What Are the Normal Charges for a Lawyer in a Car Accident Case?
The average normal charges for a lawyer in a car accident case are quite low, especially when compared to other personal injury cases. This is because most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that they only get paid if you recover money in your case.
(Looking for “big rig collision lawyers“? Contact us Today!)
A contingency fee is the most common model of payment for a lawyer in car accident cases, but it is not the only one. Other payment models include flat fees, hourly rates, and hybrid arrangements.
Costs for a Personal Injury Case
The costs associated with your car accident case depend on many factors. These can include the severity of your injuries, who was at fault, and how much work a lawyer will have to do in order to win your case.
Medical Expenses
As you might expect, the majority of your expenses after an accident will be incurred for medical care and treatment. These can include hospital bills, doctor’s office bills, rehabilitation bills, and other related expenses.
Your attorney will help negotiate with the insurance company to lower your costs. They will also make sure to get you the maximum amount of compensation possible in your case.
Settlements Before a Lawsuit
A large percentage of car accident claims settle before a lawsuit is filed. This happens because the liable party is usually more willing to offer a settlement in an effort to avoid going to court.
If a settlement doesn’t cover all of your losses, you might want to consider bringing a lawsuit against the other party or parties. This can be an expensive process, but it’s important to remember that you can receive compensation for your medical bills and any other losses.
In these cases, you should expect your lawyer to take up to 40% of the settlement (or court award) in order to pay for expenses such as court filings and legal research.
Insurance Companies Will Try to Deny Your Case
The insurance company for the liable party might be trying to minimize your compensation or even deny your claim altogether. In these situations, a skilled car accident lawyer will be able to negotiate with the company in order to lower your expenses and increase your recovery.
What Is a Standard Contingency Fee for a Lawyer in a Car Accident Case?
The average contingency fee for a car accident lawyer is 33.5% of the settlement or court award if your case is settled and 40% if it goes to trial.
It’s worth noting that this percentage can vary from state to state and lawyer to lawyer. However, it’s generally a good idea to ask your lawyer for the exact details of their fees before you hire them.
Getting an attorney for your car accident case can be costly, but it’s well worth it in the long run. This is especially true if you have suffered serious injuries and your case involves complex legal issues.