accident attorney is right for you, you can only benefit from speaking to a professional. With years of experience helping Arizona residents settle their cases, we at ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS are confident that we can help you whether you need legal counsel or formal representation. There’s no reason to hesitate, so please, schedule a free consultation today by contacting us at (623) 877-3600.