The average car accident attorney fee breakdown
How much does a car accident lawyer cost for auto accidents you ask?
Before getting legal help for your accident case, you definitely want to know the car accident lawyer's fee structure.
The structure for auto accident attorney charges is based on a contingency fee arrangement.
It is very important that you understand how the average car accident attorney fees are calculated based on this contingency arrangement so that you can make an informed decision when negotiating with a law firm for an accident injury or property claim.
You don't want your lawyer taking a lot from your settlement amount because of a lack of knowledge.
Continue reading below for more details and the average fees.
Breaking down the cost
The car accident lawyer prices are mostly based on a percentage of the total settlement money called the contingency fee arrangement as mentioned earlier.
What percentage do most accident lawyers take?
This fee percentage may vary from state to state and lawyer to lawyer, however, the average accident lawyer charges between 25-40% and the standard percentage is 33.33% (or simply one-third).
For example, if your attorney has agreed to take a contingency fee of 33.33%, on settlement money of $36,000, the lawyer will charge $12,000 as his or her fee.
You should ensure that your car accident lawyer fee is taken after subtracting the other costs (expenses) including filing charges, depositions, expert witness fees, postage, etc.
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Factors that determine how much a car accident lawyer will charge you
Many factors will determine the cost of your car accident case after the attorney helping you takes their cut.
Some of those factors are:
Trial or no trial
If the guilty party agrees to your settlement terms without the need for any actual jury/court trial, then your lawyer may charge a lower contingency fee percentage.
However, if your auto accident case goes to trial, your attorney is more likely to request (take) 40% as his or her cut.
So, it is integral for you to clearly understand how your personal injury law firm's fee structure and various terms and conditions are set up before signing a contract with them.
A minor or serious accident
The percentage of the contingency fee taken by your auto accident attorney can also depend on whether your claim is a serious or minor accident claim.
If you sustained a serious injury, most law firms are more likely to seek a high percentage which will cost you more after settlement.
Does it worth it to pay a lawyer to help you?
You may ask does it is worth it to pay a car accident attorney instead of handling your case yourself.
Though it is true that lawyers take (charge) a lot, still sometimes you are trapped in situations where you are left with no option other than calling a lawyer to help you out.
Trying to handle car accident claims by yourself is not recommended as there are so many laws and strategies in getting the insurance companies to pay you more you. Insurance companies like to lowball accident victims.
Even though, the defendant may be legally compelled to pay a settlement amount to compensate for your pain and suffering.
To claim maximum settlement and avoid bad faith tactics by insurance companies, the help of a well-experienced car accident lawyer is recommended.
And yes, it will cost you more money as your accident lawyer fees will be taken as a portion of the total settlement amount but his or her representation will be worth it if you hire the right one.
When you choose the best attorney for auto accidents that gets you the most compensation, the cost is worthwhile.
Contact a car accident lawyer for a free case review
Every case is different and as such how much a car accident lawyer will charge you vary.
The only way to know the price you will pay exactly is to speak with a lawyer to discuss your case and negotiate the fees before proceeding.
So the best way to really know the specific car accident lawyer cost for your case is to call 855-227-8230 now to be connected for a free case evaluation with a law firm.
The call is free.
Accident lawyer cost FAQ
Q: How is a car accident attorney fees determined?
A: Thanks to the attorney contingency fee payment arrangement, you do not have to pay any retainer or a flat fee with most personal injury and car accident lawyers.
With this type of lawyer fee payment system, the lawyer doesn’t take any upfront fees from you.
The attorney will only take a percentage of the settlement amount only and if they win your case. This is how this type of attorney representation price is determined.
Since the lawyer will gain more, according to the settlement money he or she is able to get, he or she is usually incentivized to work harder on the case to increase the money they will get.