Car accidents are of several types, but if you are a victim of an accident in which the other driver was on fault, then an attorney can be hired based on the contingency fee.
The car accidents are common, but what if you faced an accident in which you were not responsible. For this purpose, you need to hire a lawyer who can file a personal injury lawsuit case in the court. The cost is the thing that comes in mind of every person after thinking of hiring a lawyer.
The law in filing the case for the car accident is comparatively different. Rather than paying a fee per hour, the person has to pay the contingency fee. You might be thinking, what does the term contingency fee mean? It is the fee that is paid to a lawyer by the person after recovering the money. The percentage of the amount that is received by any jury verdict or settlements will be paid to lawyers involved in cases that continue the trial.
The article will go through the details about the contingency fee and hiring a lawyer.
The Percentage Involved In Contingency
The percentage depends upon the case that gets filed. Usually, the portion of the fee varies from 25 to 40 percent. The 1/3rd and the 33 percent of the amount is a standard charged by most of the firms and lawyers. If a person recovers almost 90 thousand dollars, the fee that has to get paid is approximately 30 thousand dollars.
The main point to keep in mind is that the fee varies depending upon the case. There are many conditions under which the cases that get filed. If the case gets sorted out before going to the court, the fee gets a reduction.
When the court hearing gets started or the defendant has answered or the trial has initiated, then the lawyers’ share may get an increase to 40 percent.
There are two further methods of paying the fee to the lawyer. In the first case, if your lawyer sends a demand letter requiring the settlement to the opponents’ insurance company. If you receive a settlement, then you have to pay 30 percent of the amount taken. Another situation is the conclusion of the case under the verdict of the jury, and the agreement stated to give lawyer 40 percent of the amount you get, then 40 percent will be given to the lawyer.
An important thing to keep in mind is a discussion about the contingency fee before filing the case. Another thing is that you must review the contract, and if you do not comprehend anything, then consult your lawyer.
It is up to you to decide the fee for the lawyer. If the case you are going to file is clear, the other party is having the insurance of the car, and there are several proofs in your favor, then you can demand a lower fee. A lawyer is needed by you to file a case, and it is indispensable.
The fee of the lawyer and the total expenses:
There are several things that the court may and may not hold you responsible. These include paying expenses for the medical records, police reports, and fees for the court reporter and pay for the expert witness. You may also not be held responsible for paying upfront court fees.
But different firms, that are related to personal injury cases will charge the fees. If you state in your contract that you will pay the fees mentioned above, then they will be due on you. The case will not proceed until you pay the fee.
Many big firms will also charge you the fees and expenses. The amount gets deducted after the final hearing. If you have already decided to give the lawyer 30 percent and the lawyer added 10 percent for expenses, then you have to pay 40 percent of the total cost to the lawyer. The 30 percent cost will be for the legal services and 10 percent for further services.
The thing to keep in mind is that the lawyer is taking his fee from the total amount you receive. Typically, this arrangement is practiced by most of the firms. Some firms try to take out their charges first to raise their profit. You must tell them before that you will pay them from the net amount after the case. If they disagree with you, then do not make a deal. It is more beneficial to get another lawyer for your filing.
Other fees
Some lawyers take an initial fee to start the case. They will charge an initial fee and then take the contingency fee at the end of the case. In such cases, you must keep a record of the charges you paid already. After the case is concluded, pay the remaining fee to the lawyer. For instance, you gave 5 percent of the amount in advance. The amount you will pay at the end of the case will be 25 percent of the total amount you get. (If the decided cost to pay was 30 percent).
There is no single service fee for most of the cases. Flat fee payment, in cases of the car accident for legal services, will not involve. The statements having no or very less complexity get filled with a flat fee. The range of flat fee is from 300 dollars to 1000 dollars and is charged by the firm.
Is The Lawyer Involved in Filing worthy enough to get the cost?
There is a universal rule stating that the more you get injured, the higher the lawyer will cost. If you are not seriously injured, then it is wise advice not to hire a lawyer. The better way is to sort out cases by yourself by sending a settlement regarding personal injury.
If you are injured seriously and hospitalized, then the cost of the case gets increased. In this case, you urgently need a lawyer before the insurance adjustor convinces you to settle on less amount.