How Much Does It Cost for a Car Accident Lawyer?

In most cases, car accident victims do not pay upfront fees for the cost of an attorney’s legal services. Instead, accident lawyers are paid through contingency fees.
 
With a contingency fee payment structure, the client and attorney agree on a certain percentage of the recovery in the case that will be paid to the lawyer. When the injury lawyer recovers financial compensation for the client, that percentage is allocated to cover the cost of legal services.
 
Most personal injury cases do not require a trial. Instead, they are often settled between the opposing parties before the case goes to court.
 
Securing an appropriate amount of money through a settlement often requires effective negotiation. For instance, the attorney may need to argue with an insurance provider on behalf of their client.
 
When negotiations are unfruitful, some cases do go to trial. When this happens, the injury attorney will build a legal case to try to convince the jury that their client is owed financial recovery.
 
Whether the lawyer achieves a settlement or a verdict for damages, they will be paid the agreed-upon percentage for their services when they are successful in obtaining compensation for their client.

Contingency Percentages

There is no single or universal standard when it comes to contingency fee agreements. The percentage of recovery that attorneys charge for their services varies from one firm to the next.
 
Typically, contingency fee rates range from 25% to 40%. A third (33%) of the recovery is the most common rate. 
 
For example, suppose that the cost of a car accident lawyer is a 33% contingency fee. If your attorney recovered $120,000 in your traffic accident case, they would keep $40,000 in payment for their services. 
 
In some cases, the cost of a car accident lawyer will vary depending on the amount of work that your claim requires. If your case is settled with no need for litigation, the contingency fee percentage may be lower.
 
But if your claim requires a lawsuit and trial, your attorney will need to do much more work to recover the money that you deserve. If a trial is necessary, the contingency fee percentage might increase.
 
For example, suppose that the opposing party’s insurance provider is uncooperative and negotiations break down. If you file a lawsuit and your attorney secures a successful jury verdict, the contingency fee percentage may increase to 40%.
 
Discuss the contingency percentages and arrangements with your attorney during your free consultation. You should never hire a lawyer or firm that requires upfront payment for legal services. 
 
Review the attorney’s contract for legal services very carefully. Make sure that you completely understand the way that the payment structure works and what the cost of a car accident lawyer will be in your case. 

Expenses and Fees

While clients should not have to pay lawyer’s fees upfront for a personal injury, other costs may arise during the course of your representation. There are costs from the legal claims process that are separate from the lawyer’s fees.
 
Depending on the contract for legal services, a client may be responsible for covering other costs. Some examples of additional expenses and fees include:

• The cost of securing medical records
• The cost of obtaining police reports
• Court reporter fees
• Expert witness fees

Some firms require clients to provide funds for these expenses as they arise. That is why it is vital to read your contract for legal services very carefully.
 
However, larger firms will often cover all of the associated fees and expenses. Much like contingency fees, these expenses will be paid with the financial compensation from your case.
 
Suppose that you settle a car accident case and recover $100,000. Depending on what your legal services contract states, you may need to pay contingency fees and other associated costs out of this recovery.
 
If your law firm incurred $10,000 in case-related costs, that amount would be deducted from your final recovery. If your lawyer also earned a contingency fee of 20%, you would recover $70,000 after payment. 

Some cases or firms will rely on other types of payment agreements. For example, some attorneys require a “retainer” to take your case and a contingency fee. 
 
A “retainer” is an upfront payment to secure the services of an attorney. When the lawyer wins your case, they will likely count the initial retainer toward your total legal fees.
 
In most cases, you should not hire an attorney who requires upfront payments. Reputable lawyers know that injury victims have enough challenges to face. 
 
Through contingency fee payment structures, clients pay nothing unless they receive money from their claim. Contacting a trusted firm, like Morgan & Morgan, will give you the best chance of securing maximum compensation in your car accident case.

In collisions involving injuries or significant property damage, yes. Personal injury claims can be very complex.
 
An accomplished legal professional will have the skills and knowledge required to secure the financial recovery that you need. 

When you hire a lawyer, they will:

• Gather evidence related to your claim
• Consult with expert witnesses, if necessary
• Prepare and file required legal paperwork
• File a powerful lawsuit for you, if needed

Your legal representative will also negotiate with the opposing side on your behalf. 

Oftentimes, car accident cases require the plaintiff’s attorney to negotiate with an insurance provider in hopes of securing a settlement.
 
The skilled legal team at Morgan & Morgan knows the negotiation tactics that insurance companies use. We also know how to effectively counter them. 

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in personal injury claims. You should never trust an attorney or firm that provides unrealistic guarantees. Lawyers that only tell you what you want to hear should not be trusted.
 
While there are no absolute guarantees, it is crucial to hire a law firm with a track record of success. 
 
Morgan & Morgan boasts more than a million successful trial verdicts and settlements. As a result, we have secured more than ten billion dollars in compensation for injury victims.
 
Our compassionate lawyers know how to fight and win for our clients. 

If you have been injured in a car accident, you should not have to bear the financial costs on your own. Car crash victims can seek monetary compensation for the losses associated with their accidents or injuries.
 
Morgan & Morgan is America’s largest personal injury law firm, boasting a roster of more than 800 attorneys nationwide. Our legal team cares deeply about our clients. 
 
We believe that all victims deserve justice for the harm that they have suffered. Our firm’s representatives are available around the clock. 
 
We know that victims often face skyrocketing financial expenses. That is why we offer a no-cost case evaluation to discuss the circumstances of your car accident. 
 
Our friendly attorneys will happily guide you through the entire claims process.
 
To speak with an accomplished personal injury lawyer at Morgan & Morgan, complete our easy-to-use contact form online. Let our attorneys fight for you!