What Fees Are Involved in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Pursuing financial compensation for a car accident lawsuit is a detailed process with many steps and requirements. Several of these steps cost money. If you are curious about how much your car accident lawsuit will cost you in fees, contact an attorney for an in-depth evaluation of your case. In the meantime, you can get a general idea by learning about the fees involved in a typical car accident lawsuit.
What Is a Contingency Fee Basis?
Most car accident lawyers in Kansas City operate on a contingency fee basis. This is a payment setup many attorneys use to make legal representation affordable for crash victims who are experiencing financial hardship due to medical care and vehicle repairs. Contingency fees mean that paying the attorney legal fees is contingent (conditional) upon the attorney securing financial compensation for the victim.
A car accident lawyer who operates on a contingency fee basis does not charge the client anything upfront to take the case or begin litigation. The law firm will front all of the costs associated with the case. The client will only pay if and when the attorney is successful in obtaining financial compensation for the claim. This payment arrangement protects the client from any of the financial risks associated with pursuing a claim and enables all accident victims to benefit from legal representation, regardless of economic status.
How Much Are Contingency Fees?
With a contingency fee arrangement, a car accident victim never has to pay out of pocket for attorney’s fees. If the Kansas City car accident lawyer does not win the case, the client does not pay. The client won’t have to reimburse the law firm for what it has already spent in investigative and legal fees. If the attorney does win the case, the client will pay directly out of the settlement or judgment award won rather than paying out of pocket.
In a successful case, the client will pay the attorney as a percentage of the total amount obtained from the defendant. At most law firms, this percentage is around 33 percent. However, different law firms charge different amounts. The amount of your fee can depend on many factors, including how much work is involved in your case and whether it settles or goes to trial. The experience and skill of the attorney can also lead to different fee percentages.
You may be able to negotiate the price of contingency fees with your Kansas City car accident lawyer. If you have already done some of the work on your own, for example, such as collecting evidence or submitting paperwork, the attorney may agree to reduce his or her fees.
Do You Really Pay $0?
Before you sign a contract to retain a car accident attorney, make sure you understand the exact fees and costs associated with bringing your lawsuit. Although you may not have to pay the attorney for his or her services unless you win, there may be other costs associated with your case that you do have to pay. These may include court filing fees, the costs to hire an expert witness, and the price of depositions or special court proceedings. Discuss the exact dollar amount you will have to pay, if any, with your lawyer before you proceed.
Will You Receive Any Money After Paying All the Fees?
Yes, you can keep a portion of the money received in a successful car accident lawsuit for yourself even after paying all of the fees and costs associated with your lawsuit, including medical costs and vehicle repairs. Find an attorney who guarantees that you will receive more of your settlement than he or she does. Your Kansas City car accident lawyer should do everything possible to maximize the amount of money you and your family receive for your car accident case.
For more information about the potential fees involved in your specific lawsuit, contact a Kansas City car accident attorney today. Wendt Law Firm P.C. offers free initial consultations and operates on a contingency fee basis.