You’ve been in a car accident that wasn’t your fault. The other driver’s insurance company is offering you a settlement, but you’re not sure if it’s fair or if you should get a Jacksonville car accident lawyer.
In this article, we’ll break down typical lawyer fees, when you need a lawyer after an accident, and how an attorney can get you more money. With this info, you can decide if a Jacksonville car crash attorney is right for your situation and budget.
Average Cost of a Car Accident Lawyer in Jacksonville
The first step is meeting with a car accident lawyer for an initial consultation. During this meeting, the lawyer will evaluate your case and determine whether they can help you. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, so this first meeting typically costs you nothing.
Contingency Fees
If the lawyer takes your case, they will likely charge a contingency fee of 33% to 40% of your final settlement amount. This means you pay nothing upfront. The lawyer only gets paid if they win your case. If they are unable to settle your claim or win in court, you owe them nothing. Contingency fees incentivize lawyers to fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Case Expenses
In addition to the contingency fee, you may be responsible for certain case expenses, such as the costs of copying medical records, police reports, and other documents. Expert witness fees and deposition fees can also add to the total cost. However, many lawyers will front these costs for you and deduct them from your settlement amount. It all depends on your specific lawyer and situation.
Settlements and Verdicts
The total cost of your Jacksonville car accident lawyer depends largely on the details of your case and the amount of compensation obtained. The more complex your case and the higher the settlement amount, the more you will typically pay in legal fees.
Factors That Influence Lawyer Fees for Car Accidents
There are several factors influencing your car accident lawyer’s fees, including:
Case Complexity
The more complex your case is, the higher the fees are likely to be. Simple cases involving minor injuries and clear liability may have fees of around 25-33% of the settlement. Complicated cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can go up to 40% or more.
Your lawyer will evaluate factors like available insurance, number of parties, type of injuries, and liability issues to determine an appropriate fee for your specific case.
Settlement/Verdict Amount
The total amount of your settlement or court award also significantly impacts fees. The larger the amount, the lower the percentage. For example, 33% of a $30,000 settlement is $10,000, while 33% of $300,000 is $99,000. Most lawyers reduce their fees on a sliding scale basis for larger settlements and verdicts.
Experience and Reputation
More experienced lawyers, especially those with a proven track record of success, are able to charge higher fees. Reputation, skill, and expertise come at a premium. While a less experienced lawyer may charge 30%, an established lawyer with a history of big verdicts may charge 35-40% or more.
Do You Have Any More Questions Contact a Jacksonville Car Accident Lawyer!
At Florida Lawyers 360, we understand that you likely have many questions regarding the legal process after an accident. Hiring a Jacksonville car crash lawyer can be confusing and stressful. We aim to provide clarity and guidance so you feel supported during this difficult time.
Our fees are contingency-based, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. We charge a percentage of the total settlement amount, typically 33% of the total. This fee covers all costs associated with your case like filing fees, expert witnesses, depositions, etc.
Please call us today at 954-448-7355 with any additional questions you may have. We are here to help you through this difficult process every step of the way.
