Hiring a car accident lawyer can be costly. Even when a person has suffered significant injuries and has a solid case, hiring an auto accident attorney and incurring expenses relating to litigation can make hiring a lawyer feel like an unnecessary expense. In addition to the money issue, there is also the fear factor. Will hiring an attorney cost me money I do not have?

This is why the law firm of Kimura London & White LLP in California offers No Win, No Fee representation and litigation services. This means we offer our clients the assurance that we only get paid if compensation is recovered in their car accident case.

Table of Contents:

• Understanding the "No Win, No Fee" Agreement
• When You Should Consider a No Win, No Fee Car Accident Lawyer
  • Severe Injuries
  • Disputed Liability
  • Insurance Company Disputes
  • Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
• What to Expect When You Consult with a "No Win, No Fee" Attorney
• Navigating the Complexities of a Car Accident Case
• Obtain Your Free Consultation

Understanding the "No Win, No Fee" Attorney Agreement

When you succeed in your car accident case, your compensation comes either through a settlement or a jury award. The majority of car accident cases are resolved through settlements outside of court. In these instances, you would receive a settlement amount. However, if your case proceeds to trial and you win, the jury will determine the amount of compensation. The fee our car accident attorneys receive is based on a contingency agreement that we establish before taking on your case.

The financial compensation you receive is vital, as it should fully cover the losses you have suffered. Whether through a settlement or a jury award, it's essential that the amount is fair and sufficient to compensate for your damages. Our attorneys carefully evaluate each case to ensure the monetary recovery would cover not only legal fees but also other damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. We present evidence to back these claims to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation.

As mentioned, reaching a settlement without going to trial is often the most common outcome in California car accident cases. Settling out of court can help avoid additional costs related to legal fees. While settling may result in receiving a lower amount compared to a potential jury award, it also minimizes the risk of losing your case. For many, negotiating a settlement proves to be the best option for all parties involved.

Here's how it generally works:

• No Upfront Fees: Our car accident lawyers will not charge you any upfront fees to handle your case. This means you can pursue justice for your injuries without worrying about hefty retainer fees.
• Fees Contingent on Success: Our attorney's fees are contingent upon winning your case, either through a settlement or a court judgment. This aligns the attorney's interests with yours - we are motivated to secure the best possible outcome for you.
• Percentage-Based Fees: If your case is successful, the lawyer will receive a predetermined percentage of your compensation. This percentage is outlined in the contingency fee agreement you sign at the beginning of your representation. If your case is not won, you owe us nothing for our services.

California law regulates contingency fee agreements, offering some protection for clients. The state's legal framework for these arrangements is governed by the Business and Professions Code, specifically §§ 6146 and 6147, ensuring fairness and transparency in how these agreements are structured. It is important to review and discuss the terms and conditions carefully before hiring our "no win, no fee" attorneys.

When You Should Consider a No Win, No Fee Car Accident Lawyer

While not all car accidents necessitate legal representation, there are situations where having an experienced attorney on your side is crucial. Here are some instances where consulting with our lawyers is highly recommended:

Severe Injuries

If you or a loved one sustained severe injuries in a car accident, the medical bills alone can be staggering, not to mention the potential long-term care costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.

A few examples of severe injury claims can include those related to:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Bone fractures
• Internal injuries
• Amputations
• Disfigurement
• Burns.

Disputed Liability

If the at-fault driver or their insurance company disputes liability for the accident, proving fault will be key to obtaining a favorable settlement or court verdict. A skilled lawyer can gather and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and employ their knowledge of accident reconstruction techniques to build a compelling case on your behalf.

If the other motorist involved attempts to place the blame on you, legal representation becomes even more important to safeguard your interests.

Insurance Company Disputes

Sadly, insurance companies are notorious for minimizing payouts and employing various tactics to protect their profits. This might involve downplaying your injuries or undervaluing your claim. A knowledgeable lawyer with a background handling car accident claims can advocate for your best interests and engage in effective negotiations with insurance adjusters to reach a fair resolution.

If a settlement agreement cannot be reached during the negotiation phase, our car accident lawyers will be able to take the case to court on your behalf.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist

If you were hit by someone with little to no insurance coverage, pursuing compensation becomes even more challenging. It's not fair but, unfortunately, in situations where the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage, you might have to make a claim with your own insurance provider. It can feel overwhelming, but having a California no-win, no-fee car accident lawyer on your side is important so they can protect your interests.

Your lawyer may suggest looking at additional coverage you have, such as underinsured motorist coverage. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 17% of California motorists are uninsured, which is 3% higher than the national average of 14% in 2022, so this can be a legitimate issue when seeking to recover rightful compensation.

It's important to remember that early legal intervention is crucial for a number of reasons. Primarily, evidence needs to be gathered. There is a limited window to get photos or videos of the accident location, the damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries, for instance. Witnesses also need to be contacted as soon as possible before their memories fade and their recollections become inaccurate. And of course, it's extremely important to pay attention to deadlines. Filing a lawsuit or insurance claim past the statute of limitations will affect the success of your case.

What to Expect When You Consult with Our "No Win, No Fee" Attorneys

From the first interaction with our contingency lawyers, they will evaluate several factors before taking your case, such as liability, the extent of your injuries, the quality of evidence, and the potential damages you've incurred. Our attorneys want to ensure there's a strong chance we'll be successful for you.

During your free initial consultation, the lawyer will listen to your side of the story and ask questions to get more details. After collecting information from you, they'll explain your rights under California law and explore different legal options to decide on the best course of action for you. For many, the best outcome would be a settlement with the at-fault driver's insurer, outside of court, but for others litigation may be necessary in order to get you what you truly deserve.

They'll be honest with you about our fee structure and thoroughly explain the contingency fee agreement, including the percentage they would receive from any compensation awarded to you. Our attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury, are not afraid to go to trial if need be, are communicative, easy to reach, and carry values that align with the majority of our clients needs. Trust is an integral part of any lawyer-client relationship, so open and honest communication is important for the success of your case.

Navigating the Complexities of a Car Accident Case

Our California no-win, no-fee car accident lawyers can do a lot to make things less stressful by:

• Handling Insurance Communication: A seasoned California no-win, no-fee car accident lawyer is adept at communicating with insurance adjusters on your behalf. They can negotiate a fair settlement that accounts for the full extent of your damages and protect your rights during the claims process.
• Gathering Evidence: The strength of the evidence in your case plays a significant role. Building a robust claim often necessitates the involvement of various experts. Accident reconstruction specialists can offer insight into how the collision happened. Medical professionals can assess and attest to the severity and permanence of your injuries, advocating for fair compensation.
• Representing You in Court: While most cases are settled outside the courtroom, some insurance adjusters simply won't agree to pay a fair sum, no matter what. In this instance, having an attorney who's not afraid to go to court becomes a great asset. Our lawyers will present your case and fight for maximum compensation through a jury trial.

Obtain Your Free Consultation

Being in a car accident turns your life upside down but it doesn't have to define you. If someone else's negligence caused your accident and you incurred substantial losses as a result, getting legal help is your constitutional right. Don't let financial constraints deter you from seeking justice and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions. Our "no win, no fee" car accident attorneys are valuable allies, ensuring that access to legal representation is not limited to the wealthy.

Consider seeking a free consultation from our California no-win, no-fee car accident lawyers to understand your rights, legal options, and the best course of action to recover compensation for your accident. Call or fill out our form for help today.