When the other driver is responsible for your car accident, you can often hire a personal injury lawyer on a contingency fee basis.
Learn when it’s worth the expense when seeking a car accident lawyer.
A Car Accident Lawyer’s Contingency Fee Percentage
Car accident lawyers typically use a “contingency fee” basis, meaning they only receive payment if you win your case.
The percentage they receive varies, often around 33%, but may increase to 40% if the case goes to trial.
It’s negotiable, especially for straightforward cases.
Make sure to understand and discuss the fee arrangement with your attorney.
Costs and Expenses In a Car Accident Case
Your contract might make you pay upfront court fees and expenses or let the lawyer cover them, deducting from your settlement or judgment.
Ensure your fee agreement clarifies fee and expense responsibility and ask to subtract fees from the “net settlement” after expenses.
This prevents lawyers from taking their share before deducting costs.
Other Kinds of Car Accident Case Fee Arrangements
Not all cases follow a pure contingency fee setup.
Certain lawyers may ask for an initial retainer and later collect a contingency fee, deducting the initial payment from the final percentage due.
Car accident cases typically avoid flat fee payments, more common in simpler cases like drafting demand letters, with costs ranging from $300 to $1,000.
Is a Car Accident Lawyer Worth The Cost?
The rule is simple: The more severe your injuries, the more beneficial it is to hire a lawyer.
For minor accidents with minimal injuries, you can likely negotiate a settlement on your own.
If you have major injuries needing extensive medical care, a skilled lawyer is essential to counter insurance adjusters and boost your case’s value.