If you were hurt in an accident and can’t afford a lawyer, here’s what you should do right away: take advantage of free legal consultations. We understand that getting injured can be overwhelming, with pain, stress, and financial burden combined. Right now, it may feel like the odds are stacked against you, but legal assistance can make a huge difference in your life. So, here’s what you should do when you cannot afford an accident lawyer in Arizona:
Talk to an Accident Lawyer
Sounds contradictory, isn’t it? Yes, you may think you cannot afford an accident lawyer right now, but a legal consultation is usually free of charge.
Why it matters: When you’re dealing with an accident, you’re not just up against the person who caused it. You’re also likely facing complex laws and insurance policies loaded with confusing jargon. Moreover, the at-fault parties are determined to protect their own interests; hence, you should too. This is where an accident lawyer becomes invaluable.
An experienced accident lawyer understands Arizona’s specific legal landscape. For example, Arizona follows a “pure comparative fault” rule. This means that even if you’re partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. Your compensation though, will be reduced by your share of the blame. Thus, without a lawyer, it can be challenging to argue your case and ensure the other party is held accountable for their share.
For example, a driver sustained a back injury from being rear-ended in a car collision. Cases like this often require weeks of physical therapy. However, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may argue that the injury was not as serious as the victim claims it to be. This is what usually happens to unrepresented accident victims: they are offered quick settlements that are not even enough to cover medical bills. On the other hand, if the injured driver seeks legal help, he will have a solid case. His accident lawyer will conduct a comprehensive claim which includes medical evidence and witness testimonies, leading to a fair compensation. This kind of expertise and strategy can be hard to replicate on your own.
Seek Affordable Legal Help
Some lawyers charge more than others, even for similar legal services. If you need to hire a lawyer on a budget, there are some things you can do to try and find more budget-friendly options.
- First, contact the State Bar in your area. Most Bar associations have resources available to help you find affordable legal representation. Next, ask your friends and family. Someone you know may have used an attorney before and can give you more information about the cost of that lawyer.
- Search reviews and other information online. Former clients who leave reviews for the lawyer are likely to include information about the cost of their services.
- Finally, call around. There is nothing wrong with exploring multiple attorneys before making a decision on who to hire. Explain to them your situation, and they may be willing to find a solution that will allow you to get representation without breaking the bank.
Aside from free consultations, there are accident lawyers who work on a contingency basis. You can use this as an opportunity to learn more about the lawyer before you make a final decision.
How You Can Afford an Accident Lawyer Through Contingency Basis
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a lawyer is that you need to pay large fees upfront. In reality, many accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. Like in Arizona, they don’t usually get paid unless you win your case. Their fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award; hence, they have a vested interest in securing the best outcome for you.
Imagine you’re worried about paying for an accident lawyer while already drowning in medical bills. The contingency fee system is designed to give people access to legal help without the stress of upfront costs. It levels the playing field, especially when you’re up against insurance companies with their own teams of attorneys.
The average contingency fee in a personal injury case ranges from 33% to 40% of the total recovery, depending on:
- Your location
- The complexity of your case
- Your lawyer’s experience level
- Your lawyer’s success rate or track record
- Whether your case settles or goes to court
Most states require that contingency fee agreements be in writing, and the agreement should clearly state how the fee is to be calculated. Even though you do not have to pay any upfront money, you should always make sure you fully understand the fee agreement before hiring a lawyer.
You might also be responsible for paying expenses related to your case from your proceeds. Any expenses that are to be deducted from your recovery should also be outlined in the contingency fee agreement. Always consider the total cost of the representation and not just the attorney’s fee. Therefore, you should choose a lawyer who would not take a larger portion of the settlement that you should recover.
Legal Nuances You Might Miss Without Legal Representation
Arizona’s laws can be complicated, especially for someone who’s not familiar with the legal system. For instance, there are specific rules about what kind of evidence is admissible in court and how much time you have to file a claim. Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically two years from the date of the accident, but there are exceptions. If a government entity is involved (like if you’re hit by a city bus), the timeline to file a claim is much shorter—usually 180 days.
Therefore, even a good case can fail without this kind of knowledge. An accident lawyer knows how to deal with these legal details. He will ensure that your case is filed correctly and on time. Also, he knows how to counter-arguments from the other side, further strengthening your claim.
Gain Access to Professional Resources
A good accident lawyer brings more than just legal knowledge—they bring resources. They often have connections with:
- Medical professionals who can provide expert opinions
- Accident reconstruction specialists who can explain how the crash occurred
- Investigators who can track down hard-to-access evidence
For example, let’s say you slipped on a wet floor in a store and injured your knee. The store may deny responsibility and claim they had a warning sign up. An accident lawyer might work with an investigator to do the following:
- Gather surveillance footage
- Interview witnesses who can attest that the sign was missing at the time.
Such resources can help build a strong case, but they can be difficult to secure on your own.
Focus on Your Recovery While the Lawyer Handles the Rest
Recovering from an injury is hard enough without the added stress of handling legal matters. Hiring a lawyer will allow you to focus on healing while they handle the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations. He will also ensure you’re compensated for all your damages:
- medical bills
- lost wages
- emotional distress
- future expenses related to your injuries
During this difficult time, your accident lawyer will work to secure a settlement that will cover not only the above-mentioned expenses. A well-connected lawyer can even help you find an affordable rental car if your vehicle is totaled. If you ever need to modify your home to accommodate reduced mobility due to your injuries, that will also be added to the cost of your claim. Imagine having to manage all of that on your own, while undergoing possible surgeries from your injuries.
Life after an accident is tough, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Even if you think you can’t afford an accident lawyer right now, reaching out to discuss your case might reveal options you didn’t know you had. And with contingency fees, professional help might be more accessible than you think. The right legal support can help you move forward, recover what you’ve lost, and focus on what really matters: getting better.
