What Is The Cost Of a Car Accident Lawyer In South Carolina
No one should consider the financial burdens caused by car crashes as part of their healing journey; medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages alone are enough of a strain for victims of such crashes to worry about; many may hesitate to hire an attorney due to perceptions that it will be too costly.
Here’s the truth of hiring a South Carolina car accident attorney: it can often be less costly and more advantageous than you think – often no up-front fees need to be paid in most instances.
This article provides all the details on the costs associated with hiring an accident attorney in South Carolina.
1. What Are My Attorney Fees Covering, And Should I Hire One
Let’s Begin. For most individuals and entities seeking legal assistance, attorney’s fees usually fall into four main categories (per hourly rates plus additional costs), with payment being split among two payment structures: (I). In this way, you have several options as to the payment structure that best meets your needs (see Image below for examples) (source). Ultimately, you have your choice as to the payment plan used.
Most personal injury car accident lawyers who represent clients involved in car accidents in South Carolina work on a contingent fee basis.
What Does it Mean?
A contingency fee lawyer does not receive their fee until your case has been successful, either through a settlement agreement or a court judgment.
What is a contingency charge?
In South Carolina, standard contingency fees range from:
Between 33% and 40% of the settlement or award is typically distributed as follows.
Depending on how the case was settled prior to being filed as a lawsuit, contingency fees will typically range between 33.3% or 1/3 and 40+ in cases that go to trial or require appeals. So, for example, if you received a $90,000.00 settlement and your contingency fees were 33% then that means your lawyer would receive $29,700 as compensation from this settlement.
2. What does this fee cover?
It also covers: The contingency fee covers:
Insurance Companies and Negotiations, Investigating an Accident, Legal Advice and Strategy, and Filing Court Documents are some of the many issues that need to be taken care of prior to proceeding with negotiations or filing court documents.
Represent You in Court
Our structure allows you to access professional legal services without incurring an upfront cost – an invaluable help when you are already dealing with accident-related expenses.
3. What costs and expenses are not included in my contingency fee?
A contingency fee does not always include all costs and expenses related to legal representation, such as:
Costs associated with filing court documents; Expert Witness Fees (e.g., accident reconstruction specialists); Medical Records Copying Fees, Postage and Administrative Expenses, and Costs associated with deposition or transcript services
Are these expenses to be paid out of my own pocket? Typically not. Most lawyers will cover these costs on your behalf and deduct them from any eventual settlement payment.
Important: Before signing your contract, read it thoroughly and understand its content carefully. Some lawyers require their clients to repay expenses even if the case fails; inquire as to their policy on costs.
4. Free Consultations
A Smart Move Most South Carolina car accident lawyers provide no-cost initial consultations – here’s your opportunity to explore this option with no risk involved!
Are You Facing Legal Trouble? Consult With Lawyers. There is no obligation to hire anyone after consulting. Simply use it as an opportunity to gain clarity and reduce costs.
5. Engaging an Attorney May Be Worth the Investment
Accident victims often ask themselves why it would be worthwhile for them to file their own insurance claim, and don’t simply file it themselves. In those instances, attorneys often can offer important support.
An error of this sort is costly for several reasons:
Insurance companies don’t look out for your best interests – their goal is to get as little of your money as possible, and they could use tactics such as:
Offer a low-ball settlement
Refusing or delaying to file a claim mes Doing either can put you at risk of liability in an accident.
An attorney can help you secure a much higher settlement. According to industry data, those who hired lawyers received three to five times more compensation compared to those who didn’t–even after considering legal fees and costs.
Your attorney understands: (A) That your claim is worth more than you think, (B) How to present evidence efficiently, (C) Negotiate aggressively to achieve results for you
6. Tips on Selecting South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys
Consider these suggestions when hiring an attorney (which can often be wise).
Consider experience: Select an attorney with proven success in personal injury and car accident law.
Studies, reviews, and testimonials. Positive customer reviews provide insight into service quality and reliability.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of their fees and costs upfront. Understand their contingency fee structure as well as their methods for overseeing case expenses.
Make communication easy: When it comes to giving updates and explaining events clearly, someone with whom you can easily converse must be available.
7. Does it matter when I hire an attorney after an accident?
Yes. South Carolina law limits personal injury claims within three years from when they occurred.
Three years have passed since the date of the accident.
Your rights could be forfeited if you delay seeking legal advice, so it is wise to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Many people do not realize how simple and accessible hiring a South Carolina car accident attorney can be. You can receive top-quality representation through contingency-based billing without incurring upfront payments – giving accident victims an equal opportunity for justice without additional financial strains.
Don’t allow the cost of litigation stop you from protecting yourself or those closest to you in an accident by seeking compensation and clarity through scheduling a free consultation session.
Need assistance finding a South Carolina car accident attorney? Use the comments section or reach out to us, and we can refer you to trustworthy legal professionals in your area.
