A serious car accident can be traumatizing in more ways than one. You may be facing a difficult physical recovery, emotional distress, and mounting financial insecurities. Pursuing compensation from the at-fault party is often a key step in regaining your quality of life after a difficult accident.
An experienced car accident lawyer can maximize your claim and work towards the best possible outcome for you. Unfortunately, many individuals fear the cost of hiring an attorney and thus hold back from getting the legal help they need.
The truth is that most car accident lawyers will take your case with no upfront legal fees or costs. In this article, we will discuss how car accident lawyers get paid, as well as what you need to know about the costs involved.
What Is a Car Accident Lawyer Contingency Fee Agreement?
A contingency fee is a percentage-based payment agreement. An attorney agrees to represent you in exchange for a predetermined percentage of your case winnings.
Your lawyer won’t get paid for his or her legal services unless your case is won. This could be through an insurance settlement or a court judgment.
Contingency fee agreements are written and binding contracts. The agreement should clearly outline the attorney’s fees and how the client will pay when the case is resolved.
Well-practiced car accident lawyers only accept cases they believe they can win. In the vast majority of cases, the injury victim receives at least some compensation.
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We specialize in personal injury claims.
Understanding Sliding Scale Contingency Fees
The exact percentage a lawyer takes from his or her client depends on the circumstances of each case. Each car accident claim is unique, with individual factors impacting how much an attorney will charge.
Many personal injury lawyers use a sliding scale when determining the contingency fee percentage. The fee percentage can change based on how the case progresses.
Factors that may influence the contingency fee include:
- Whether the case was settled with the insurance company
- Whether a personal injury lawsuit has to be filed against the other party
- Whether the case has to be argued at trial
A complex case requiring more time, resources, and expert witnesses may be subject to a higher contingency fee percentage. When presented with a sliding scale contingency agreement, make sure you understand the different percentage rates and the conditions under which they apply before signing it.
Additional Costs in Car Accident Cases
Necessary administrative tasks are associated with every car accident claim. There may be additional case expenses if your attorney needs to file a lawsuit.
Case expenses may include:
- Document copying fees
- Filing and records fees
- Courier fees
- Legal transcription fees
- Expert witness fees
- Travel and investigation expenses
- Court costs
- Additional out-of-pocket expenses
Most car accident lawyers will pay these upfront costs to build your case, on condition of reimbursement once a settlement is secured.
How the Contingency Fee System Can Work to Your Advantage
Car accident injuries are a leading cause of emergency department visits in the US. The gravity of such incidents may necessitate filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. Contingency fee arrangements allow car accident victims to seek fair compensation for their pain and suffering without fear of further financial burdens.
Some of the primary ways the contingency fee system can work to your advantage include:
- You can retain an attorney under nearly all circumstances. Contingency fees allow you to obtain qualified legal representation even when you don’t have any money to cover attorney costs.
- There is little financial risk in pursuing your claim. The contingency fee system transfers the financial risk of litigation from the client to the attorney. If the case is lost, you will not have to worry about owing a large attorney’s fee.
- Your lawyer is incentivized to seek maximum compensation for your case. Contingency fees encourage lawyers to prioritize client results. Since your lawyer’s compensation is directly tied to the success of the case, he or she is sure to work as hard as possible to enhance the outcome of your claim.
The contingency fee arrangement can give you confidence in pursuing restitution for your losses. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to make your life whole again after a serious car accident – consult a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
Get Help With Your Car Accident Case From Seasoned Legal Professionals
Attempting to navigate the legal system while recovering from a car accident can be an emotionally taxing experience. This is not the time to go it alone. A dedicated legal team is ready to help – with no upfront costs to you.
At Andrew Picket Law, we believe in removing barriers to access justice. That’s why there is no fee for our legal services unless we win your case. We are proud to defend Florida accident and injury victims from all walks of life. When we take your case, our mission is to maximize your compensation and get your life back on track after the accident.
Please don’t hesitate to get the assistance you need. Contact us today to schedule a free, zero-obligation case review. You deserve to tell your story and get reliable advice.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
