Crary, Clark, & Domanico helps people who get hurt in car accidents in Spokane. A car accident brings up a lot of questions about the claims process. One of the biggest misconceptions about getting a lawyer is that it’s out of reach financially. However, understanding how a typical car accident lawyer gets paid can make things clearer. To learn more about your options, contact us today for a free consultation.
How Does a Car Accident Lawyer Get Paid?
Any car accident in Spokane can leave you facing medical bills, huge repair costs, and other financial problems. That’s why we (and most other car accident lawyers) work on what’s called a contingency-fee basis–it’s a system that benefits both you and your legal team.
The biggest positive of a contingency fee is that:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We get paid through whatever result we get for you.
When you decide to work with us, we’ll have you sign an “Attorney-Client Agreement” that outlines everything we’ll do for you, as well as what we charge in terms of our fees. In most car accident claims, we charge between:
- 33% and 40% of the recovery amount.
We believe this approach is effective because it ensures we’re focused on securing the best outcome for you. Our goal is to make sure you receive the financial support you need and without adding financial stress to your recovery process.
What Can You Do to Get the Most Out of Your Car Accident Claim?
Our number one goal when you become a client after a car accident in Spokane is to get you a fair settlement. Part of the way that happens, though, is by the steps you take after the accident itself. When you’re in a car accident, it’s important do the following:
- Call 911 – The first thing you’ll need to do if you’re hurt is call 911. This will dispatch an ambulance and have the local police manage the scene. Visit the ER afterward for further care. Medical records and documentation are critical for your claim.
- Gather evidence – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, the damage to vehicles, and your injuries. This visual evidence supports your version of events and makes it harder for others to dispute your claim.
- Cooperate with investigators – When speaking to police or insurance representatives, be honest and clear. Don’t admit fault, but also don’t say anything that might hurt your claim. Your credibility strengthens your case.
- Collect important information – Exchange contact and insurance details with the other driver and gather witness contact information. Witness statements can validate your account and reinforce your claim.
By following these steps, you’ll protect both your health and your ability to pursue a fair settlement. Our team in Spokane is here to ensure you have all the evidence and support you need to maximize your settlement.
What Makes Up Your Car Accident Settlement?
Obviously, working with our team can help you get the most out of a potential settlement. We help you through the claims process, which happens in two main ways:
- An insurance claim outside of court
- A lawsuit.
When you file a claim, you’re going after “damages.” Your damages are going to be specific to your accident, but generally includes things like:
- Medical expenses – This covers your doctor visits, surgeries, medications, therapy, and any long-term care resulting from the accident.
- Lost wages – This covers any income lost due to missed work. If your injuries prevent you from working in the future, you may also be able to recover lost future earnings.
- Property damage – This factors in the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other personal belongings damaged in the crash.
- Pain and suffering – This covers the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured beyond medical costs.
- Emotional distress – This covers costs for any mental health impacts like anxiety, depression, or PTSD caused by the accident.
- Reduced quality of life – This covers limitations on your ability to enjoy life or damage to personal relationships.
- Wrongful death expenses – If a loved one died in the accident, this includes funeral costs and loss of financial support.
Remember, there’s a statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Washington, and it’s typically three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could mean you lose your right to recover damages, no matter how strong your case is.
Experienced Spokane Car Accident Lawyers
Facing a car accident can be totally overwhelming, and it’s only made worse by serious injuries or damage to your car. Our team at CCD Law is here to simplify the process, allowing you to focus on recovery. We work hard to secure the result you and your family need, while also making sure you get what you’re owed. If you’ve been in a car accident in Spokane, contact us today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
