A contingency fee is the most common fee arrangement for car accident attorneys. This arrangement allows the lawyer to charge the client only after the case is settled. The client will also receive a portion of the settlement. This percentage can range from 33 to 40% of total settlement amounts. For example, if you recover $100,000 from the other party, your lawyer will receive $33,000, while you would pay the other party's insurance company nothing. Before you sign a contingency agreement for your case, ensure you fully understand the details and insist on a written agreement.
Most attorneys will offer a free initial consultation before they agree to represent you. You may need to discuss the strength of your case, the fee arrangement, and other questions with a prospective attorney. A free consultation can help you determine if your case is strong enough to proceed with a lawsuit. Further, you can ask any questions you may have. A free consultation is also a good time to ask questions about the strength of your case and whether the lawyer will charge you anything extra.