When you or a loved one is seriously injured in an accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming. You may be faced with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of not being able to return to work. The last thing you need is the added worry of how you will pay for an attorney to represent you. You may have heard that Washington, DC personal injury lawyer work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. While this is true, there are still some upfront costs associated with hiring a personal injury lawyer.
You should understand what you will be responsible for and what to expect in terms of costs
1. Initial Consultation
The majority of personal injury attorneys provide a free initial consultation. This is a meeting where you will discuss the details of your case with the lawyer and they will determine if they can take on your case.
2. Case Evaluation
After the initial consultation, the lawyer will review your case and determine if it is something they can help you with. If they decide to take on your case, they will need to gather more information.
3. Investigation
In some cases, the lawyer may need to do an investigation. This could involve visiting the accident site, taking photos, and talking to witnesses. The lawyer may also hire an investigator to help with the case.
4. Demand Letter
Once the lawyer has gathered all the information they need, they will send a demand letter to the insurance company. This letter will outline your injuries and losses and demand a fair settlement.
5. Negotiation
The insurance company will then be able to react to the demand letter. In most cases, the insurance company will make an initial low-ball offer. The lawyer will then negotiate with the insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement.
6. Trial
If the insurance company is unwilling to offer a fair settlement, the case may go to trial. This is a lengthy and expensive process. During a trial, both sides will present their evidence and the jury will decide who is liable.
7. Appeals
If either side is unhappy with the jury’s decision, they can file an appeal. This is an expensive and time-consuming procedure.
As you can see, there are many costs associated with hiring a personal injury lawyer. However, you should not let this deter you from seeking legal help. A personal injury lawyer can assist you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to.
