Car accidents can be traumatizing experiences that can significantly impact your life. In addition to the physical and emotional pain, car accidents can cause financial strain, especially if you have to deal with medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
In such cases, hiring a car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal system and get the compensation you deserve. However, before hiring a car accident lawyer, or a motorcycle attorney knowing how much they make and what factors affect their fees is essential.
At the Baumgartner Law Firm, we believe in providing our clients with transparent and reliable legal services. This article will discuss how much car accident lawyers take and what factors influence their fees.
Contingency Fees
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they take a percentage of the compensation you receive. Typically, this percentage ranges from 33% to 40% of the settlement amount, depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of work involved.
In simple terms, if your lawyer takes a 33% contingency fee and you win a $100,000 settlement, your lawyer will take $33,000 as their fee. At Baumgartner Law Firm, our fees start at a third of the gross recovery.
Hourly Fees
Defense attorneys usually charge an hourly fee for their services. Hourly fees can vary significantly depending on the lawyer’s experience, location, and reputation. Hourly fees in Houston, Texas, can range from $300 to $600 per hour, with some lawyers charging even higher rates.
If your claim is for property damage only (no injury), expect the attorney to charge by the hour, as in Texas, that is how an attorney could be compensated for their work. Most personal injury attorneys in Texas do not charge upfront fees.
Upfront Fees.
Some car accident lawyers may ask for upfront fees before taking your case. Upfront fees are uncommon; most reputable personal injury lawyers do not charge them. If a lawyer asks for upfront fees, it is essential to ask them about their reasons and the services they will provide.
It is also essential to ensure that you get a written agreement that clearly outlines the upfront fees and the services the lawyer will provide. At Baumgartner Law Firm, we do not charge any up-front fees.
Additional Expenses
Besides the lawyer’s fees, car accident cases may involve additional expenses such as filing, court, and expert witness fees. Usually, the lawyer will cover these expenses and deduct them from your settlement amount.
However, it is essential to clarify with your lawyer if they will cover these expenses, and if you do have to pay those expenses separately, what happens if the lawyer does not win your case?
Factors That May Affect the Lawyer’s Fees.
Several factors can influence how much car accident lawyers take, including:
- The complexity of the case: Complex cases that require more work and expertise may attract higher fees. For instance, most reputable attorneys seek a high contingency fee to balance the risks and costs if the case involves a product liability claim. Too, multiple party cases can require extra time and work.
- The injuries involved: Attorneys must evaluate the time required to handle your case and their out-of-pocket expenses.
- Experience and Reputation: Experienced and reputable lawyers may charge higher fees than less experienced lawyers.
- Location of the Lawyer: Lawyers in high-cost-of-living areas like Houston, may charge higher fees than those in lower-cost-of-living areas.
Facts to Know About Car Accident Attorney’s Fees
Hiring a car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve after a car accident. However, before hiring a lawyer, knowing how much they take and what factors can affect their fees is essential. Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, and their fees typically range from 33% to 40% of the settlement amount.
However, several factors can influence how much they take, including the case’s complexity, the amount of compensation involved, and the lawyer’s experience and reputation.
Call the Auto Accident Attorney at Baumgartner Law Firm for Help!
At the Baumgartner Law Firm, we believe in providing our Houston clients with the best legal services possible. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced car accident lawyer, contact the Baumgartner Law Firm today at (281) 587-1111 to schedule a consultation.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
(281) 587-1111
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