Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC answers questions for car accident victims in Louisville. Many clients wonder how they’ll afford a lawyer if they’re already dealing with losses. Our team works on a “contingency” basis, so you don’t pay anything upfront. We only take a fee as a percentage of what you receive from your settlement or verdict. But there’s a lot that goes into any claim–and any potential settlement. Our team can guide you through this whole process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Percentage Do We Charge for a Car Accident Claim?
If you’re thinking about taking legal action after a car accident in Louisville, you might have questions about costs. Thankfully, there’s no upfront cost to working with our firm because we work on a contingency-fee basis.
This means we take a percentage of whatever result you get. This is a common fee structure that makes sure you don’t pay anything out-of-pocket, and you only pay if your case is successful. We use this approach to make the process easier and more affordable for you. Normally, we charge between 33% and 40%, but we approach every case with your needs in mind.
How Can You Strengthen Your Claim After a Car Accident?
Before you start thinking about the legal process and a potential settlement, you have to think about what you need to do to protect your health and safety. The aftermath of a car accident can be a scary time, and this is only made more difficult if you’re injured. Still, there’s certain steps you need to take to strengthen your claim–and protect your rights–after a car accident:
- Get medical care – Your health is most important. Check for injuries and call 911 for help. Let paramedics check you at the scene, then visit a hospital or urgent care for a full evaluation. Remember, some injuries may not be obvious right away because of adrenaline.
- Gather evidence – If it’s safe, take photos or videos of the accident scene. Capture any damage to your car, visible injuries, and details like skid marks, road issues, or broken streetlights.
- Cooperate with investigations – Be honest and stick to the facts when speaking with the police or insurance companies. Avoid exaggerating or misrepresenting details, as this can hurt your case.
- Exchange information – Once you’re safe, swap contact and insurance information with others involved and any witnesses. If you’re not comfortable doing this, the police can assist.
Staying calm after an accident is easier said than done, especially if you’re hurt. But keeping a clear head is crucial for building a strong claim. From there, though, you can actually file your claim and go through that process.
What Damages Are There in a Car Accident Claim?
When you’re in a car accident that’s caused by someone else’s negligence, your main legal protection is the ability to file an injury claim to recover damages. You do this by:
- Filing an insurance claim out of court
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit
These “damages” are what make up your eventual settlement or verdict, and when you decide to file a claim, our team gets right to work for you.
We handle the legal side and carefully document your losses so you have a better idea of what your claim is worth. However, every case is different. So, your damages are going to be based on your specific losses, which usually include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost income or loss of future earning potential
- Car repair or replacement costs, as well as repair costs for any other damaged property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
- Wrongful death expenses for fatal accidents
- Punitive damages, in cases where the other person was intentionally negligent
There’s a few other important factors when you think about damages–and your potential settlement. Kentucky follows a “comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you’re partially at fault for the accident, your total compensation could be reduced by your share of responsibility. Also, and arguably more importantly, there’s a one-year deadline from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this statute of limitations could prevent you from filing a claim at all.
Why Would You Need a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Louisville?
When you decide to move forward with a car accident claim, our lawyers can make the process easier for you and your family. Recovering from an accident can be tough, with missed work, injuries, and car repairs adding stress. You aren’t required to have a lawyer, but having our team is beneficial. Here’s a few reasons why you might need a lawyer after a car accident:
- Investigating the accident – We look into what caused the crash, such as speeding, distracted driving, or drunk driving.
- Collecting evidence – We gather important proof like photos of the scene, records of your injuries and damage, and medical documents and receipts.
- Interviewing witnesses and experts – We talk to witnesses and, if needed, bring in experts to strengthen your case.
- Handling the insurance process – We deal with the other party’s insurance and legal team to protect your interests.
- Maximizing your damages – We work hard to negotiate or take your case to court to get the best settlement or outcome possible.
At Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, we know how tough life can be after a car accident. Our experienced Louisville car accident lawyers are here to support you, hold the responsible parties accountable, and make sure you get the financial support you need to get better. Contact us today for a free consultation.
