How Much Does an Attorney Charge for a Car Accident in Florida?

Most personal injury attorneys operate their law firms on a contingency fee agreement. Under a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer takes on the client’s case and bears the financial burden of building the case and pursuing compensation. When the lawyer has successfully obtained a settlement or court award, the client pays the attorney’s fees, which is a preapproved percentage of the total amount recovered.

If you have been in an accident caused by another’s negligent actions, a Florida personal injury lawyer may be able to help. Your personal injury lawyer can review your accident, build a case, and negotiate a fair settlement for you. They can explain how their fee structure works and any possible outside expenses.

What Are the Advantages of a Contingency Fee Agreement?

Following any personal injury accident where victims suffer from severe injuries, they find themselves out of work recovering from their injuries. With no income and medical bills increasing, the idea of hiring a lawyer to manage a personal injury claim or lawsuit seems like a luxury, but it doesn’t have to be.

Most law firms are aware of the financial situation of their clients and offer contingency fee agreements to reduce that financial burden. Contingency fee agreements provide the client with the following advantages:

• No Upfront Costs: A personal injury lawyer who offers their services on contingency can start working on your case immediately, even while you are recovering from your injuries.
• No Fees if You Lose: Contingency fee agreements are all about taking the financial risk and burden off the client’s shoulder and putting it on the lawyer’s. In addition to paying nothing up front, the client also pays nothing if the lawyer is unable to secure a settlement from the insurance companies or the liable party. This includes cases that go to court.
• Access to Legal Representation: Under a contingency fee agreement, the law firm covers the time and effort of their attorneys building your case. Even certain costs, such as filing fees and expert witness costs, can be deducted from the victim’s settlement.
• Review the Agreement: Before you begin, you can discuss what is covered under the contingency agreement and know how the fees and costs in your case will be handled.
• Peace of Mind: With legal representation with no financial risk, you can get stress-free time to heal from your injuries.

Under a contingency fee agreement, you and your attorney share the same goal: your fair compensation and healthy recovery.

What Legal Services Is the Lawyer Providing?

It is an honest question. What exactly is the client paying for? What does a lawyer do to justify their percentage of your settlement amount? Let’s take a look at some of the expenses your contingency fee agreement covers:

• Legal Knowledge: First and foremost, you are paying for a lawyer’s training and education in personal injury law. You are paying for a professional’s knowledge in their field.
• Lawyer’s Time: Secondly, you are paying for their time to research laws and develop arguments to support your personal injury claim.
• Case Investigation: Your lawyer will handle the investigation of your accident. They will collect police reports, medical records, photographic and video evidence, and any related information on your accident. Additionally, they will analyze this information to establish fault, liability, cause, and damages.
• Negotiations: They will be responsible for all communication on your case. They will speak on your behalf and negotiate with the insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement offer.
• Trial Costs: If negotiations fail, they will handle preparing and filing all court documents. They will take your case to court and present their arguments for your fair compensation, representing your interests throughout the legal process.
• Administrative Costs: Your contingency fee agreement also covers the incidental expenses associated with building your case, such as office staff and coordinating with other parties.
• Lawyers’ Network: Your personal injury lawyer can also provide you with access to healthcare professionals and technicians, expert witnesses, and ancillary resources that support your claim.

Contingency fee agreements make access to this level of representation and resources available to everyone.

Is There Any Thing That Can Affect Your Legal Costs?

Your attorney’s fees under a contingency fee agreement could vary in cost based on certain complications that arise. These factors could affect the percentage your attorney receives from your recovery:

• Nuances and Complexities: The more complicated your case, the greater amount of time and resources your attorney will need to devote to your case.
• Resolution: When your case is resolved could affect your attorney’s fees. If the case is resolved early before or during negotiations, you may pay less in attorney’s fees than if your case goes all the way through litigation. Additionally, if your case is resolved at a higher dollar value, this could affect what you pay in attorney’s fees.
• Jurisdiction: The state and county in which your case is being held could affect what you pay. Certain jurisdictions may have rules governing what percentage the attorneys may claim on your case.
• Initial Agreement: Before you sign an agreement with your attorney, you should be sure that you are fully aware of the fees they may charge you in your case.
• Additional Costs: The inclusion of certain costs like expert witnesses and filing fees may be subtracted from your recovery.

These factors should be addressed and explained to you before you enter into an agreement with the attorney. If you have any questions, be direct and request clarification. Your case is about getting you the resources you and your family need to recover from this accident.

Call Meldon Law to Hear How We Can Help You

If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, the accident attorneys with Meldon Law can help. We have the legal staff available to help with the full range of personal injury cases. However, you must begin your case as soon as your injuries permit. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years to initiate legal action. Failing to file a lawsuit in your case by this deadline could result in losing your right to pursue compensation through a trial.

Call Meldon Law today and receive a free case consultation. We will fight for your rights and won’t back down.