In fault-based car accident states like Missouri, the distress of the experience extends long after the accident, as an injury victim seeks compensation for their damages through a complex legal process. While most car accident victims know that hiring an attorney for representation is the best way forward, many worry that the cost of a car accident lawyer is prohibitive. But do you actually pay out of pocket? Fortunately, most reputable car accident lawyers use contingency-based payment, so you pay nothing upfront for your representation.
First, Expect a Free Consultation With a Car Accident Lawyer
Unlike criminal attorneys and divorce lawyers, personal injury lawyers, such as car accident attorneys, do not typically charge for an initial consultation. Instead, they offer a free consultation either in person, by phone, or through video chat, depending on the law firm’s preference and policy and the injury victim’s ability to reach the office while recovering from serious injuries.
During the free consultation, the car accident lawyer evaluates the merits of the case, typically by listening to your account of the accident and examining evidence such as the police report, medical records, and medical bills. During the free consultation, the attorney provides an overview of what you might expect from the process, the possible outcomes, and their contingency-based fee structure.
What Is Contingency-Based Payment for a Car Accident Lawyer?
Personal injury attorneys understand that no one saves money aside in case of a car accident. For this reason, most car accident lawyers use a contingency-based payment system. With this system, an attorney goes to work for you after a free consultation, with no upfront cost to you. Instead, they navigate the claim process by doing the following:
- Handling all communication with the insurance company
- Conducting an investigation that’s independent of the insurance company’s investigation
- Documents evidence of the at-fault party’s liability
- Carefully calculates your damages, including property damage, medical expenses, out-of-pocket costs, lost wages, and future injury-related expenses
- Presents the compelling evidence to the insurance company in a demand package
- Negotiates with the insurance company to seek the largest possible settlement for your damages
- Remains trial-ready throughout the process by preparing the case as though for trial in case court becomes necessary to recover compensation through a jury award, should the insurance company fail to offer an ample settlement
With contingency-based payment, the car accident lawyer only gets paid after they’ve recovered compensation for you in your claim. Then, they collect the pre-agreed-upon percentage of the total compensation they recovered for you to pay your attorney fees. Depending on their level of experience, a car accident lawyer’s fees range from 30-40% of the compensation they recover for you.
What Are the Advantages of Contingency-Based Payment?
Not only does contingency-based payment allow your attorney to work for you at no upfront cost, but it also incentivizes them to work hard on your case to achieve the largest possible settlement. If they do not recover compensation for you, they don’t get paid at all for their work, and you owe them nothing.
The more they make for you, the more they get paid for their time and work on your case. In most cases, even after the attorney deducts their fee, you still come away with a larger amount of compensation than you’d otherwise have obtained in your claim.