One of the biggest reasons accident victims don’t hire car wreck lawyers is the cost. Most people don’t know that some reputable attorneys offer their services on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay anything unless your case wins.
Please continue reading below if you suffered injuries in a car wreck and want to learn more about your legal options. In this brief car wreck lawyer guide, we will discuss the different payment options available for a car wreck lawyer and who you can speak with for more information.
Attorney Payment Schedules
Car wreck lawyers have their own payment schedule for the services they offer. For example, some attorneys provide their services at a flat rate, and others require a retainer.
Attorneys who ask for a retainer may also have a contingency fee at the end. This means that you pay money upfront when you hire the lawyer and when you win your case, the attorney deducts the remaining expenses from the settlement received from the auto insurance company.
Flat rate fees sound as they mean you pay a flat rate for the services rendered by the attorney. Flat rates aren’t as common in car wreck incidents because these types of cases are unpredictable.
Your attorney can’t guestimate an exact amount for how much to charge you if you have a complex case. You may need expert witnesses, accident reconstructionists, or other types of services to build your case properly. The only time a flat rate fee makes sense is if you need an attorney to create a demand letter or a contract only.
Hourly Rate
Although rare, some attorneys charge their clients an hourly rate. This isn’t common with car wreck cases unless the attorney represents the auto insurance company.
At that point, the attorney may charge an hourly rate to protect the insurance company’s interest, as most insurance companies have attorneys they keep on retainer for additional assistance.
If the other insurance company uses their legal counsel, make sure you speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Going up against another attorney on your own is an impossible feat if you aren’t aware of your legal rights in the matter.
Contingency Fees
Most reputable car wreck lawyers provide their services on a contingency fee basis. This means they don’t collect any payment unless you win your case. Many attorneys set their contingency fee at around 30% to 40% of your settlement.
The percentage they take from your settlement helps cover any upfront expenses the attorney paid for out of their own pocket to keep your case moving. For example, if your case requires a police report or your attorney needs to request your medical documents, that costs money.
It is important to note that an attorney will only take on your case on a contingency fee basis if you have a strong case. This is because if you don’t win your case, you won’t have to pay anything out of your pocket.
Hire the Best Car Wreck Lawyers
Hiring the best car wreck lawyers to help you with your case is vital. Some attorneys offer their services based on a retainer, whereas others base their fees on a contingency.
If you recently suffered injuries in an auto accident and want to learn more about your legal options, contact us. Our reputable team of car wreck lawyers is here to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your case.