If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be wondering whether you need an attorney and if you can afford one. Dealing with injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and the aftermath of a car wreck is stressful enough.
The last thing you should do is accept a quick settlement without consulting a car accident lawyer. The good news is that most personal injury lawyers work a bit differently than other types of lawyers.
They work on a contingency fee arrangement. This means they won’t require any payment until your case is settled or there’s a favorable verdict.
We have the answers if you’re interested in learning more about contingency fees.
Here’s why a Phoenix contingency lawyer may be the right choice for you.
How Do Contingency Lawyer Fees Work?
Many personal injury lawyers offer contingency fee arrangements for their clients. They will only charge you if they can achieve a successful outcome in your case.
A contingency fee is based on a percentage of the compensation the lawyer recovers for you. You agree to a certain percentage before hiring a personal injury lawyer and pay them based on this agreement when the case is over.
The fee range is usually 30 to 40% of the settlement amount for your personal injury case. If a favorable result isn’t achieved in your case, you owe nothing.
A contingency fee agreement allows you to hire a lawyer without paying a retainer or other upfront out-of-pocket fees. With this legal agreement in place, your lawyer is entitled to a percentage of any damages you win at the end of your case.
If you need a personal injury lawyer, you’ve probably already suffered loss or injury. A contingency fee agreement allows you to protect your rights, fight for what you deserve, and minimize the risks of taking legal action.
Complex Cases and Contingency Fees
When a case is especially risky or complicated, personal injury lawyers may charge a higher contingency fee than normal. However, the fee shouldn’t be excessive or unreasonable.
Time limitations can also influence a lawyer’s contingency fee. If a lawyer believes a case will be short, straightforward, or likely to end favorably, they may choose to lower the contingency fee rate for a client.
For example, if you have an arrangement with your car accident lawyer to settle out of court, your lawyer may agree to a lower contingency fee. If the case is more complicated and requires litigation, your lawyer may charge a higher fee.
This type of arrangement is considered a staged or graduated contingency fee.
When Are Contingency Fees Appropriate?
Most personal injury lawyers get paid on a contingency basis. This is especially helpful for accident victims who need expert legal services but are short on funds.
Contingency fees are common for civil cases such as personal injury cases and worker’s compensation claims.
Other areas of law where attorneys use contingency fees include:
- Sexual harassment cases
- Wage dispute cases
- Malpractice cases
- Employment discrimination cases
- Debt collection cases
- Class action lawsuits
- Bankruptcy cases
Typically, contingency fees are not used in criminal law or divorce cases where a fee is contingent on securing a divorce, property settlement, or alimony.
The legal profession upholds standards regarding contingency fees. They want to avoid a financial incentive that allows a lawyer to take action that isn’t in the client’s best interest.
This is especially important in family law where the results can impact a child’s well-being and in criminal cases to avoid the appearance of condoning an illegal act.
Costs of Car Accident Claims
Car accident cases can be complex and involve court fees and other expenses beyond the lawyer’s expected percentage. In some cases, lawyers require clients to pay these associated fees, even if they lose the case.
Some of the costs involved with car accident claims include:
- Court filing fees
- Photocopying fees
- Cost of obtaining police reports and medical records
- Deposition fees
- Cost of expert witnesses
Many personal injury lawyers cover these fees and require reimbursement only with a favorable outcome. It’s important to discuss fees with your attorney before signing an agreement.
You don’t want any surprises at the end of your case. Discuss these details with an attorney during the initial consultation.
They should be willing to talk with you about your case and answer any questions you may have.
Benefits of Contingency Fees
There are many benefits to hiring a lawyer on a contingency fee basis.
This type of arrangement allows accident victims to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
No Up-Front Expenses
If you’ve been injured, the last thing you need to do is worry about hefty legal fees. A contingency lawyer allows you to receive the legal representation you need without paying a retainer.
Contingency fees help accident victims who can’t afford upfront fees. This ensures that any accident victim who needs a lawyer gets the representation they deserve.
If you or a loved one has sustained a car accident injury in Phoenix at no fault of your own, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer today.
Shared Motivation to Win
An attorney who works on a contingency fee has an incentive to help you reach a favorable outcome. They don’t get paid unless you receive compensation for your injuries.
This is a big incentive for them to do their absolute best for you. The amount they receive is based on the amount you recover.
It’s good to know that your car accident lawyer will do all they can to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Minimal Financial Risk for the Client
A contingency fee agreement can help provide peace of mind. If things don’t turn out the way you wish, you won’t owe a huge fee to your attorney.
In some cases, you may have to pay some administrative costs. Be sure to read your fee agreement carefully and keep a copy for reference.
It’s important to know exactly what you’re expected to pay so there aren’t any surprises at the end of your case.
Your Attorney Believes in Your Case
When an attorney takes on a personal injury case on a contingent fee basis, they take a risk. If they take your case, chances are they believe you have a good claim.
They will fight for your rights and the best possible result for you. If you are an accident victim and need legal representation, don’t wait.
Contact a Phoenix car accident attorney to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Your Attorney Shares the Risk
With an hourly fee, the client carries the risk. An unscrupulous attorney can take on a case and charge you, even if your chances of winning are low.
With a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer shares the risk. You pay only if they succeed.
You will feel confident knowing your attorney will do their best to minimize the risks and achieve the most favorable outcome possible for you.
A Level Playing Field
Wealthy individuals often have lawyers at their beck and call. If you aren’t as fortunate, you may forgo the legal assistance you need because you can’t afford it.
With a contingency arrangement, everyone receives the same advantage of legal representation. If you’ve been injured at no fault, you have rights.
Consult a Phoenix personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your claim and recommend the next best steps.
Lowers the Chance of Frivolous Litigation
An attorney who charges on a contingency basis only gets paid if you win. This makes it much less likely for them to present claims that lack merit.
When a reputable personal injury lawyer takes on your case, they have an idea of how successful the outcome will be.
You can feel good knowing your car accident lawyer believes in your claim and will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
Hire the Best Phoenix Accident Lawyer
The aftermath of a car accident is often a stressful and overwhelming time. You may be hurting, out of work, and wondering what to do next. Your next best step is to consult a contingency lawyer.
At Sweet Law, we have over 40 years of experience helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. We know how devastating a car accident can be and how it can change your life.
We have a 98% success rate and would love to talk to you about your case.
Contact Sweet Law today for a 100% free consultation.
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