If you suffered life-changing injuries or a loved one died in a tragic motorcycle accident that was someone else’s fault, you might want to hire a lawyer. What percentage motorcycle accident lawyers take depends on your individual case.
Some attorneys require retainers, which are fees that clients pay upfront before the attorney will even start to work for them. Other attorneys may charge an hourly fee. However, in both cases, the upfront costs to the accident victim can be considerable.
If you suffered injuries, you might have mounting medical bills as well as property damage. If you are already suffering financial hardship because of an accident, you could choose a law firm that works on a contingency basis. Contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as you can after you received the proper medical attention. Your attorney will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and tell you all you need to know about fees and other payments to expect.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
If your lawyer works for you on a contingency basis, you typically have few, if any, upfront costs. The lawyer will take their fee as a percentage from your settlement. The percentage is something that you will discuss with your lawyer.
This model is common in personal injury cases, like motorcycle accidents, as affirmed by the American Bar Association. This means that the lawyer or firm will be using their own resources to fight for you and will only receive a payment if they win your case.
However, in some cases, you may be incurring upfront costs such as court fees, fees for any documents that you need for your case, or any other miscellaneous expenses. In some instances, a lawyer will add this to their fee, meaning that they will pay for these costs upfront and recover them later when you receive your settlement.
Consider that many personal injury cases do not end up going to trial, so your fees will vary depending on whether your lawyer can negotiate an out-of-court settlement with insurances, or whether they will have to fight for your rights in court.
It is crucial that you discuss any fee arrangements with your lawyer in a first consultation, so you know exactly which costs you may be responsible for. A contingency basis can work out well for a client since the lawyer takes on the financial risk.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims
If someone else’s carelessness or recklessness caused your injuries or your loved one’s death, a motorcycle accident lawyer might be able to help you file a personal injury or wrongful death claim.
In order to have a case, you will have to prove that the at-fault driver acted negligently by either breaking a traffic law or otherwise carelessly causing an accident. Sometimes, proving negligence can be challenging. However, a lawyer can help prove the important elements of a personal injury and wrongful death case, which are:
- The other driver owed you a duty of care
- They negligently breached the duty of care
- The breach caused your accident and injury
- You have damages as a result of the accident
In order to prove negligence in a court of law, you and your lawyer will have to present evidence which can include but is not limited to:
- Police reports of the accident
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert witness testimony
- Photographic or video evidence
- Traffic camera footage
- Medical reports of your injuries
- Evidence of property damage
If you have lost a loved one or suffered extensive injuries, dealing with a lawsuit can feel terrifying and overwhelming. However, if someone else caused your damages or your loved one’s death, you could hold them responsible.
Compensation You Could Receive
In a motorcycle accident claim, you can potentially receive various types of compensation, depending on your accident and injuries. If your loved one died in an accident, you could also recover certain damages. The compensation you could receive can include medical bills and future medical bills, lost income and future lost income, as well as out-of-pocket expenses.
If you have suffered extensive injuries, you could also recover amounts for emotional or physical pain and suffering, as well as for disfigurement and disability, and other such non-economic damages.
In a wrongful death case, you could also potentially receive reimbursement for any funeral expenses and lost income and benefits from the deceased. Minor children could recover awards for loss of parental guidance. You could also receive other types of compensation.
In order to find out what you and your family may be due in a motorcycle accident case, you have the option of consulting with a lawyer. A motorcycle accident lawyer can advise you and help you calculate your damages correctly so that you do not leave any money on the table in negotiations.
Contact Us Today for Help
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC today for help and advice with your case. One of our team members can speak with you in detail about your accident in a free consultation and advise you on your next best steps. We can also inform you about what percentage motorcycle accident lawyers take in a contingency fee arrangement, and how this could look in your specific case.
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today and let one of our team members determine whether you have a case against a negligent driver at 800-959-1444.
