After a car accident, life can feel upside down. You’re in pain, your vehicle may be totaled, and you’re staring at a growing stack of medical bills. It’s no surprise that one of the first questions people ask when they start looking for legal help is: How much is this going to cost me?
At Andrew Pickett Law, we hear this concern all the time—and it’s a completely fair one. There’s a common misunderstanding about legal fees, especially in personal injury cases. Many people think hiring a lawyer is out of reach unless you have a big savings account. That’s simply not true.
So let’s clear the air. If you’re shopping for a personal injury attorney, or just doing some homework after a car crash, this guide will walk you through exactly how fees work—and what you can expect to pay (spoiler alert: probably nothing upfront).
Need answers now? Contact us for a free case review—you’ll speak directly with a member of our team, not a call center.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
Let’s start with the term that trips up a lot of folks: contingency fee.
In plain English, this means: You don’t pay unless we win.
Seriously. A contingency fee agreement allows you to hire a personal injury lawyer with no upfront payment. Instead of billing by the hour or requiring a hefty retainer, your attorney agrees to take on your case and get paid only if they successfully recover compensation for you—whether through a settlement or a court verdict.
It’s called a “contingency” because the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon the outcome of your case.
Tip: If you’ve been injured in an accident and don’t know where to start, call us at 321-503-4014. We’ll explain your options—no pressure, no cost.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
How Much Is the Contingency Fee?
At Andrew Pickett Law and many other personal injury firms, the standard contingency fee is typically 33⅓% (or one-third) of your total recovery if the case is settled before a lawsuit is filed.
If your case requires filing a lawsuit or going to trial, the fee may increase slightly—often to 40%—to reflect the additional time, risk, and resources required.
Here’s a quick example to put that in context:
- You settle your case for $90,000.
- Your attorney’s 33⅓% contingency fee would be $30,000.
- You receive the remaining $60,000, minus any case costs (which we’ll explain next).
No hidden fees. No out-of-pocket costs during the case.
What Are Case Expenses?
While the contingency fee covers your lawyer’s services, there are also case expenses—the costs of actually building and proving your claim.
These expenses can include things like:
- Filing fees
- Medical records and reports
- Expert witness fees
- Depositions and court reporters
- Accident reconstruction
- Travel for interviews or depositions
In most cases, we front these costs for you. That means we cover all necessary expenses during your case, and we’re only reimbursed if we win or settle your claim.
Curious about what costs your case might involve? Every case is different—reach out today and we’ll break it down in plain English during a free consultation.
Why Contingency Fees Are a Good Thing for You
Contingency fee arrangements are a win-win for injured people.
- You can afford a lawyer now. There’s no need to delay legal help just because you don’t have cash on hand.
- Your lawyer has skin in the game. We don’t get paid unless you do, so we’re motivated to fight for the best possible outcome.
- You carry less risk. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our time or the money we invested.
It’s a structure designed to level the playing field. Whether you’re a CEO or a single parent living paycheck to paycheck, you get access to high-quality legal representation without financial barriers.
Don’t wait for the insurance company to take control of your case—schedule a call today and find out where you stand.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
Common Misconceptions (And the Truth)
Let’s bust a few myths we often hear:
“If I don’t win, I’ll still owe money.”
False. With Andrew Pickett Law, if there’s no recovery, you owe nothing. Not for our time, not for the expenses. We take on that risk.
“Lawyers take half of your money.”
Not true. While fees vary by firm and case type, most personal injury lawyers stick to the 33%–40% range, depending on the stage of the case. And remember, that money comes out of the final settlement, not your bank account.
“I can’t afford a lawyer, so I’ll just deal with the insurance company.”
Be careful. Insurance companies don’t have your best interests in mind. They’re trying to pay out as little as possible. Without legal representation, you may accept far less than your claim is worth. With a contingency fee lawyer, you can get skilled help without paying upfront—and often recover much more than you would on your own.
Thinking of handling your case alone? Let’s talk first—no obligation, no commitment. Just good advice from someone who’s on your side.
Why This Matters: The Right Legal Help Can Change Everything
A good personal injury attorney doesn’t just file some paperwork and hope for the best. At our firm, we handle everything:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence
- Consulting with experts
- Dealing with medical bills
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Preparing for trial, if needed
We treat your case like it’s the only one we’re working on, and we don’t cut corners. The contingency fee isn’t just for time—it reflects years of experience, legal strategy, and the risk we take by investing our time and resources into your case with no guarantee of payment.
Take the First Step Toward Justice—It’s Free and Easy
If you’ve been hurt in an accident, don’t let fear about legal fees stop you from getting the help you need. At Andrew Pickett Law, we make it simple to talk to an attorney, understand your options, and move forward with confidence.
Call us today at 321-503-4014
Or request your free case evaluation—it only takes a minute.
You’ve been through enough. Let us take it from here.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
