
Generally, each party involved in a car accident case pays their own lawyer, but in personal injury cases, legal fees usually come out of your settlement or verdict if you win.
This means the at-fault party ultimately covers the cost of your legal representation through the compensation they are required to pay.
You can learn more about how hiring and paying a Fort Myers car accident lawyer works today. An attorney can answer any questions you have about legal fees, pricing, and payment schedules before you sign any legal paperwork.
Who Will Pay a Lawyer in a Car Accident Case?
Generally, personal injury lawyers who handle car accident claims will receive payment from their clients. However, the specifics of how they receive payment can become complicated because most attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis.
Lawyers who work on contingency only receive payment for legal fees after resolving a client’s claim. The funds they receive will depend directly on the extent of the financial compensation received by their client, because they will get a percentage of these funds.
In this situation, the funds the lawyer receives come from the at-fault party. An attorney can give you more information about contingency pricing and how it would work in your situation.
Expect More, Receive More: Legal Support That Feels Like Family
You May Have to Pay Other Legal Costs
The main legal fees you face after a car accident should come out of the settlement or verdict you receive from the at-fault party. However, you may face other legal expenses associated with your case that you may have to pay out–of–pocket.
For example, you may need to pay for postage fees, printing costs, and other expenses related to building your claim. An attorney can give you more information about these fees and what the law firm expects you to pay when taking on a personal injury claim after a motor vehicle collision.
It’s crucial that you openly discuss pricing and fees with your attorney before you sign any paperwork agreeing to work with a law firm. An attorney can also tell you more about who pays lawyers in car accident cases.
How Much Will a Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
Attorneys receive a percentage of the financial award provided to their clients if they win a personal injury claim. Law firms decide how much of a percentage to charge, often basing this decision on the complexity of the claim and other factors, including their level of experience.
Not every law firm charges the same amount to handle these claims, so you should carefully review the prices of the firm you’re thinking of hiring before you make a final decision.
How Do You Get Payment to Your Lawyer?
Generally, attorneys take their payment for legal fees directly from the financial award you receive from the at-fault party, before forwarding the rest of the money to you. Therefore, you do not typically have to worry about paying legal fees to your attorney.
However, your attorney may request that you pay for other legal expenses throughout the course of your claim. For example, they may require monthly payments over the course of your claim.
Each firm makes its own decisions about handling the payment process.
Is it Worth Paying a Car Accident Lawyer?
Many people wonder if the costs associated with hiring a lawyer are worth it after a car accident. Getting help from a legal professional can immediately boost your chances of getting fair compensation for your losses, and it means you’ll always have someone looking out for your best interests.
Your attorney can focus on your needs, answer your questions, explain each step you need to take, and help you avoid mistakes that could stop you from getting compensation. A lawyer can also handle insurance representatives and even confidently assist with a lawsuit against the at-fault party if necessary.
Throughout every step of the legal process, your lawyer can focus on bringing you the funds you need to pay for your:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Vehicle repairs
- Lost wages
While it costs money to work with a lawyer, many injury victims find that they end up getting far more compensation than they would if they tried to navigate the legal system on their own.
Talk to Us About Your Legal Claim After a Car Accident
So, who pays the lawyers in car accident cases? Generally, each client has a responsibility to pay their own lawyer. However, if you hire a personal injury lawyer and they win your claim, their legal fees come out of the money provided by the at-fault party, instead of your pocket.
You can learn more about the costs of hiring an attorney by reaching out to our team at Viles & Beckman. We have over 40 years of combined experience, and we’re ready to assist with your legal needs, so reach out now and discuss your next steps.
Click To Contact