Key Takeaways
- Talk to a Lawyer Right Away: Getting help from a lawyer soon after your car accident can really help. They know what to do to make sure you’re taken care of.
- Choose a Good Lawyer: Pick a lawyer who knows a lot about car accidents and has helped lots of people win their cases. They can deal with the tricky stuff and fight for you, so you have a better chance of getting what you deserve.
In 2024, life’s expenses keep going up, so it’s a good idea to ask how much a car accident lawyer will cost. If you’re in a car accident, like a hit-and-run, and need help, you’re probably thinking about this.
Here’s some good news: getting a top-notch lawyer for a car accident doesn’t have to cost you upfront. This is because many car accident lawyers don’t ask for money at the beginning. They work on a contingency fee.
What’s a Contingency Fee?
Some lawyers might bill you by the hour for their time on your case. This could also mean paying for the people who work with them, which can add up fast. Not many people like this way because it can get expensive.
Other lawyers might have a set price for helping you with something simple that doesn’t take a lot of time. But, if your case might go to court, they usually won’t offer a set price.
However, most car accident lawyers in California use the contingency fee plan. This means they only receive payment if they win money for you. So, you don’t have to pay anything when you start your case—no set fees, hourly fees, or deposits.
If you win your case or settle, your lawyer gets a part of the money. This is usually between 30% to 40% of what you get. If you don’t win, you don’t have to pay your lawyer.
But, your lawyer might ask you to pay for some things like:
- Court filing fees
- Getting medical records
- Paying for expert witnesses
- Office costs
Some lawyers may cover these costs for you and then request reimbursement once your case is resolved.
Why Do Lawyers Use Contingency Fees?
Going to court can be pricey. Besides big companies, most people can’t afford to pay a lawyer for a few hours, let alone a long time. Contingency fees let people get legal help without paying upfront.
This plan also stops weak lawsuits from clogging up the courts. A lawyer who only gets paid if they win will make sure they think you can win. Lawyers spend a lot of their own time and money on these cases, so they work hard to get the best outcome for you.
Finding Out the Fee
A lawyer will look at your case and consider a few things to set your fee:
- How much they know about your case type
- How bad your injuries are
- How complex your case is and how much time it’ll take
- How likely you are to win
- If your case might go to court
- Anything unique about you or your case
Your lawyer will talk to you about how they decide your fee. Make sure you’re okay with it before you agree.
Getting Help from a Los Angeles Lawyer
A car accident can really shake up your life. Getting back on track might be hard without help.
Talking to a personal injury lawyer for free advice is a smart move. They can help you start to put your life back together and get the money you deserve.
Contact Us
If you had an accident in Los Angeles, CA, or if someone close to you did and you need help, please contact us for a free chat. One of our car accident lawyers at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers will be in touch soon.
