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How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Car Accident?

Most personal injury attorneys and car accident lawyers work under a contingent fee structure. In a contingent fee structure, a lawyer gets paid only if he wins the case.

There is no doubt about the fact that many people who need legal assistance, especially in cases of personal injury or car accidents, refrain from getting legal help for fear of being charged exorbitant per-hour rates by lawyers. This is a misconception, and sadly, many individuals who should seek legal help fail to do so and end up on the losing side of an injury claim.

car accident lawyers office

Hourly rates are generally charged to clients in cases of couples seeking a divorce, estate planning, or other legal services. However, in a car accident or personal injury case, especially where one has been a victim of another person’s negligence and when one is seeking compensation for injuries and losses, most car accident lawyers charge on a contingency fee basis.

Car Accident Lawyer Contingent Fee Structure

Most personal injury attorneys and car accident lawyers work under a contingent fee structure. In a contingent fee structure, a lawyer gets paid only if they win the case. Moreover, the lawyers’ fees are a percentage of the settlement.

In car accidents or personal injury cases where a victim has suffered a slip and fall, has been injured in a workplace accident, or has been a victim of another person’s negligence, should receive immediate and sufficient medical treatment. Often, these medical treatments are expensive and put a lot of financial burden on the victim. A personal injury attorney can help you recover these expenses from the at-fault person or the at-fault person’s insurance company.

It is important to remember that your lawyer is there to help you recover adequate compensation for losses. Therefore, rather than charge a retainer or deposit for legal services, a car accident lawyer will typically have a client sign a document stating that they will take a percentage out of the final settlement.

Most lawyers have standard fee agreements. The agreement states the percentage that the attorney will charge.

What Happens if Your Lawyer Loses the Case?

Since your attorney is working on a contingency fee basis, if they lose the case, they generally do not get paid. However, keep in mind that all law firms bear some amount of expense while taking on a case, whether they win or lose. Some law firms charge for base expenses incurred, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, records fees, or the cost of time spent on a case. On the other hand, some do not charge if they lose a case. This should be discussed with your attorney.

Working on the contingency fee structure is often considered an advantage as it helps a victim get legal representation without paying heavy charges upfront. If you have been injured in a St. Louis car accident, contact an experienced attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 to ensure your legal right to compensation is protected.


Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!

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Updated: February 7, 2024