SKIP TO CONTENTIn the aftermath of a car crash, dog bite, slip and fall, or other accident, your primary focus could be your medical bills. You consider filing a personal injury suit for your pain and suffering but hesitate because of attorney fees and expenses. Can you hire an accident attorney without paying them up front?
This guide reveals everything you need to know about the payment agreement many personal injury lawyers follow.
Exploring the Common Ways Lawyers Bill Their Clients
Legal professionals typically charge their clients in one of three ways:
- By the hour: Attorneys may set a rate for their services and bill you based on the amount of hours they spend working on your case.
- As a flat rate: Some law firms require an upfront fee that will cover their legal assistance going forward.
- On a contingency: With a contingency fee agreement, you won’t have to pay your lawyer unless they win your case in court or help you reach a settlement.
Depending on their practice areas, attorneys may change the way they charge for their services accordingly. If you’re looking to hire an accident attorney, however, it’s likely that they’ll operate with a no-win, no-fee structure.
Personal injury cases tend to center around plaintiffs seeking financial compensation from insurance companies. Rather than forcing their clients to pay out of pocket, competent attorneys rely on their negotiation and litigation skills to recover damages that will be used to reimburse them.
Law Firms and Accident Victims Benefit From Contingency Fee Structures
When a law firm advertises that they’ll take on your case with no upfront cost, it might seem too good to be true. In reality, a contingency fee basis benefits both parties.
You don’t have to worry about the financial burden of legal fees at a time when you likely have steep medical expenses or lost wages. There’s no monetary risk of losing a case because your lawyer won’t charge you unless you win. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your legal team will aim to maximize your damages for your pain and suffering.
Lawyers also use this agreement as motivation. Knowing that they won’t be reimbursed unless they win your case, attorneys gather sufficient evidence and build a robust case in your favor. All of their legal consultation costs stem from either a successful settlement negotiation or winning a trial.
What Happens If You Win Your Personal Injury Case?
During the case evaluation process, your lawyer will explain their billing structure and what you can expect. Personal injury cases that end with a settlement payout will first go to your attorney. They’ll take a portion of the settlement based on their contingency fee, which can range anywhere from 33% to 40%.
For example, if your settlement pays $100,000 and you hire an accident attorney with a 35% fee, they would receive $35,000 of the total payout. After lawyers are paid, they’ll send you a check for the remainder of the settlement.
The money that a law firm secures for its services extends far beyond an attorney’s salary. Other case-related legal fees go toward the cost of filing the suit, duplicating medical records, and much more.
Discuss Your Personal Injury Case With a Compassionate Lawyer Near You
Believe it or not, you don’t have to pay any upfront costs to hire an accident attorney. Reach out to Bryan Garrett PLLC if you need personal injury representation. At our law firm, our main focus is helping you recover financial compensation, not charging you for an unsuccessful suit.
Give us a call at (405) 369-4498 to review your options and learn how we can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hiring an Accident Attorney:
Do I have to pay upfront to hire an accident attorney?
No, many accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case or secure a settlement. This is often called a “no-win, no-fee” structure.
How do accident attorneys get paid with a contingency fee?
If you win your case, the attorney takes a percentage of the settlement or court award. This fee typically ranges from 33% to 40% and covers their legal services and case-related costs.
What are the benefits of hiring an accident attorney on contingency?
You don’t face upfront legal fees, reducing financial stress during recovery. It also motivates attorneys to build a strong case, as they only get paid if you win.
