Utah Car Accident Lawyer
Do you need a Utah Car Accident Lawyer? Getting into a car accident is stressful enough—dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and legal headaches shouldn’t add to the burden. If you’ve been injured in a crash, having an experienced Utah car accident lawyer can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re facing mounting medical expenses, lost wages, or emotional trauma, the right legal expert will fight for your rights and guide you through every step of the process. In this post, we’ll cover what to look for in a car accident attorney, how to protect your claim, and why hiring a Utah car accident lawyer is your best move after an accident.
Why Gunter Injury Law?
The answer is simple. At Gunter Injury Law, we pride ourselves on providing the same exceptional strengths and benefits that clients value most in top-tier legal representation. Our team combines deep legal expertise with a compassionate, client-centered approach, making sure that every case is handled professionally and with care. We prioritize clear communication, keeping you informed and empowered throughout the legal process. Whether navigating complex personal injury claims or advocating for justice after a traumatic event, we craft tailored strategies to meet your unique needs and achieve the best possible outcomes. At Gunter Injury Law, you’re not just a case—you’re a valued individual, and we’re here to fight for you every step of the way.
Is An Attorney Worth It?
After a car accident, many people wonder if hiring an attorney is really necessary—especially when insurance companies promise to handle everything. But the reality is, insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, not ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. That’s where a Utah car accident lawyer becomes invaluable.
An experienced attorney understands the complexities of personal injury law, from gathering solid evidence to negotiating with insurance adjusters who may try to undervalue your claim. Without legal representation, you might overlook damages like future medical expenses, lost earning potential, or emotional distress, all of which can significantly increase the value of your settlement.
Additionally, an attorney can help prove liability, especially in cases where fault is disputed. Utah follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover damages. A skilled lawyer will build a strong case to minimize your liability and maximize your compensation.
Statistically, accident victims who hire lawyers receive larger settlements than those who don’t. Plus, most Utah car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless they win your case. This means you can access expert legal help without upfront costs.
In short, hiring an attorney isn’t just worth it—it could be the difference between a minimal payout and the full compensation you’re entitled to.
How Do I Hire A Car Accident Attorney?
What Is a Car Accident Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your Utah car accident lawyer only gets paid if you win your case—either through a settlement or a verdict. This means there are no upfront costs for legal representation, making it a low-risk option for accident victims seeking justice.
How Does a Contingency Fee Work?
In Utah, the Rules of Professional Conduct (1.5(c)) require that all contingency fee agreements be in writing and signed before any legal work begins. This written agreement outlines the terms, ensuring transparency between you and your attorney.
- Settlement: If your case settles out of court, both parties agree on a compensation amount.
- Verdict: If your case goes to trial, a jury or judge will decide the outcome.
- A jury verdict comes from a jury’s decision.
- A judgment is issued by a judge after a bench (judge-only) trial.
In all cases, your attorney only gets paid if you win. If you don’t receive compensation, your lawyer doesn’t get paid.
What’s the Risk of Signing a Contingency Fee Agreement?
The risk is minimal. Legal work cannot begin until the contingency fee agreement is signed, but you can cancel the agreement at any time—it’s fully revocable by either party. This flexibility ensures that you’re never locked into an arrangement you’re uncomfortable with.
How Much Is the Contingency Fee?
Most Utah car accident attorneys charge a standard contingency fee of 33% of your total settlement or verdict. For example:
- If you settle for $100,000, your attorney would receive $33,000 in legal fees.
However, the percentage can vary based on the case:
- 33% is the standard for most cases.
- 40% may be charged if a lawsuit is filed and the case goes to court.
- Attorney Jake Gunter charges a flat 33% fee, whether the case settles or goes to trial—offering straightforward, consistent pricing.
Are Contingency Fees Used in Other Injury Cases?
Yes! While commonly used in Utah car accident cases, contingency fees also apply to a wide range of personal injury claims, including:
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Slip and fall accidents
- Trucking and bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian injuries
- Fires and other property-related injuries
- Insurance disputes and more
This fee structure ensures that anyone can access quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
By choosing a Utah car accident lawyer who works on a contingency fee basis, you’re securing a powerful advocate without the financial burden of upfront legal costs.
I Chose the Wrong Attorney—Can I Revoke the Contingency Fee?
Yes, you can revoke a contingency fee agreement and hire a new Utah car accident lawyer at any time. However, it’s important to understand the terms of your original agreement before making this decision.
Depending on how the contingency fee agreement is written, you may be responsible for paying the previous attorney for the work they’ve already done. This could include legal fees and any costs incurred while handling your case. On the other hand, if the attorney decides to terminate the agreement, you typically won’t owe them anything.
Before switching lawyers, review your agreement carefully or consult with a new attorney to understand any potential obligations.
The Power of Contingency Fees and Jury Trials
Contingency fees play a crucial role in giving car accident victims in Utah access to justice, especially for those who may not have the financial resources to pay upfront legal costs. With a contingency fee arrangement, your attorney only gets paid when you receive a settlement or verdict, allowing you to pursue your claim without financial stress.
When combined with your right to a jury trial, contingency fees level the playing field against powerful insurance companies and large corporations. This legal structure ensures that everyone, regardless of income, has the opportunity to fight for fair compensation.
As Thomas Jefferson famously said, “Trial by jury is part of the bright constellation which leads to peace, liberty, and safety.” This principle remains true today, empowering accident victims to seek justice through skilled legal representation and the civil court system.
Learn More About Utah Car Accident Lawyer Jake Gunter 
For additional insights on Utah personal injury law and to get to know Jake Gunter better, check out these helpful videos:
- Meet Jake Gunter – Learn more about Jake Gunter’s background, experience, and dedication to helping clients throughout Utah.
- How to Choose a Utah Personal Injury Attorney – This video offers guidance on selecting the right personal injury attorney to ensure you receive effective representation.
- What Jake Gunter Does and Who He Represents – Discover the types of cases Jake Gunter handles and how he advocates for the rights of injured individuals statewide.
These resources will provide you with valuable information as you consider your legal options. For any questions or to schedule a free consultation, feel free to reach out to us directly.