If a driver caused your accident, it will always be beneficial for you to hire a Delaware car accident lawyer nearby from Injury Law Rights offices. Call 855-633-0888 to review how much of an accident claim settlement to expect and how we can help you get full compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you were you recently involved in an auto accident in Delaware and are the plaintiff in the case, the good news is that personal injury attorneys work on a commission basis, so there is no need to worry about the financial aspect of hiring an attorney. As the defendant, however, you will be responsible for your own attorney. Since this is civil case and not a criminal case, you would not be able to obtain a court-appointed attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, you will more than likely rely on legal aid services or finding a pro bono attorney in Delaware.
Delaware Auto Accident Stats
In terms of actual deaths, Delaware is among the safest states in the country. The same can be said when it comes to total numbers of car crashes. However, in deaths per million miles driven, Delaware slips down the middle of the pack. Point being, due to the size of the state and smaller population, do not be overly fooled by the overall numbers and let your guard down while driving:
- Total deaths – 111
- Fatal crashes – 104
- Deaths per million miles driven – 1.09
- Total vehicle miles – 10, 179
The one area where Delaware saw a significant decrease over the last year was in alcohol and drug related auto accidents. This is more than likely due to the pandemic. With restaurants, bars, and nightlife having been closed for the majority of the year, it would explain the massive decline in this category.
Delaware Statute of Limitations
In the state of Delaware, all personal injury suits must be filed within three years. As is generally the case, the clock starts to tick on the date of the accident/injury. There may be exceptions, however, such as an injury from the accident not being immediately discovered.
If the case is against the city, county, or state government, the plaintiff will only have one year to file the case.
Top Causes of Auto Accidents in Delaware
As we see in virtually every state in the country, distracted driving is among the top causes for auto accidents in Delaware. All leading causes are:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Hazardous roadways
- Defective auto parts
Finding a Pro Bono Auto Accident Attorney in Delaware
If you are unable to afford an attorney and are the defendant in an auto accident case in Delaware, you more or less have two ways to find an attorney:
- Legal aid
- Pro bono
Most communities have legal aid services, but your options here will be limited and you are more than likely going to get an inexperienced and/or overworked attorney for your case. A far better option could be to research firms in your area that have attorneys who need to fulfill their annual 50-hour pro bono requirement per the American Bar Association. You can also check the ABA website directly for more information regarding pro bono attorneys in Delaware.
Auto Accident Attorneys in Delaware
As the plaintiff in the case, your attorney will be working on a commission basis. This means you do not have to pay the attorney unless he or she wins the case. This, however, does not mean there will not be expenses related to the case.
In most cases, these expenses will either be covered by the firm or an arrangement will be made with the attorney to pay the fees after the case is settled. Either way, how you agree to pay these expenses will impact your overall settlement. If, for instance, you agree to pay the expenses out of your share, you will walk away with less from the settlement than if the expenses are taken off the top before the split with the attorney is made.
Choosing an Attorney
You and your attorney are going to be spending considerable time together, especially in the initial stages of the lawsuit. That being said, you will want to ensure there is some chemistry there. To that point, you and your attorney need to be on the same page regarding the expected outcome of the case. You will also want to agree on the terms mentioned above regarding the split as well as clarifying your point of contact with the firm. This may not always be your attorney, but it should be someone that who can immediately answer all your questions or immediately discuss the issue with your attorney and get back to you within a reasonable amount of time.
Were you recently involved in an auto accident in Delaware and need an attorney? Give us a call at 855-633-0888 so we can help! Your initial consultation is free and you are under no obligation to use our services just for having a consultation.
A DE pro bono car accident injury lawyer near you can help gather the evidence and paperwork you need to file a lawsuit while meeting all the deadlines, so you can ensure your right to pursue compensation. A free accident attorney consultion will also review who is the best lawyer for a car accident injury in:
Bear
Bellefonte
Bethany Beach
Blades
Bridgeville
Camden Wyoming
Cheswold
Claymont
Clayton
Dagsboro
Delaware City
Delmar
Dover Afb
Dover
Ellendale
Elsmere
Felton
Fenwick Island
Frankford
Frederica
Georgetown
Greenwood
Harbeson
Harrington
Hartly
Hockessin
Houston
Kenton
Kirkwood
Laurel
Lewes
Lincoln
Magnolia
Marydel
Middletown
Milford
Millsboro
Millville
Milton
Montchanin
Nassau
New Castle
Newark
Newport
Ocean View
Odessa
Port Penn
Rehoboth Beach
Rockland
Saint Georges
Seaford
Selbyville
Smyrna
Townsend
Wilmington
Winterthur
Yorklyn
Delaware Car Injury Law Rights attorneys will listen to your side of the story about the accident, review the police report, and let you know how much compensation to expect for a car accident lawsuit settlement. DE Pro bono lawyers for car accident injury claims will cost you anything up front.
Local pro bono accident attorney offices in Delaware work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning they earn a fee only when an attorney can win you a favorable financial settlement. Contact us today if you’ve suffered injuries in an auto accident.
Taryn J. White is a legal research specialist and Injury law news reporter. Her current accomplishments include helping those facing any injuries from vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and medical malpractice.
