Hiring a Charleston car accident lawyer is more affordable than you might think. At Tiano O’Dell, with a contingency fee arrangement, clients do not pay upfront and only owe attorney’s fees if the lawyer successfully recovers compensation.
What is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee means the lawyer’s payment depends on the outcome of the case. Instead of charging hourly rates or requiring upfront retainers, the attorney only receives a fee if they successfully recover compensation through a settlement or jury verdict.
The typical contingency fee in personal injury cases, including car accidents, ranges from 33 to 40 percent of the recovery amount. This percentage may vary depending on the complexity of the case, whether litigation is required, and the attorney’s level of experience.
For example:
- If a case settles for $90,000 and the contingency fee is 33 percent, the attorney’s fee would be $29,700.
- If the case goes to trial and recovers $120,000 with a 40 percent contingency fee, the attorney’s payment would be $48,000.
This structure ensures the lawyer’s interests align with the client’s as they both want to maximize the recovery.
Why Contingency Fees Benefit Clients
The contingency fee model offers several important advantages for accident victims:
- No upfront costs: Clients do not need to pay retainer fees or hourly charges to get representation.
- Reduced financial risk: If the lawyer does not win the case, the client typically does not owe attorney’s fees.
- Incentive to succeed: Lawyers are motivated to secure the highest possible compensation because their fee increases with the recovery amount.
- Access to justice: Even people without savings or disposable income can pursue a claim against well-funded insurance companies.
This system levels the playing field, allowing injured people to fight back against at-fault parties that have extensive resources.
Other Costs in a Car Accident Case
In addition to attorney’s fees, car accident cases often involve litigation costs and expenses related to building the case. These may include:
- Filing fees with the court
- Costs for obtaining medical records and accident reports
- Expert witness fees for accident reconstruction or medical testimony
- Deposition and transcript expenses
- Travel costs for witnesses or investigators
Law firms typically advance these costs during the case and deduct them from the settlement or verdict. Some firms may require reimbursement of expenses even if the case is not successful, so it is important to clarify this in the fee agreement.
Hourly Rates and Flat Fees
While most personal injury lawyers use contingency fees, a small number may offer other arrangements. For example, an attorney might charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for specific services. This approach is less common in car accident cases because it requires clients to pay regardless of outcome. For victims already struggling financially, this model often presents too much risk.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
When meeting with a car accident lawyer, ask clear questions about the fee structure, such as:
- What percentage do you charge if the case settles?
- Does the percentage change if the case goes to trial?
- Who pays for litigation expenses, and when are they due?
- Will I owe any money if we do not recover compensation?
Understanding these details upfront avoids surprises later.
