Depending on a law firm’s fee structure, you can likely afford to hire a lawyer to handle your car accident claim in California. Some attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis, so you do not have to pay anything until you recover a settlement or judgment. Contingency fees work best for individuals who do not have the funds available to pay for their attorneys’ fees up to and during the trial. Without contingency fees, negligent parties could avoid liability because the injured party cannot afford to hire a lawyer.
Our team prepared a guide to help you determine whether you can afford to hire a car accident lawyer and how contingency fees work. Contact The Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., today for answers to any additional questions.
How Can I Afford a Car Accident Lawyer in California?
Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing throughout your legal representation. We only receive a fee if we successfully recover a settlement or judgment on your behalf. Then, we will deduct a percentage of your total recovery as our payment. Contingency fees make legal representation accessible to those who need representation but cannot afford to pay an attorney’s hourly fee out-of-pocket.
The Law Offices of Ali Yousefi will also cover the expenses related to your personal injury lawsuit, such as court filing fees and expert witness fees. The firm is reimbursed for these costs when it secures compensation. We do not want the costs of an attorney to prevent car accident victims from seeking reimbursement for their losses.
If you do not have the money to pay attorneys fees, you can still work with a car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Ali Yousefi.
Is It Worth Hiring a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
If you want to maximize your recovery, it is worth hiring a lawyer after a car accident. Proving liability after a car accident involves determining whether a driver was negligent, requiring complicated legal analysis. The insurance company will also try to minimize your recovery by offering you a settlement valued at less than your claim is worth. The adjuster may employ predatory tactics to pressure you into accepting an unfair settlement offer. When you hire an attorney, any communication with the insurance company will flow through them.
A car accident lawyer at The Law Offices of Ali Yousefi has the expertise to demonstrate the opposing party’s negligence, negotiate with their insurance representatives, and, if necessary, take your case to trial. Our team will demonstrate the opposing party’s liability by interviewing potential witnesses, requesting the accident report, and locating any relevant surveillance footage of the collision.
Can a Lawyer Help Me Recover the Costs of a Car Accident?
Yes, an attorney can help you calculate the full extent of your losses to maximize your recovery in a car accident case.
A car accident settlement is designed to reimburse the victim for any losses they suffered due to the crash. The extent of your losses can vary based on the severity of your injuries and magnitude of your losses. The damages you can recover in a personal injury claim include:
- Medical expenses,
- Lost wages,
- Property damage,
- Loss of future earning capacity,
- Pain and suffering,
- Rehabilitation costs,
- Loss of consortium, and
- Emotional distress.
Your attorney can add up receipts and invoices to determine the value of your monetary losses, but calculating the monetary value of emotional suffering presents a unique challenge. Your attorney can obtain opinions from financial experts to help assign a dollar value to your nonmonetary losses.
Contact The Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., to Determine Whether You Can Afford a Car Accident Attorney
Our car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., have in-depth knowledge of California car accident laws. We are confident in our ability to determine who is liable for your car accident and secure a favorable outcome on your behalf.
Remember, you do not owe us a penny until we recover a settlement or award on your behalf. Contact a member of our team today to talk to a member of our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team answers questions about car accidents every day. We compiled some common questions and their answers to help potential clients understand the role of an attorney and how hiring one can assist their case.
Should I Hire a Lawyer If I Only Suffer Minor Injuries?
Yes, you should still hire an attorney when your car accident injuries are minor. You should always seek a medical evaluation after an accident, even when your injuries are not obvious. If you do not have health insurance, a simple urgent care visit can end up costing hundreds of dollars.
How Long Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury. Acting within the two-year limit is crucial, as missing the deadline can result in losing your right to recover. Do not wait until the day before your two-year period expires to contact an attorney about your claim. They will need time to review your materials and prepare the documents to file your lawsuit.
The statutory period is shortened to six months if the defendant is a government actor.
Can I Meet a Car Accident Lawyer Before I Decide to Hire Them?
Yes, you can meet a car accident attorney and get an idea of how they represent their clients before you hire them. Many car accident attorneys offer free consultations where the client can provide basic information about their case and discuss their expectations. You want to hire an attorney who puts you at ease and answers whatever questions you have about filing a lawsuit. The free consultation is your chance to get an impression of the potential lawyer and make sure you feel comfortable. After an initial consultation, you will understand how the attorney handles their cases and communicates with clients. There is no obligation to hire a lawyer after you attend a free consultation.
Attorney Ali Yousefi is the founder of Law Offices of Ali Yousefi, P.C., and has distinguished himself as one of the leading lawyers in California. Ali values that his work allows him to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of people who have experienced stressful or traumatic events.
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