Blog Post

One of the biggest reservations that many people have when it comes to working with a car accident lawyer is the cost. Some individuals choose to represent themselves in order to avoid what they see as an avoidable expense. In many cases, this results in them receiving less money than they otherwise would have.
It’s true that hiring a lawyer can be considered an additional cost, but studies have shown that those who do often receive more than three times higher settlements. In addition, the services you receive when working with a lawyer are invaluable, from evidence gathering to claim negotiation.

But what exactly does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer, and what if you don’t have the money to pay for one? Learn about the various ways that car accident law firms organize their fees below and how you can find the best deal for your legal representation.

Common Fee Arrangements for Lawyers

If you believe you don’t have the money to hire a lawyer, the good news is that most car accident lawyers offer their services on a contingency basis, This means that not only are there no upfront costs but that you only need to pay if your lawyer handles your case successfully. Typically, that payment is a percentage of the final settlement.

That being said, not all lawyers operate under the same fee arrangement. Below are a few of the alternative ways that a lawyer may offer their services:

• Flat Fee: While not as common as a contingency fee, a flat fee can sometimes be paid in its place. When a lawyer agrees to a flat fee, the prospective client usually tells the lawyer which services they need, and the lawyer tells them the cost, which is paid upfront in full.
• Hourly Rate: Car accident lawyers typically do not charge an hourly rate, but some other types of lawyers do. In this arrangement, a lawyer will give a quote of how many hours they anticipate needing to complete the offered services and the client will be invoiced monthly for the hours completed.
• Hybrid Fee: This type of arrangement may be some combination of flat, hourly, and contingent fees.
• Pro Bono: Literally meaning “for the public good.” Pro bono, is almost exclusively offered by criminal or immigration lawyers who serve underprivileged communities. Pro bono lawyers offer their services for free and do not accept payment from the client.

What is a Contingency Fee?

Contingency is the most common fee arrangement for personal injury lawyers, including car accident lawyers. In a contingency fee arrangement, instead of paying upfront fees, the client agrees to pay a percentage of the awarded amount if the case is successful. The exact percentage amount paid is typically between 33% to 40%, though it can be less or more. In addition to contingency, an initial consultation with a car accident lawyer is usually free and offers you an opportunity to discuss the lawyer’s experience, ability, and fee schedule so that there are no surprises halfway through your case. At Porter Simon Sierra Injury Lawyers, our consultations are fee and we work on a contingency fee basis.

Why Do Lawyers Take Cases on Contingency?

The benefits of contingency fees for clients are clear, but why do lawyers choose to take on the risk of not getting paid? The answer is that lawyers who work on contingency are able to attract a wider range of clients than those who don’t. In other words, they can work with clients who would not otherwise be able to afford legal representation, but who still have a case with the potential for a high payout.

Other Legal Fees You May Be Responsible For

While contingency usually means that you will not be required to pay for your case upfront, it does not always mean that you will pay nothing. Depending on your lawyer, you might still be charged for the following items. If you have questions about the types of fees you might have to pay, you can always ask your prospective lawyer before you agree to hire them. If they are worth hiring, they will be clear about what they will and will not charge you for.

• Filing Fees: The fee charged by the court to file your suit and other legal documents.
• Expert Witnesses: In some car accident cases, a lawyer may want to hire an expert witness, such as a traffic reconstruction expert or medical professional, to give witness testimony on your injuries or damage to your vehicle. These professionals are paid for their time and their fees can range significantly based on the case.
• Investigation Costs and Travel Time: While your lawyer’s services are typically covered upfront, they may still charge you for gas, lodging, and mileage as well as any fees associated with obtaining medical or police reports or photography.
• Administrative Fees: Your lawyer may charge you the cost of copying, filing, printing, or other administrative tasks pertinent to your case.

How to Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer For Your Case

Personal injury is one of the largest legal fields, and no matter where you live, you are likely to have many car accident lawyers to choose from. Looking at online reviews and case results is a good way to start, but scheduling consultations with a few of your top picks is also essential.

During your consultation, ask the lawyer about their fee structure. If they work on contingency, be sure to clarify the exact percentage of your settlement they will receive if they win. If a lawyer avoids providing you with a clear answer to any of your questions, it’s likely best to look elsewhere.