When to Hire a Car Attorney After an Accident – On a Contingency Fee Basis

When to Hire a Car Attorney After an Accident What is a Contingency Fee?

Many accident victims hesitate to hire an attorney due to concerns about legal fees, especially while facing medical bills and lost income. However, the cost of car accident lawyer services should not prevent you from obtaining representation because, in simple terms, you pay a percentage of what you win and will pay nothing if the case is lost.

Most personal injury attorneys, including those at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon P.C., work on a contingency fee basis when handling car accident cases. You pay nothing upfront or in hourly fees. The attorney is paid only if they recover compensation, typically as a percentage of the settlement or verdict. This aligns their interests with yours, as they succeed financially only when you do. The amount that a New Jersey personal injury contingency lawyer can charge is regulated by the Supreme Court of New Jersey Court rule 1:21-7 and can never exceed one-third of a settlement.

This arrangement makes quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation. While you focus on your recovery, a skilled attorney ensures your personal injury claim is fully valued when seeking the money damages you deserve.

If you have been involved in a collision and need guidance on when to hire an attorney after a car accident, you’ve come to the right place. The experienced legal team at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon P.C. is ready to help.

We’ve represented more than 40,000 people suffering from unexpected accidents and injuries, and we’ve recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements. We’ve been delivering results for injured individuals and their families since 1981, and we’re happy to answer your questions in a free consultation.  

What is the Best Time to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?

The best time to hire an attorney after a car accident is immediately after your accident, or as soon as you are physically able. While seeking medical attention is the first priority, contacting a lawyer shortly afterward is crucial. Early legal involvement allows your attorney to begin investigating your case, preserving evidence, and protecting your rights from the start. Even if the attorney does not end up taking your case, they can still provide vital advice during a free consultation about what to do next.

Remember that insurance companies often directly contact accident victims quickly. They may appear helpful, but their goal is to minimize payouts. An attorney handling communications ensures you do not unintentionally make statements that could harm your claim. Your lawyer speaks on your behalf, safeguarding your interests.

Physical evidence also deteriorates over time. Skid marks fade, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage can be lost or destroyed. An attorney can promptly investigate the scene, photograph damage, interview witnesses, and gather documentation before it disappears, strengthening your case and increasing the likelihood of fair results for car accident victims.

What are the Benefits of Hiring an Attorney Early?

Hiring a car injury attorney early in the process gives you a significant advantage that can impact the outcome of your case. One of the key benefits of hiring a car injury attorney is having an advocate who knows how to handle insurance companies. Insurers often use tactics to limit their liability, including quick settlement offers that appear appealing but fall short of covering your true damages.

A personal injury attorney can accurately calculate the full value of your claim, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and property damage. Without guidance, victims may accept settlements that do not account for long-term consequences, such as ongoing rehabilitation or permanent disabilities.

Your attorney can manage all aspects of your NJ car accident claim while you focus on recovery. This includes gathering medical records, consulting experts, negotiating with adjusters, and filing paperwork within strict deadlines. Early legal representation also signals to insurers that you are serious about being treated fairly and protecting your rights throughout the claims process.

When is it Too Late to Call a Lawyer?

While early action is best, it is rarely too late to benefit from legal representation. New Jersey law generally gives two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting can complicate your case. 

Over time, evidence becomes harder to obtain, witnesses may be difficult to locate, and memories fade. Negotiating with insurance companies alone or making statements can inadvertently weaken your claim. 

An experienced car accident attorney can assess any impact and determine the best path forward. Even if significant time has passed, consulting an attorney is valuable. They can evaluate your situation, advise whether a viable claim exists, gather evidence, and take immediate action. Do not assume it is too late without first speaking to a legal professional.

What To Do After a Car Accident

Knowing the right steps to take immediately after a car accident can protect both your health and your legal rights. Acting quickly and carefully helps preserve evidence, document injuries, and strengthen any potential claim.

  • Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, conditions like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage may appear later. Early evaluation creates a record linking your injuries to the accident.
  • Collect Information at the Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Gather witness contacts and exchange insurance details with the other driver. Do not admit fault.
  • Notify Your Insurance Company – Provide only basic facts. Avoid recorded statements or signing documents without legal advice.
  • Document Expenses – Track medical bills, receipts, mileage, and missed work to support your claim.
  • Contact an Attorney – Discuss your case promptly to explore legal options and protect your rights.

I’ve Been in a Car Accident. How Can the Attorneys of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. Help?

The attorneys at Davis, Saperstein & Salomon P.C. have been representing accident victims across New Jersey and New York since 1981. With more than $1 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements for over 40,000 clients, the firm is committed to achieving meaningful results for every individual we serve.

Our New Jersey injury lawyers understand the severity of these accidents on a deeply personal level, as well as a legal one. When Davis, Saperstein & Salomon P.C., Partner Steven Benvenisti, Esq. was a senior at The College of New Jersey, he was struck by a drunk driver while walking across a street, leaving him with catastrophic injuries, including two broken legs and a severe traumatic brain injury. After 15 surgeries and months of rehabilitation, he miraculously made a full recovery. At the time of the accident, it was warned that the drunk driver and the bar that served him were both uninsured, resulting in his not being able to get fully compensated for everything he had been through. This is what inspired him to become an injury lawyer to help those who have been hurt just as he was, and so they can get the legal representation they deserve knowing that their attorney truly understands and will tirelessly fight for their best interest and the justice they deserve. 

Steven went on to graduate with high honors from college and finish at the top portion of his class in law school, and has since dedicated his career to representing victims of negligence, car crashes, fall-down incidents, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful death cases throughout New Jersey, as well as becoming a notable advocate for drunk driving prevention. 

Our team of 25 personal injury attorneys brings extensive experience to each case. We conduct independent investigations to determine what happened rather than relying on insurance company accounts. We collaborate with medical providers to document the full scope of injuries and consult experts to project long-term effects on health, earning capacity, and quality of life. They will also calculate all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and emotional distress. During negotiations, we advocate aggressively for fair compensation, and if insurers refuse reasonable offers, our Certified Civil Trial Attorneys are ready to take your case to court.

Focusing exclusively on individuals, we provide personalized attention and keep clients informed every step of the way throughout the legal process. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore how we can help you.