If you are injured because of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you are in need of experienced representation from a skilled personal injury attorney. If you are like most people, you may find yourself hesitating a bit when it comes to retaining legal counsel because you do not fully understand the matter of legal fees and costs.
Contingency Fee
In the vast majority of personal injury cases a lawyer charges what is known as a contingency fee. A contingency fee is an arrangement in which a personal injury lawyer obtains a percentage of any settlement or judgment in a lawsuit. A common percentage is 33 percent, although the fee varies from one attorney to another and from one case to the next. A contingency fee is not due and owing unless and until you obtain a favorable settlement or judgment in your case.
Flat Fee
In a more simple personal injury case, the possibility exists that an attorney may charge a flat fee. In other words, you will pay a set amount of money no matter the size of a settlement or judgment you end up receiving. Moreover, the fee is due whether or not you prevail in a case, as a general rule.
Hourly Fee
An hourly fee is not common in a personal injury case. An hourly fee involves an attorney charging you for the specific time spent working on a case. The rate of the hourly fee is determined at the commencement of representation. A retainer fee typically is required when a lawyer charges an hourly fee.
Retainer Fee
A retainer fee is something of a down payment on future fees you will be charged in a case. There is no retainer fee in a contingency case. However, if you are charged an hourly fee, a certain amount of money is paid to the attorney up front. The attorney charges for his or her time against the retainer fee as he or she undertakes work on a case.
Retaining a Lawyer
If you are in need of legal representation after a car accident, the legal team at Pacific Attorney Group has experience in this area of the law. An attorney from the firm will schedule an initial consultation with you to discuss your case. During the appointment, the lawyer will outline potential strategies which may be pursued in your case.
This guest blog post was submitted by Pacific Attorney Group. There is no charge for an initial consultation at Pacific Attorney Group. An initial consultation with a car accident lawyer at https://www.pacificattorneygroup.com can be scheduled by calling 800-357-9617 today.
Leave a Comment