How Much Does A Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

How much do car accident attorneys cost in Colorado?

The car accident attorney cost in Colorado can vary depending on several factors. Attorneys typically charge for their services through different fee structures, including hourly rates, flat fees, or contingency fees.

• Hourly rates: Some lawyers may charge an hourly rate for their services. The rates can vary depending on the attorney’s experience and reputation, ranging from around $200 to $500 per hour.
• Flat fees: In certain cases, an attorney may offer a flat fee for specific legal services related to a car accident case. This fee is usually a fixed amount agreed upon in advance for a particular task or service.
• Contingency fees: Many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only collect a fee if they win the case and secure a settlement or verdict on behalf of the client. The typical contingency fee in car accident cases is around 33% to 40% of the total recovery. This fee arrangement allows individuals to hire an attorney without any upfront costs and provides an incentive for the attorney to strive for the best possible outcome.

It’s important to note that the actual car accident lawyer cost in Colorado will depend on the case’s specific circumstances, the complexity of the legal issues involved, and the attorney’s fee structure. At Bachus & Schanker, we offer a free initial consultation, discuss our contingency fee basis, and give you a precise cost estimate. 

Is a car accident lawyer worth the cost?

Hiring an attorney for a car accident can be a worthwhile investment, considering the potential benefits they can provide. Here are a few reasons why a car accident lawyer may be worth the cost:

• Legal expertise: Colorado car accident laws can be complicated. An experienced car accident attorney has the knowledge and expertise to navigate these laws, ensuring your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
• Evaluation of damages: Car accident lawyers are skilled at assessing the full extent of your economic and non-economic damages. They can help you understand the true value of your case and seek appropriate compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and more.
• Negotiation skills: Dealing with insurance companies directly can be challenging as they often try to minimize their payouts or attempt to get you to accept partial fault. An attorney for a car crash can negotiate on your behalf, using their expertise to advocate for a fair settlement that covers all your losses.
• Documentation and evidence gathering: A skilled lawyer will meticulously collect and analyze evidence related to your accident, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other documentation. They will build a strong case to support your claim and increase your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome.
• Higher settlements compared to self-representation: Individuals who hire car accident attorneys tend to receive higher settlements than those who handle their cases independently. This is because lawyers thoroughly understand the law and know how to negotiate with insurance companies effectively.
• Trial representation: Having a car accident lawyer by your side can be crucial if your case goes to trial. They will represent your interests, present compelling arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and skillfully navigate the courtroom to fight for the compensation you deserve.

What damages can be recovered for car accident injuries?

In car accident injury cases, various types of damages can potentially be recovered. These can be classified into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages. 

Economic damages refer to the measurable financial losses suffered as a result of the accident:

• Medical expenses: This includes costs for hospitalization, surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and future medical treatments related to the accident
• Lost wages: If the accident caused you to miss work or rendered you unable to work temporarily or permanently, you may claim compensation for lost income and any diminished earning capacity
• Property damage: This includes the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other damaged property, like personal belongings
• Other quantifiable expenses: Additional economic damages can include transportation costs, home modifications for disabilities, and any other out-of-pocket expenses incurred directly from the accident

Non-economic damages are more subjective and relate to the physical and emotional impact of the accident:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the accident and subsequent injuries
• Emotional distress: This includes anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other emotional or psychological effects resulting from the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life: If the accident has significantly limited your ability to participate in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss
• Loss of consortium: If the accident has adversely affected your relationship with your spouse or family members, they may be able to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, support, or intimacy

How do you calculate pain and suffering? 

There is no fixed formula to determine the exact value of pain and suffering, but various factors are considered, including:

• Severity of injuries: The more severe and long-lasting the injuries, the higher the potential value of pain and suffering. This includes the extent of physical pain and discomfort, the duration of recovery, and whether any permanent disabilities or disfigurement resulted from the accident.
• Medical treatment: The nature and extent of medical treatment required for the injuries can impact the value of pain and suffering. Lengthy hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy can contribute to more significant pain and suffering damages.
• Impact on daily life: The disruption caused to an individual’s daily life, such as difficulty performing routine activities, compromised quality of life, limitations on mobility, or impact on personal relationships, can contribute to the calculation of pain and suffering damages
• Emotional distress: Emotional factors that arise from the accident, such as anxiety, depression, fear, insomnia, or post-traumatic stress disorder, can be considered in evaluating pain and suffering damages
• Documentation and testimony: Providing comprehensive medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence that demonstrates the impact of the accident on the individual’s physical and emotional well-being can strengthen the claim for pain and suffering damages

Speak to a Colorado car accident attorney today

Don’t navigate the complexities of a car accident case alone. Seek the guidance and expertise of the experienced Colorado car accident attorneys at Bachus & Schanker. We provide a free consultation to discuss your case, legal options, and contingency basis costs. There are no upfront legal costs to retain our services. Our team is ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. 

Sources:

Contingency Fee. (2022).

CRS 13-21-102.5. (2023).

Loss of Consortium. (2023).