When you are talking to lawyers in Lincoln, CA, it’s important to know what questions to ask before hiring them to file your claim. You’ll want to know everything before you proceed so you know everything that will happen should you win or lose. You don’t want to find yourself owing money you didn’t expect or not having a clear understanding of what you can win. Here are a few frequent questions about employing a personal injury lawyer
How much will I get?
Personal attorneys in Lincoln, CA can’t justly respond to this question with any promise. A lawsuit is unpredictable, and you can’t always be sure what will happen. However, they can provide you with an estimate of how much to expect in damages. Therefore, it’s important to talk to more than one lawyer. Some lawyers might try to get you to hire them by giving you a large number but won’t be able to get you that much.
What type of fees will I have to pay?
Win or lose—you will have to pay. Often people don’t realize this. On TV, you hear the claim that you won’t pay a dime unless they get money for you. This is true yet also false. If you lose, you don’t have to pay the lawyer, but you will have other fees to pay. Personal injury lawyers get paid a contingency fee that is usually around 33% of damages. Aside from the lawyer, you also have to pay a filing fee, court costs, and any other administration fees. Before proceeding with your lawyer in Lincoln, CA, makes sure you ask about these fees and how much they will cost. You are usually the one to pay these so make sure you know the full breakdown of all the costs you will accrue.
When do I have to pay?
After the case, you will have to pay all the fees. This includes court costs and paying your lawyer if you win. This can be after a trial or a settlement. There are two ways you might pay these fees. One is that your court fees are taken first which is called “off the top”. This means that you pay the fees first, then the lawyer’s contingency fee. The other is the lawyer takes their fee first, then the court fees are taken out of your earnings. Ask your lawyer how the money will be taken from your earnings before you proceed. If you have the option, try to think about which way will give you the most money.
Always ask these and any other questions you have before you agree to hire a lawyer. A personal injury case can get you the money you deserve, but you should be aware of how it works before committing.
