Exploring the Costs and Fees of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney

When you’re injured in a car accident, you have enough to worry about without the frustration of seeking compensation. Working with a car accident attorney can help lighten the load so you can focus on recovery. While hiring a lawyer isn’t always cheap, car accidents and other personal injury cases work in a unique way. Depending on the law firm you work with and the specifics of your case, you may not even need to pay any money out-of-pocket for your legal expenses.

Contingency Fees for a Car Accident Attorney

Most car accident attorneys work through contingency fees. This means that instead of paying them up-front, you pay for their work out of the settlement you receive. Contingency fees tend to work as a percentage, with 33% being an expected average. This means your lawyer will often get 1/3 of the money you receive for compensation. Because of this, most attorneys will include legal fees as part of your claim, increasing how much you receive to help compensate for their costs. 

The contingency fee percentage can change based on a variety of factors. If your case is pretty simple (i.e., the fault is easy to identify, and there’s more than enough evidence), your contingency fee could be lower, as there’s less work for your lawyer to do. But if your case is more complex or has to go to court, your contingency fee might rise. During your consultation, it’s a good idea to discuss your contingency fee with your lawyer. Make sure you understand what factors could change their fees as the case progresses.

Litigation Expenses

Outside of the lawyer’s fees, there are several other costs often associated with a car accident. If you have to go to court, for example, you may need to pay court fees. You may also need to pay fees associated with obtaining medical records, hiring expert witnesses, or gathering police reports. Some law firms require you to pay for these fees upfront. Others may front the costs but add that amount to their fees after settlement. Make sure you understand if there are any fees you may be responsible for during the process.

Retainer

Some cases may require a retainer to secure your lawyer’s assistance. A retainer is often necessary for larger cases that will initially require more work to get a settlement. If you lose your case, you typically don’t get your retainer back. If you win, however, your attorney will subtract the retainer amount from their contingency fee. 

Need Help from a Car Accident Attorney?

At the Vickery Law Firm, we believe in being up-front and honest about our fees. As a certified and experienced car accident attorney, Attorney Vickery has helped his clients secure the compensation they need. Call our office today at (903) 504-5490 or send an email to ron@vickerylawfirm.com to schedule a consultation about your case.