When you’re involved in a car accident in California, one of the natural questions that comes to mind is, “How much does a car accident lawyer charge?“
Their fee is based on the contingency fee arrangement doctrine. This means that accident law firms only get paid a portion of the financial rwcovey if you win your case.
San Diego Personal Injury Pros is here to provide clarity into the average cost of a car accident attorney in California and what you can expect when hiring one for legal assistance.
Call 619-374-0403 for a FREE consultation with our legal team if you think you might have a case or questions.
So, what percentage do accident lawyers take as a fee?
Our car accident attorneys like other personal injury attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, which allows California accident victims to pursue justice without worrying about how to pay their legal fees.
How much percentage taken varies, but it commonly ranges between 33% to 40% of the total settlement amount.
- Average is usually 33% if the case is settled before filing a lawsuit.
- It might escalate to about 40% or more after a lawsuit is filed, and the case goes into more advanced stages. This higher percentage charge is typically for complicated and serious injuries.
Understanding this charges is crucial as it gives you an insight into what to expect when the settlement is finally awarded. This is a general range, and the exact percentage may vary based on the lawyer’s experience, reputation, and complexity of the claim.
Regardless of the law office you decide to hire, you should negotiate the fee. Some law offices may accept 25% or lower for minor vehicle collision claims.
How do car accident attorney’s fees work exactly?
Exploring the mechanics behind accident lawyer fees is pivotal. Unlike other legal services, car accident lawyers in California typically don’t charge upfront fees.
Instead, their compensation is directly tied to the success of your case, ensuring that the legal cost doesn’t become a barrier in your pursuit of justice.
- No upfront costs: Initiating the case won’t burden you with immediate fees.
- Deduction from the settlement: The representation fees are deducted from the settlement amount, ensuring that the lawyer’s cost is covered in the compensation.
- Additiona fees: There may be additional fees so always discuss this with your lawyer to not be surprised. No one likes surprised charges.
Do California accident victims get more when they hire a lawyer?
Is the cost of hiring a lawyer justified? The statistics affirmatively suggest that hiring a lawyer enhances the prospects of obtaining a more favorable settlement.
A study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) underscores that those represented by an attorney secured settlements that were, on average, 3.5 times higher compared to those without legal representation.
So instead of worrying about how much you will pay focus on finding and hiring the right law firm.
Some insights
The grim reality of car accidents in California is underscored by alarming statistics. A staggering 3,606 fatal collisions were reported in a recent year, as per the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Additionally, the overarching economic impact of these accidents in California approximates a breathtaking $61 billion annually, underscoring the profound repercussions of road accidents.
Call to speak to our lawyers for a free case review
The San Diego Personal Injury Pros car accident lawyers often cushion victims against financial uncertainties by offering free case evaluations.
This model ensures that the victims can receive expert legal advice without incurring an initial cost.
- Free Consultation: An invaluable opportunity to receive expert advice at no immediate cost.
- No Financial Risk: The contingency fee model assures you that no fees are due unless there’s a favorable outcome in your case.
In navigating through the legal landscape following a car accident, understanding the associated costs is fundamental. We hope that this article on how much a car accident lawyer charges has helped you get this knowledge.
Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions that align with your pursuit of justice and compensation.
Remember, the costs, while a significant consideration, are an investment in ensuring that your legal rights are vigorously defended and that you secure the compensation that you duly deserve.
Call today to speak to our legal team for your auto accident case.