To learn more about car accident lawyer fees and how our experienced attorneys can assist, call (800) 536-4357 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We serve our community by providing high-quality legal representation to car accident victims in St. Louis, Kansas City, and beyond.
Use our legal checklist to learn what to do after an accident and understand key legal considerations for recovering financial compensation.
What Are Lawyer Contingency Fees?
When car accident lawyers operate on a contingency basis, their payment is based on the compensation they secure for you through your legal claim. In other words, contingency fees are “contingent” in the sense that they are calculated as a pre-negotiated percentage of the final settlement or verdict you receive. Typically, car accident lawyers charge a contingency fee ranging from 30 to 40 percent. If your lawyer doesn’t secure compensation for you, you owe them nothing.
Contingency fee arrangements are particularly beneficial for car accident clients who may struggle with up-front legal costs. Auto accidents often lead to substantial medical bills, lost income, and other expenses, and injured victims may face significant financial challenges in the aftermath. Hiring our car accident lawyers on a contingency basis will ensure you receive high-quality legal representation without adding to your financial strain.
Car Accident Lawsuit Cost and Expenses
Your personal injury lawyer’s fees will typically be outlined in your attorney-client contract. This agreement should also address additional costs and expenses associated with filing and litigating your car accident case, including:
- Police report fees
- Medical record fees
- Expert witness fees
- Court filing fees
- Court reporter fees
Depending on your attorney fee arrangement, you may be responsible for covering these costs yourself. However, most reputable personal injury law firms—including Brown & Crouppen—will cover these expenses for you. They are later reimbursed from the amount awarded in your case.
It’s important to carefully review the details of your personal injury lawyer fee agreement to understand who is responsible for miscellaneous fees, as well as how and when they must be paid. Understanding how additional costs will affect your claim is crucial before entering a representation agreement with a car accident attorney.
Types of Lawyer Fee Arrangements
Attorney fee arrangements vary somewhat depending on the kind of case being handled and the billing practices at the firm. This section outlines common types of attorney billing methods:
Contingency Fee
Again, with a contingency fee arrangement, your car accident lawyer will be paid from the amount of compensation recovered through your legal claim. Contingency fees are typically set at around one-third of the settlement or verdict your attorney secures for you.
Contingency fees are the most common fee arrangement for car accident lawsuits. If an attorney deviates from this norm, exercise caution and review their attorney-client agreement carefully before signing.
Flat or Fixed Fee
Some lawyers prefer to charge a “fixed” or “flat” fee for their legal services. Fixed fees are common for one-time legal services, such as drafting wills and contracts.
Hourly Fee
Attorneys who work on an hourly basis should keep a thorough record of how much time they spend on your case and charge accordingly. Before agreeing to this fee arrangement, ask the attorney for an estimate of how long your case will take and their hourly rate. Agreeing to an hourly fee comes with the risk of being saddled with a hefty legal bill—regardless of whether or not you secure compensation.
Retainer Fee
Similar to a down payment, retainer fees are another billing method you may encounter when searching for a lawyer. The lawyer is “retained” to provide ongoing legal services. The client provides funds to be held by the firm, and payments are deducted from the funds as services are performed. If the funds run out before the legal services are completed, the client will need to make additional payments.
Hybrid Fee Agreements
Some car accident law firms combine payment methods. For example, they may charge a retainer fee upon hire and an additional contingency fee upon resolving the case.
Attorney Fee Limits
State laws and rules of professional conduct limit the fees lawyers may charge, especially in cases involving domestic relations or criminal defense. Even in car accident cases, lawyers are prohibited from charging unreasonable fees. See Kansas Rules Relating to Discipline of Attorneys, Rule 1.5 – Fees; Rules Governing the Missouri Bar and the Judiciary, Rule 4-1.5 – Fees.
Is It Worth Getting a Car Accident Lawyer?
One of the top reasons to get an attorney following a car accident is when insurance companies try to pay less than your claim is worth. Insurance adjusters often use underhanded tactics to minimize your damages and pressure you into accepting an unfair offer. Our skilled injury lawyers know how to fight back and demand the compensation you deserve.
If you are dealing with injuries and financial loss after a crash, our experienced car accident attorneys can help. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our lawyers can calculate the full value of your damages, gather all available evidence to substantiate your case, negotiate a car accident settlement with insurers, and represent you in court if a fair out-of-court settlement is not possible.
“Brown & Crouppen is the best because we have decades of experience. We take a very personalized approach for every one of our clients. And, most importantly, you don't pay anything to us anything unless we recover compensation for you. If you are injured, call Brown & Crouppen. We will do everything in our power to make sure you are taken care of and treated well.”
Get started with a free consultation with one of our skilled Personal Injury Lawyers today.
Get Help With Your Car Accident Claim Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident in Missouri or Kansas, our car accident lawyers are ready to help. Our skilled legal team is committed to providing top-tier legal counsel and representation at no upfront cost to you. We offer free consultations, and we only get paid if you win your case.
Our leading personal injury law firm has secured over $1 billion in life-changing case results for our clients. We work hard to level the playing field against unscrupulous insurance companies eager to deny the value of your claim. Learn how we can help you recover the full value of your damages by calling (800) 536-4357 or filling out our online contact form. Do not wait to take legal action.
