How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
How much does a car accident lawyer cost?
30% – 40% average contingency fee
$9,000 – $100,000+ average total fee
Average car accident lawyer fees
Car accident attorney fees are 30% to 40% of the settlement amount. This percentage is called a contingency fee, which lawyers typically only collect if they win the case for you. If the average settlement amount is $30,000 to $250,000+, then the car accident lawyer costs $9,000 to $100,000+.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Average settlement | $30,000 – $250,000+ |
| Contingency fee | 30% – 40% |
| Total average fee | $9,000 – $100,000+ |
Many attorneys specialize in certain kinds of automotive accidents, but personal injury lawyers often help with car accident cases.
Most attorneys provide a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Contingency fee
Most car accident lawyers charge a 30% to 40% fee once you win your case. A contingency fee provides peace of mind compared to hourly or flat rates you pay out of pocket. Some law firms also use a sliding scale to reduce the fee percentage as the settlement amount goes up.
What is a car accident lawyer?
A car accident lawyer or personal injury lawyer represents clients who are victims of a car crash and tries to get as much compensation for them as possible. This compensation helps pay for medical treatment, physical therapy, time off work, funeral arrangements, and other negative results of the accident.
Car accident attorney cost factors
The following factors affect the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer:
Location: Attorneys in metropolitan or affluent areas tend to have higher rates than those in rural areas. Lawyers in Washington D.C. have the highest average hourly rates in the country.
Experience: Experienced lawyers with high success rates tend to charge more than average, especially if they have a stellar reputation.
Liability: If you can prove you’re not at fault, your case will be fairly simple compared to cases where the liability is in question.
Complexity: If your case has a lot of variables or if it takes longer than average to settle, your lawyer may charge more.
Insurance coverage: If the defendant’s insurance policy includes enough to cover your settlement, the case is more straightforward. Complications with insurance may cause delays and higher fees.
If you have a very cut-and-dry case, severe injuries, or plenty of evidence to back up your claims, you may be able to negotiate a lower contingency fee from your lawyer.
Additional expenses
Ask your lawyer what their fee will cover. If your lawyer has additional expenses not covered in your contract, they will charge you extra on top of their contingency fee. These expenses include:
Court filing fees
Hiring expert witnesses
Court reporter fees
Obtaining police reports or medical records
Attorney costs by type
Your case may involve other issues, and you may need another lawyer with a different specialty. Most lawyers cost about $150 to $400 per hour.
A traffic lawyer costs $100 to $500 per hour or $50 to $300 total for simple cases. More complex or serious cases cost $500 to $5,000.
A speeding ticket lawyer costs $100 to $500 per hour or $50 to $300 total. This is a type of traffic lawyer that focuses on speeding ticket cases rather than DUIs, reckless driving, or other traffic violations.
Car accident attorney FAQs
Do I need a car accident lawyer?
If you are a victim of a car accident, you should consider hiring a lawyer. Insurance companies actively try to pay as little as possible, so you’re more likely to receive a higher settlement with an attorney. Car accident lawyers typically represent victims who have suffered various types of injuries and damages, including:
Back injuries
Burns
Broken bones
Head injuries
Lacerations
Loss of employment
Pain and suffering
Wrongful death
Is getting a car accident lawyer worth it?
Getting a car accident lawyer is worth it if you were wrongfully injured. Compensation varies from case to case, but many clients receive settlements that make up for hospital stays, loss of work, or psychological care. Gather evidence before speaking to a lawyer so they can give you an accurate estimate.
Can I fire my car accident attorney?
You can fire your lawyer if you feel they’re not representing you properly. The thought of getting a new lawyer may seem daunting or uncomfortable, but it may be worth it if your current lawyer does any of the following:
Does not return your calls or messages
Isn’t familiar with or concerned about your case when you talk
Doesn’t communicate or update you regarding your case
How to find the best car accident lawyers
Follow these steps when looking for car accident attorneys near you:
Compare 3+ free estimates from local firms.
Explore reviews and previous cases on Lawful and Google.
Choose a licensed and experienced law firm.
Choose a lawyer you feel comfortable with who seems interested in helping you.
Get a written estimate before any casework begins.
Don’t make any payments up front.
Questions to ask car accident attorneys
When looking for car accident attorneys or personal injury lawyers near you, ask the following questions:
How long have you been with your current practice?
Have you passed the bar exam?
How many car accident cases like mine have you won?
Will your current caseload allow you to take on my case?
How likely is it for my case to succeed?
How big of a settlement do you anticipate I’ll be able to get?
Do you have any possible conflicts of interest?
What is your contingency fee percentage?
Will you give me a written contract for this case?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.