How much it costs to hire a semi-truck accident lawyer will depend on who you choose to represent you. Many personal injury attorneys work on contingency. Read on to learn more about legal fees and how to seek compensation for your Florida truck accident damages.
Many Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers Charge Nothing Up Front
Many personal injury attorneys, including our firm’s semi-truck accident lawyers, work on a contingency basis. Contingency means you pay nothing upfront or out of pocket.
Instead, your attorney collects an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement or verdict if and when they win your case. If they do not obtain compensation, you do not owe attorney fees. However, you may still be responsible for other costs, such as filing fees.
Contingency can benefit clients by removing financial barriers they may face when seeking justice. Your lawyer assumes the economic risk instead of you or your family, which means they also have a stake in the case’s outcome.
How Else Do Attorneys Structure Their Fees?
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), lawyers also structure their fees in the following ways:
- Flat or “fixed” fees. Flat fees are generally used to pay for a one-time, set service, such as drafting a will or filing a simple bankruptcy.
- Hourly fees. Some lawyers set an hourly rate. Hourly fees can get expensive if your case drags on, so if you hire a lawyer who charges this way, make sure you get an estimate regarding the number of hours it will take to resolve your issue.
- Retainer. Some attorneys ask for an upfront deposit, called a retainer. Retainers are often in addition to other fees, but your lawyer will use them to pay for case-related expenses.
What Does A Semi Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
You probably have questions about what the cost of hiring a Daytona Beach accident claims lawyer will get you. When you work with a lawyer, they will:
Fight For Fair Compensation
An attorney’s job is to secure the best possible fair compensation for your case, which starts with identifying and calculating your losses. In general, semi-truck accident damages include:
- Current and expected medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, hospitalizations, medications, mobility aids, physical therapy and rehabilitation, and long-term care services
- Lost wages, earnings, and benefits
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Vehicle and personal property damages
- Pain and suffering, including depression, stress, mental and emotional anguish, physical pain, permanent and disabling injuries, loss of enjoyment, and other quality-of-life reductions
- Compensation for a loved one’s wrongful death, including medical bills, funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and loss of the deceased’s protection, companionship, and guidance
Investigate To Identify Liability And Prove Negligence
Securing compensation from an at-fault party requires proving that their negligent or wrongful behavior caused your injuries and resulting losses. Establishing liability for a truck accident can be complex because multiple parties may be responsible, including:
- A semi-truck driver
- A trucking company (or the driver’s employer)
- The entity that owns or packed the truck’s cargo
- The semi-truck’s owner
- A mechanic or maintenance garage
- The manufacturer or the semi-truck, its parts, or its trailer
- A government or private property owner
- A third-party motorist, pedestrian, or bicyclist
We will investigate your accident to determine the cause and identify who is liable for your damages. We can also collect physical evidence, interview eyewitnesses, and obtain police reports and other documents to support your case.
Handle Case Details
We take care of case details and “red tape” so you don’t have to. We can:
- Draft and file paperwork, including personal injury protection (PIP), claims, liability claims against at-fault parties, and lawsuits
- Track and manage case deadlines
- Communicate with involved parties
- Represent you during meetings, court appearances, or at trial (if necessary)
- Appear for you when possible
- Aggressively negotiate on your behalf
- Provide regular and timely case updates
Is Hiring A Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Worth The Cost?
Technically, you can file an insurance claim or lawsuit without a lawyer, so you may wonder if the cost is worth it to hire an attorney. First, with a contingency fee agreement, you may have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
Second, having representation allows you to focus on healing or caring for your injured loved one while your lawyer builds your case. Third, if you are unfamiliar with the insurance or legal system, you could make mistakes that end up reducing your compensation. We have decades of experience we can draw on to secure the awards you need and deserve.
Finally, we can prepare and file your case before time runs out. According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have four years to sue for personal injury and two years to file a Florida wrongful death lawsuit. Waiting too long could leave you without options for recovering damages. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can get started.
Contact The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine
Contact the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7 to take your call and help you connect with a Florida semi-truck accident lawyer near you.
