If you were involved in a car accident, and the other motorist was at fault, hiring a lawyer is in your best interest. This is particularly true if you are seriously injured, as your medical expenses will accumulate quickly. However, some hesitate to contact a car accident lawyer because they do not think they can afford legal fees.
While there are attorney fees and other expenses that you may be responsible for, it is essential to understand that most car accident lawyers do not charge clients any money unless they win the case. Once a settlement has been reached, you will pay your car accident lawyer a percentage of the damages you were awarded.
Most personal injury lawyers handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is an arrangement where the law firm is not paid any attorney fees unless you reach a successful settlement. Once a settlement has been reached, your car accident lawyer will receive a percentage of the damages. The percentage that your lawyer will receive will likely depend on several factors, including whether a personal injury lawsuit is filed against the other driver or if the case settles before going to court. Generally, a car accident lawyer’s contingency fee will be between 24 to 40 percent of the total award, although 33 percent is fairly standard.
Discussing the contingency fees with your car accident lawyer is essential to ensure you understand the fee arrangement and determine whether the fee is negotiable. Often, when a case is straightforward, it is clear that the other driver was at fault, and there is plenty of evidence to support the claim, a lawyer may be willing to accept a lower contingency percentage. This is a conversation worth having since you do not want to give up one-third or more of your compensation if you can negotiate a lower fee.
Are There Other Costs Aside From the Lawyer’s Fees?
Another essential thing to remember is that a range of costs can add up, which may not be considered part of the contingency fee agreement. Make sure that you carefully read the contingency fee agreement to see if you are responsible for repaying any of the following expenses paid by your lawyer’s office if you lose your case:
- Filing fees
- Photocopying fees
- Court reporter fees for depositions
- Cost of obtaining copies of medical records and police reports
- Expert witness fees
Is it Financially Advantageous to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you are on the fence about hiring a car accident lawyer to assist you with your case, you should consider several factors. For example, according to a recent survey, close to 75 percent of respondents who hired a car accident lawyer received compensation for their car accident claim, compared to only 54 percent of car accident victims who handled their claim independently. In addition, the respondents who worked with a car accident lawyer received an average of $44,600, whereas claimants who took their claim on their own only received an average of $13,900.
A general rule of thumb to keep in mind is that the more serious the injuries that you suffered in a car accident, the more financially beneficial it is to hire a lawyer. A range of expenses are associated with a severe injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Dayton Car Accident Lawyers at Wright & Schulte LLC Work on a Contingency Basis
We work on a contingency basis, so you are not obligated to pay unless we obtain a successful claim. Contact our Dayton car accident lawyers at Wright & Schulte LLC today. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 937-222-7477 or contact us online. Located in Dayton, Ohio, we serve clients in Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, Centerville, Toledo, Youngstown, and Miamisburg.
