Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means they won’t charge you at all unless they recover compensation on your behalf. There are no upfront fees or charges along the way. Only if you get money for your case will you pay them an agreed-upon percentage of your recovery.
The specific amount an attorney charges for their legal services depends on numerous factors, including how complicated the case is, how long it takes to resolve, and whether or not it goes to court.
At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C., we understand how much financial strain our clients are under when they come to us about a car accident claim. Review this quick guide for a better idea of exactly how we get paid.
How Car Accident Lawyers Are Paid After a Case
Most lawyers charge by the hour or require large retainers, but auto accident attorney fees work very differently. We operate on a contingency basis, which means:
- You pay no upfront costs to hire a lawyer.
- Your car accident lawyer costs nothing unless we win.
- If you recover compensation, you pay your attorney a percentage.
This arrangement allows you access to experienced legal representation without further financial strain. It also encourages your attorney to work hard to recover the compensation you deserve. The more compensation they obtain for you, the more they stand to gain, too, so your interests are aligned.
Understanding Contingency Fee Percentages
The percentage your lawyer receives depends on the specifics of your case. The percentage your attorney charges is outlined in your retainer agreement.
Suppose your lawyer charges a 33 percent rate if your case settles. That means that if you were to recover $100,000, and the contingency fee was 33 percent, you would pay your lawyer $33,000.
Factors that impact contingency fee percentages include:
- How complex the case is
- The amount of work involved
- How quickly it’s settled
- Whether or not the case goes to court
Your lawyer should clearly and openly discuss contingency fees before you hire them to represent you. At our law firm, we prioritize transparency and always make sure you have a full understanding of our fees before moving forward.
How Case Costs and Expenses Are Covered
In addition to attorney fees, there are often case-related expenses involved in pursuing a car accident claim. These can include:
- Accident report retrieval fees
- Medical record request fees
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Deposition and investigation expenses
Your contingency fee arrangement should discuss how these costs are handled. In some situations, the law firm covers these costs up front, and the client reimburses them after recovering their settlement or verdict. This allows the client to move forward with their case without worrying about paying out-of-pocket for these essential costs.
It’s always important to work with a law firm that can walk you through what their agreement says about case-related expenses and keep you updated throughout the legal process.
Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
You don’t have to risk further financial distress to recover the compensation you deserve. If you allow Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. to represent you, we will assess your case for free and only charge you attorney fees if we win. We’ll fight for your rights while you focus on recovering. Contact us today for your free consultation.
