Car Accident Lawyers in Hollywood FL usually charge contingency fees that do not come due until the client receives a settlement or court award. This policy has come about because so many injured persons could not afford an attorney otherwise. They often are struggling financially because of the accident and may have needed many weeks off from work. They may have no other way to hire professional legal representation. As plaintiffs in a civil case, they are not guaranteed assistance from a lawyer if they cannot afford one. That is only true for criminal defendants, as stipulated by the U.S. Constitution.
A Contingent Fee
The fee structure is called contingent because the Car Accident Lawyers in Hollywood FL do not receive pay unless they secure compensation for their client. This assures the injured person that the lawyers are very motivated to succeed. There also should be no worries about owing the attorney money and wondering how to pay as the amount owed will be an agreed-on percentage of the compensation paid by the insurance company.
Reimbursing Health Insurance
The client receives all funds above and beyond that percentage. However, if this person’s health insurance has paid outstanding medical bills, that company will expect to be reimbursed by the accident settlement. Otherwise, payment for those bills has been issued twice, once by the health insurance and later by the automotive insurance.
Settling Quickly or Waiting
Attorneys usually encourage their clients to wait while negotiations are tackled with the insurance company. This can take some time but usually results in a larger amount of compensation. Some individuals truly need money quickly, though. They may be facing eviction or foreclosure or repossession of a vehicle that’s essential to keep.
A No-Fault State
Since Florida is a no-fault state in regard to automotive insurance and collisions, the fact that another driver caused the accident is irrelevant. The injured person’s own insurance is supposed to pay for medical expenses and a certain amount of lost wages. If that insurance company is uncooperative, the policyholder may contact an organization like the Law Offices of McCullough & Leboff P.A. for a free initial consultation.
