From the time of your injury, you may have been on a journey toward eventual compensation. This journey can be lengthy, but if you can prove your case you will be compensated in a fair and adequate manner, Of course, there must some funds available in the first place, since money, unfortunately, really doesn't grow on trees. Read on to learn more about getting paid for your damages.

The contingency fee and damages availability connection

Most personal injury attorneys work and get paid based on a contingency fee arrangement. This type of fee arrangement benefits many personal injury victims in a huge way, since they are often suffering financially from the effects of the accident. Here's what to know about contingency fee arrangements:

Your attorney must feel that you have case that is capable of bringing in an adequate amount of damages, since their pay is based on a percentage of your winnings. If the attorney agrees to take your case, you can assume that they expect a good settlement or judgment amount and that you have a good, winnable case.

There must be a means of payment. In most cases, the at-fault driver has insurance for this purpose, and you will in fact be suing their insurance company along with the driver for compensation. If no insurance exists for the at-fault driver, a lawsuit may be useless. The attorney will seek to find out if the at-fault driver has property or money in the bank that could be claimed for payment.

The potential to settle the case

Fortunately, it may not be necessary to actually take your case to court to get what you deserve. In most cases, accident victims settle outside of court. It does make perfect sense to settle outside of court, when you consider that it costs both sides money and takes up a lot more time if you are litigating the case in court. The possibility for a settlement offer is alive from the moment you let the other side know that you are considering suing and right up to the last day in court. Two major events during the pretrial period can trigger a settlement offer:

1. The demand letter is sent – This letter lets the other side know what evidence you have and what you are demanding to paid not to sue.
2. The deposition – This meeting is a "trial before the real trial", with all parties being questioned.

Talk to a personal injury attorney to learn more.