Mbare

Mbare Police Station Chatsva

By Staff Reporter
|
1768
|
February 11, 2026

Complaint against police at Mbare Station. Today, along Remembrance Drive in Harare, I was harassed by officers manning a roadblock near the gate of Mbare Police Station. My car was impounded, and the officers took my car keys and driver’s licence.

I was told that I had to pay a US$15 fine immediately, or leave my car at the station. Mhosva yangu hanzi hapana chicover cheboot icho, so mota inoitwa impounded here for that offence. When I explained that I did not have the money on the spot, hanzi maker a plan, ndikati hapana plan. All hell broke loose pandati hapana plan. The Officer in Charge, a rude male Sergeant who refused to give me his name, instructed one officer to accompany me to their offices.

At their offices, I met a very unprofessional police lady. I was harassed, abused and told to fokol. I politely asked her name. She started shouting at me insisting that I should not ask her name. I asked permission to see the Officer in Charge, hanzi its none of your business enda unovatsvaga wega. Ndazama kuvaudza I am a teacher vana vakamirira teacher wavo, hanzi hazvinei nesu.

Category:
News
General

Info News

Personal Injury Lawyer Cost: How Attorney Fees Work

personal injury lawyer cost, personal injury attorney fees, contingency fee lawyer, accident lawyer cost, injury lawyer no upfront fee, lawyer fee percentage

rnrn

Personal Injury Lawyer Cost: How Attorney Fees Work

rnrn

Many injured people worry about hiring a lawyer because they are already dealing with medical bills, missed work, and financial stress.

rnrn

The good news is that many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee.

rnrn

That usually means you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or court recovery if the case succeeds.

rnrn

Fee agreements vary, so always read the contract carefully.

rnrn

What Is a Contingency Fee?

rnrn

A contingency fee means the attorney’s payment depends on the outcome of the case.

rnrn

If there is no recovery, the lawyer may not collect an attorney fee. However, case costs may be handled differently depending on the agreement.

rnrn

The American Bar Association explains that in a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage of the recovery, and if the client loses, the lawyer generally does not receive a fee, though expenses may still be owed depending on the agreement.

rnrn

What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge?

rnrn

Percentages vary by lawyer, case type, and state rules. Many contingency fees are based on a percentage of the recovery.

rnrn

Some agreements may use different percentages depending on whether the case settles early, enters litigation, or goes to trial.

rnrn

Ask the lawyer to explain the fee clearly before signing.

rnrn

Attorney Fees vs. Case Costs

rnrn

Attorney fees are not always the same as case costs.

rnrn

Case costs may include:

rnrn

Court filing fees
rnMedical record fees
rnExpert witness fees
rnDeposition costs
rnInvestigation expenses
rnPostage
rnTrial exhibit costs
rnAccident reconstruction
rnCopying and records

rnrn

Ask whether costs are deducted before or after the attorney percentage is calculated.

rnrn

Questions to Ask About Fees

rnrn

Before hiring a personal injury lawyer, ask:

rnrn

What is your contingency fee percentage?
rnDoes the fee change if a lawsuit is filed?
rnWho pays case costs?
rnAre costs deducted before or after attorney fees?
rnWhat happens if we lose?
rnWill I receive a written fee agreement?
rnAre there any upfront costs?
rnHow are medical liens handled?
rnWill I approve settlement decisions?

rnrn

A good attorney should explain fees in plain language.

rnrn

Is Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer Worth It?

rnrn

A lawyer may be worth considering when:

rnrn

Injuries are serious
rnLiability is disputed
rnInsurance offers are low
rnMedical bills are high
rnFuture treatment is needed
rnYou missed work
rnThere are multiple parties
rnYou are being blamed
rnThe case may require expert witnesses

rnrn

A lawyer cannot guarantee more money, but legal representation may help protect your rights and avoid mistakes.

rnrn

Do All Personal Injury Cases Need a Lawyer?

rnrn

Not always.

rnrn

A minor accident with no injuries and simple property damage may not require an attorney.

rnrn

But if you have injuries, medical treatment, lost wages, or long-term symptoms, a consultation may be useful.

rnrn

Be Careful With Quick Settlements

rnrn

A quick settlement may not include:

rnrn

Future medical treatment
rnLost earning capacity
rnLong-term pain
rnMedical liens
rnSpecialist care
rnSurgery risks
rnPermanent impairment

rnrn

Once you sign a release, you may not be able to ask for more money later.

rnrn

How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer

rnrn

You can begin by checking state or local bar referral services. The U.S. Department of Labor notes that state bar websites generally have resources for the public looking for an attorney, and each legal case may require a lawyer suited to that specific problem.

rnrn

You can also ask:

rnrn

Friends or family
rnLocal bar association
rnTrusted attorneys in other fields
rnLegal aid resources
rnProfessional legal directories

rnrn

Final Thoughts

rnrn

Personal injury lawyer cost is usually based on a contingency fee, but every fee agreement is different.

rnrn

Before hiring a lawyer, ask about percentages, costs, deductions, liens, and what happens if there is no recovery.

rnrn

A clear fee agreement protects both you and the attorney.

Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC: Which Option Is Better?

Homeowners who have built equity may be able to borrow against their home through a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, commonly called a HELOC. Both options use the home as collateral, but they work differently.

rnrn

A home equity loan provides a lump sum of money that is repaid over a set term with regular monthly payments. Many home equity loans have fixed interest rates, which makes payments predictable. This can be useful for one-time expenses such as a major home improvement project, debt consolidation, or a large planned purchase.

rnrn

A HELOC works more like a credit card. The lender gives you access to a line of credit, and you can borrow as needed during the draw period. HELOCs often have variable interest rates, meaning the payment can rise or fall over time. This flexibility can be useful for ongoing projects or uncertain expenses.

rnrn

The main advantage of a home equity loan is stability. You know how much you borrowed, what your payment is, and when the loan will be paid off. The main disadvantage is that you receive the full amount upfront, even if you do not need all of it immediately.

rnrn

The main advantage of a HELOC is flexibility. You can borrow only what you need, when you need it. The main risk is that variable rates can make payments unpredictable. Some borrowers may also be tempted to keep borrowing, which can increase debt.

rnrn

Before choosing either option, consider the risk. Because the loan is secured by your home, failure to repay could put your home at risk. Borrowing against home equity should be done carefully and for a clear financial purpose.

rnrn

Compare interest rates, fees, repayment terms, draw periods, closing costs, and whether the rate is fixed or variable. Also ask whether there are annual fees, early closure fees, or minimum withdrawal requirements.

rnrn

Home equity borrowing may make sense for improvements that increase property value or for consolidating high-interest debt with a clear repayment plan. It may not be wise for unnecessary spending or short-term lifestyle purchases.

rnrn

The best option depends on your goals. Choose a home equity loan if you need a fixed amount and predictable payment. Choose a HELOC if you need flexible access to funds over time.

rnrn

Before borrowing, compare lenders and review the full cost carefully.