If you’ve ever been a victim in a car accident, it’s likely you’ve wondered whether you’d be able to afford a lawyer. You’ve maybe disregarded the slightest thought of getting a lawyer to represent you because just speaking to one for an hour might cost you an arm and a leg.

What you might not know is that car accident cases, which fall under the umbrella of personal injury, is one of the unique areas of law where clients typically don’t have to pay for legal representation until the case has concluded. Outside of car accidents/personal injury, firms will typically charge an hourly fee or a flat rate for their services. However, car accident lawyers will typically offer a “contingency fee” arrangement.

A contingency fee is best described as a fee for legal services provided to the client, which is payable only if there’s a favorable outcome. Keep in mind that contingency fees aren’t the only arrangement that can be used in a car accident case, but it’s without a doubt, the most commonly used method.

Contingency fees vary firm to firm, but 33 percent or one-third is the industry standard. You can expect fees to be as low as 25 percent and as high as 40 percent, with percentages changing depending on whether the case settles before having to file a lawsuit or after filing a lawsuit. A typical agreement will have a lower contingency fee if a settlement is obtained before a lawsuit is filed, whereas a higher fee will be required if settlement is obtained after.

t’s always recommended that when speaking to a lawyer, you discuss fee arrangements and carefully review the contract. Make sure to ask about what fees will be taken out of the settlement amount, like filing fees, litigation expenses, fees for obtaining records, and expert witnesses.

For more questions regarding your case, contact us now at (510) 340-4LAW. We’d be happy to further explain our fees as it relates to your case.