How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge? - AllCarIndex
Working with a car accident attorney is important when dealing with car accident injury claims. If you endured a car accident caused by third parties, hiring an experienced attorney can increase your chances of getting better compensation. However, while you should consider several factors when choosing a good lawyer, price is the most important consideration. Like other services, there is no predetermined amount that lawyers charge for car accident claims.
Before hiring a car accident attorney like AKD law, below are some things to know from the start:
- Most accident attorneys represent clients under contingency fee agreements
- Always read and double-check the fine print associated with car accident costs and expenses
-Hiring a good attorney can significantly influence the outcome of your auto accident claim
Below is a breakdown of how car accident attorneys charge for car accident injury cases.
1. Contingency Fees
Most car accident lawyers prefer charging contingency fees for their car accident cases. The lawyer doesn't get compensated with this fee arrangement unless the case results in financial recovery. Any payments to the attorney should be a percentage of the compensation awarded. The standard rate of contingency fees for car accidents and other personal injury cases is one-third or 33% of the total compensation.
However, your attorney may charge a different rate depending on the state of practice, the timeline taken to settle the case, and the case's complexity. Contingency fees can range from 20% to 40%. This may become complicated if you combine litigation costs and other additional expenses required to resolve personal injury claims. To litigate a car accident claim, additional expenses required may include;
- Submitting court filings
- Paying expert witnesses
- Court reporters
- Obtaining records, such as police reports and medical charts
- Postage and mailing
Many other additional expenses may add up, surpassing $20,000 in the course of the case. However, depending on the contingency fee agreement, your attorney may pay for these costs and recover them from the claim settlement.
2. Hourly Payment Option
Another standard billing method that car accident attorneys use is the hourly option. However, very few accident attorneys working on the plaintiff's side use this approach, but common for defense car accident lawyers. With this arrangement, the lawyer receives an agreed amount per hour for the work done, whether the client wins or loses the case. Hourly rates largely hinge on the attorneys' skills and experience level.
3. Flat Rates
As the name suggests, attorneys are paid a flat fee for their legal services. Despite being the least common billing method for car accident cases, it may arise if the client needs a lawyer for specific tasks, such as sending demand letters.
Endnote
Like most car accident victims, you might be uncertain if attorney charges are worth the costs. While you can handle your car accident claim alone, working with a specialized attorney has many benefits. For instance, attorneys know how to deal with insurance companies and other legal aspects of personal injury cases.