What you should do if this happens to you!
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| Ways to save on your auto insurance |
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Shop around and compare prices. A list of companies can be found in your local yellow pages of your phone book.
Maintain a good driving record.
Take the highest deductible the insurance will allow for collision and comprehensive coverage. A higher deductible will lower your premium.
More ways to save!
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Legal Advice and Attorney Fees
When you are involved in an accident, you are bombarded with all kinds of new information and need to know how to make decisions that are in your best interest. When your friends and family hear about your accident, they will give you their advice by telling you that you should hire an attorney, which always isn't necessary. If you're decision is to hire an attorney keep in mind there are associated fees that the attorney will collect once you receive your pain and suffering settlement. The typical percentages that the attorney will be paid generally range from 30 percent to 50 percent of the money recovered for you.
For example: If your settlement is agreed upon with the insurance company and the amount of your claim is $50,000. Your attorney will collect any where from 30-50% of your awarded settlement of $50,000. Therefore, your total compensation for your injury that you will receive will be any where from $25,000 - $35,000. The attorney will collect $15,000-$25,000!
Understanding the different types of attorney fees will help you know what to expect when you hire an accident lawyer.
The main types of attorney fees you will encounter are contingent fees, flat fees, and hourly fees. For most car accident cases a contingent fee arrangement is utilized. That means your attorney will not be paid for his or her services unless they recover money for your injuries. Contingent fees are based on a percentage of the money awarded to you in court proceedings or through out-of-court settlement.
Flat fees are another way lawyers can choose to be compensated for their time. A flat fee is a predetermined set amount of money a lawyer will charge you for his or her services. Flat fees are generally employed when a case is simple or routine.
Another fee arrangement utilized by lawyers is an hourly rate. When a lawyer charges you an hourly rate, you will be billed for each hour your attorney works on your case. In some cases, an attorney will charge a higher rate for court work hours and a lesser hourly rate for time spent researching and preparing for your case.
As with all fees, be aware that additional out-of-pocket expenses may not be covered in the hourly rate. When discussing fees with your attorney, always ask for a written agreement of the terms. In addition to having the fee arrangement in writing, you should also ask your attorney about a payment schedule and how and when they want to be paid.
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In 2005, there were nearly 6,420,000 auto accidents in the United States.
About 115 people die every day in vehicle crashes in the United States, estimating one death every 13 minutes.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for 36% of all deaths in this age group.
California leads the nation in traffic fatalities. More than 4,000 sustain serious injuries, such as quadriplegia, paraplegia, brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries.
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Insurance Resources
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