How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Attorney in Georgia?
While the cost of hiring a car accident attorney can vary, many work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, the attorney will start work on your case without charging upfront fees. Instead, they take a percentage of any settlement or court award they win for you.
If they don’t win, you typically won’t owe them any legal fees. Some attorneys might offer different payment structures, so discussing all financial details upfront is important. This way, you understand precisely what hiring your attorney will cost you. Contact our Athens car accident lawyer today.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
Contents
- 1 What Is a Contingency Fee?
- 2 Do All Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis?
- 3 Are There Any Other Fees I Might Be Charged in My Case?
- 4 What Services Will My Lawyer Provide for Their Fee?
- 5 What Happens If My Case Is Unsuccessful?
- 6 Could My Fees Be Higher If We Have to Go to Court?
- 7 How Long Might It Take for My Case to Settle?
- 8 Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where you only pay your attorney if they win your case. Instead of charging you by the hour or asking for a large sum of money upfront, your attorney takes a portion of any money they recover for you. This is usually a fixed percentage of an insurance settlement or court award. You and your attorney agree on the exact rate before they start working on your case.
Contingency fee arrangements make hiring lawyers easier for victims since they don’t need to worry about paying anything unless their lawyer wins their case. These arrangements also motivate attorneys to work hard because they receive larger fees if they recover more compensation for their clients.
Do All Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis?
Not all lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This payment arrangement is most common for personal injury lawyers, like those who handle car accident cases. Attorneys in other practice areas – such as family law, criminal defense, or business litigation – are more likely to charge by the hour, ask for a flat fee upfront, or bill against a retainer.
It’s important to discuss how any prospective lawyer will charge for their services before you hire them. That way, you understand what you will need to pay and when. Knowing this information upfront lets you make the best decision for your situation and budget.
Are There Any Other Fees I Might Be Charged in My Case?
You might need to pay other fees for your car accident case besides your lawyer’s contingency fee. These can include:
- Court filing fees and other court costs
- Charges for obtaining medical records
- Expert witness fees
- Charges for making copies of documents
- Investigation fees
- Travel expenses
- Printing and copying fees
- Postage and courier fees
Your lawyer might cover these costs upfront, but you may need to pay them back from your settlement or award. You should always talk to your lawyer about all these potential costs before you start your case so there won’t be any surprises about what you owe. Understanding all the possible fees involved allows you to manage your expectations and finances throughout your case.
What Services Will My Lawyer Provide for Their Fee?
Your lawyer’s fee covers a range of services designed to help them win your case or secure a fair settlement. Here’s what your lawyer will typically do for their fee:
- Evaluate your case – They will review the accident details to advise you on the best course of action given the circumstances.
- Gather evidence – They can collect police reports, witness statements, and medical records related to your injuries.
- Deal with insurance companies – Your lawyer will handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies whose policies cover your injuries.
- File documents – Your attorney will prepare and file all necessary paperwork accurately and on time.
- Negotiate settlements – Most injury cases settle out of court. Your lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies and work to maximize your settlement.
- Represent you in court – If the insurer will not make a fair offer and your case goes to trial, your lawyer will present your case, argue on your behalf, and seek a favorable verdict.
- Provide legal advice – Throughout the process, your lawyer will offer advice and answer your questions to help you make informed decisions.
What Happens If My Case Is Unsuccessful?
If your case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe any legal fees to an attorney who worked on a contingency fee basis. This means if you don’t win your case, you don’t have to pay for the lawyer’s time. However, you might still need to cover certain costs like court filing fees and other necessary expenses for your case. It’s important to discuss these details with your lawyer beforehand so you know what financial responsibilities you could face, win or lose.
Could My Fees Be Higher If We Have to Go to Court?
Your fees could be higher if your case goes to trial. Going to court means more work for your lawyer, like handling depositions, hiring expert witnesses to testify, and spending days in court. All of this extra work can significantly increase the costs of their services. Court fees and other expenses related to a trial can also add up.
It’s a good idea to discuss the possibility of going to court with your lawyer and how it could affect your costs. This allows you to prepare for any additional fees you might need to pay beyond the initial contingency fee agreement. Alternatively, you might decide to accept a settlement that’s been offered.
How Long Might It Take for My Case to Settle?
The time it takes for a car accident claim to settle depends on its unique circumstances. Some cases might settle within a few months, while others could take quite a bit longer. The timeline depends on many factors, including the complexity of your case, the amount of evidence available, and whether the other side is willing to negotiate. Going to court will extend this timeline. Your lawyer can give you a reasonable estimate based on your specific situation. Our Athens personal injury lawyer can help.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
Ready to get the help you need for your car accident case? Contact R. Alan Cleveland, LLC today for a free initial consultation. Our team is here to listen to your story, explain your options, and work hard to pursue the results you deserve.
An Athens resident Alan Cleveland grew up in Rockdale County. As a founding partner of the personal injury law firm of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC he proudly serves his community and provides skilled representation to injury victims and their families all around Georgia. Alan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and went on to graduate, summa cum laude, from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. He is also a graduate of Gerry Spence’s renowned Trial Lawyers College (TLC) in Wyoming. In his free time, Alan frequently speaks at continuing legal education seminars. He also volunteered as a youth baseball coach and assists with Georgia’s high school moot court competition held annually. Alan serves as a Trustee of Historic Athens and is a member of the Development Authority of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County.
