How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, you have the right to recover compensation for your damages. Unfortunately, the process of recovering compensation isn’t easy. There are many obstacles and challenges that accident victims encounter. It helps to have the guidance and assistance of an experienced car accident attorney.
How Car Accident Lawyers Charge
If you’re like many accident victims, you may be concerned about the cost of hiring a legal professional to represent you in your claim. The good news is that many car accident attorneys offer their services on a contingency fee basis. Below we discuss the different ways that car accident attorneys charge for their services.
Contingency fees only
This is the most common way that car accident attorneys charge for their services. A contingency fee means that the attorney’s fees are a percentage of the compensation they are able to recover in your case. Therefore, if they fail to recover compensation, they will not get paid. Contingency fee helps to ensure that accident victims can access quality legal services without worrying about being able to afford attorney fees.
Retainer and contingency fees
Some accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis but require their clients to pay a retainer for their services. This advancement payment is held by the lawyer until the case is completed. If the attorney recovers compensation on your behalf, they will deduct the contingency fee less what you paid as a retainer. They will then forward the rest of the payout to you.
Flat Fees
Some attorneys charge a flat fee for their services. This means that you will pay an amount that will be agreed upon prior to hiring the attorney. The fees will vary depending on various factors including the amount of work involved in your case. It is rare that an accident attorney applies this type of billing. In many instances, car accident attorneys will only apply this method of billing when a client requires assistance with a specific task for example when a client needs to have a demand letter prepared.
Hourly Fees
Attorneys use this billing charge for each hour of work they have completed. The lawyer, therefore, receives a fee whether they are successful in recovering compensation or not. The hourly rate for their services will depend on the rate in the legal market at the time of the case, their experience as well as the reputation of the law firm.
Retainer only
When an attorney requires a retainer for their legal services, the client pays for the services in advance. Attorneys set a fee by estimating the amount of work that will be involved in handling the matter. These attorneys rely on their experience to determine this. You will be required to pay the retainer. The attorney keeps track of the work they have done throughout the case. Their hourly rate for the work done is deducted from the retainer. If the work exceeds the retainer fee, you will be required to cover the extra expenses.
Contact our law firm for a free case evaluation. Learn about how we can help you recover full compensation for your car accident.
Contact a Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The experienced attorneys at Gelman Law, LLC represent clients injured because of car accidents in Cherry Hill, Voorhees, Moorestown, Pennsauken, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-861-4236 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 850 Rt 70 West Cherry Hill, NJ 08002.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
