If you sustained injuries in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you deserve justice and compensation for your injuries and other damages.
If you’re considering legal action, you are likely wondering whether to get a lawyer and what that might cost.
After any type of injury accident, it’s natural to have many questions and concerns.
The Missouri car accident lawyers of Cottrell Law Office have the answers you’re seeking.
We offer a free consultation and case review to help get you the information you need and get you started on the legal process.
How Are Auto Accident Attorney Fees Calculated?
If you were the victim of someone else’s negligence, most car accident lawyers will accept your case on a contingency fee basis.
This means that you don’t have to pay any retainer or out-of-pocket legal fees to your lawyer.
They will handle your case and cover any expenses on your behalf. Once your case settles, they will take a percentage of the settlement.
Accident attorney fees vary depending on several factors. However, the average car accident lawyer fee percentage is about 33% or one-third of the settlement amount.
Some attorneys might offer a sliding fee scale based on how long it takes to resolve your claim. The quicker the resolution, the lower the fees.
What Do Car Accident Lawyer Fees Include?
Every lawyer and law firm sets its own policies regarding fees and expenses.
Typically, however, car accident attorney fee percentages do not include expenses.
Expenses might include items such as court filing fees, professional service fees for investigators and subject matter experts, courier fees, copies, etc.
Always be sure to ask any potential attorney how their fee structure works and what is—and is not—included in their contingency percentage.
How Much Do Accident Lawyers Charge for Going to Court?
Fortunately, most attorneys can settle their clients’ cases without having to file a lawsuit.
Negotiating a settlement saves everyone the time, hassle, and money of going to court. A settlement also makes good sense because it gets a check in your hand as quickly as possible.
Sometimes, however, the insurance company won’t settle for what your claim is worth—or they won’t settle at all. In that case, your attorney might recommend filing a lawsuit.
Preparing a case for trial requires substantial time, effort, and resources. Because it costs the law firm more money than a settlement would, you can expect to pay higher accident attorney fees.
Again, your actual fee percentage will vary, but 40% or more is well within the range of reasonable expectations. Before you enter into an agreement with an attorney, ensure you understand their fees.
Finally, make sure the fee structure is laid out clearly in your written legal services agreement.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today to Learn More
If you sustained injuries in a car accident, contact an attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you get a lawyer working on your behalf, the sooner you can get the compensation you deserve.
The personal injury attorneys of the Cottrell Law Office understand what you’re going through, and we are here to help. You don’t have to face this situation alone.
We provide highly personalized legal representation with the highest possible standards in client communication and service.
Call us now at 855-520-8801 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with an experienced Missouri car accident lawyer.
Wesley Cottrell
Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993. He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.
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