What Percent of Your Settlement Does Your Lawyer Get?
If you’ve been in an auto accident, you may be wondering what percent of your settlement your lawyer gets. The truth is that the answer will vary depending on the type of case you’re dealing with. However, a solid understanding of how car accidents work will help you figure out how much you can expect to get.
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A large number of attorneys offer legal services on a contingency basis. This means that you’ll pay nothing upfront, and your attorney’s fee will be a percentage of your total settlement. For example, if you have an average case worth about $15,000, your attorney will earn 33 percent. On the other hand, if you have a case worth $100,000, your attorney’s fee will be about 40 percent.
There are some good reasons for going with a contingency fee arrangement. Not only does it allow you to save on the cost of hiring a lawyer, but it also gives you a low-risk way to get in front of the court system. While the majority of personal injury claims are settled without going to trial, some cases have to go to court. Having a professional representation is especially important if you’ve been seriously injured.
Aside from your attorney’s percentage, you’ll also have to factor in the costs of filing your claim. Whether you represent yourself or hire an attorney, you’ll have to spend money on things like legal filing fees and expert witnesses. These costs are unavoidable, so it’s always better to have a set dollar limit for them in your contract.
The best way to find out what percentage of your settlement your lawyer get is to talk to an attorney. Most firms will handle your case on a contingency basis, but you may have to pay a fee before you start. Some attorneys do offer a flat fee for certain types of car accident cases.
Depending on the state, your attorney’s percentage will vary. However, the average percentage is about 25% to 75%. Your attorney’s share can increase to 40% if you win your case in court, or if the defendant serves a timely answer.
One of the first things you should do after an accident is to visit your doctor. This is especially important if you’ve been in a serious crash, as a doctor can document your injuries. Having a physician’s statement can make a big difference in your claim. You should also take pictures of any damage to your vehicle and your injuries.
In most states, your attorney’s fee will be based on a percentage of the final settlement amount. Typically, this percentage is between 33% and 40% of the gross settlement amount. So if your case is worth $15,000, your lawyer’s fee will be about $3,000.
Finally, you’ll have to think about pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured, you may suffer from chronic or debilitating pain. Using a per diem multiplier, you can calculate how much this translates into in terms of dollars.