Bumps In Life That Go Smoother When You Hire A Lawyer
Do you need a lawyer? Knowing when to pick up the phone and call an attorney can be the difference between a positive outcome and a life changing catastrophe. Obviously, if you are charged with a crime, you get a lawyer, but not all circumstances are that clear cut. Consider some bumps in the road that get easier if you take the time to find legal representation.
Bankruptcy
It is not easy to commit to paying a lawyer when you are drowning in debt and the only way out is through bankruptcy. Individuals are not required to hire a bankruptcy attorney to file, but it is a good idea.
The website for the United State Courts points out that bankruptcy processing is complex. There are a lot of details that can be overlooked. One wrong document can lead to dismissal of the case.
In addition, there are consequences to filing bankruptcy that you need to understand fully. A lawyer can explain to you what will happen once the case is over and how this filing will affect your life.
The legal fee for processing a bankruptcy varies based on different factors. Expect to pay anywhere from 800 to 3,200 dollars, according to Bankruptcy HQ. There will also be a couple hundred dollars worth of court costs to pay on top of the lawyer's fee. If you can't afford an attorney, you might qualify for free or low-cost legal help from the state or a local law school.
Car Accident
If no one was hurt and the damage is not substantial then it is not necessary to worry about an auto accident lawyer. Anything more complicated than a fender bender might end up in court, however.
DMV.org reports, you should consider calling an auto accident lawyer or personal injury attorney if:
- You sustain injuries that might have long-term consequences. For example, neck or back pain can be disabling.
- The other driver does not have insurance.
- It is unclear, or in dispute, who is at fault.
- The insurance company is pressuring you to accept a settlement.
- You feel the compensation is not adequate.
- You think the allotted time to file a lawsuit may run out.
An auto accident lawyer will often take the case on a contingency basis. In other words, you do not pay an upfront fee. The accident attorney gets a percentage of the settlement, instead.
Filing for Disability
Legally, you don't need a lawyer to file for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income, but there are benefits, especially if your claim is denied and you want to appeal.
If you are filing, you have a medical problem that is limiting your ability to work. That in itself is stressful. The procedures for SSDI and SSI are complex with little room for error. You can make it through the initial filing on your own, but if your benefits are denied, the next step is to call an attorney.
If you do hire a lawyer to handle your appeal, you are required to notify the Social Security Administration, or SSA. The agency controls how much the lawyer can make representing you, according to Find Law. The attorney can get no more than 25 percent of your benefit amount up to 6,000 dollars. You pay for any out-of-pocket expenses on top of that, for example, the cost of securing medical records.
Deciding whether or not you need legal representation is critical when facing a lawsuit or seeking a settlement. If you are unsure, read more and check to see if your city or state offers free legal advice to help you make the right choice.
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