Car Accident

Car Accident Lawyer Greenpoint

June 12, 2022

Why Do Car Accident Lawyers Work on Contingency?

Car accident lawyers work on what’s known as a contingency fee. Essentially, you won’t have to pay a car accident lawyer unless they secure a settlement for you. Not all car accident lawyers work on contingency, but the vast majority do. To understand what a contingency fee is, why car accident lawyers use these, why these are beneficial for car accident victims, and other useful information related to contingency fees, read through the sections below.

Call 1-800-HURT-511 to be connected with best-in-class car accident lawyers in Greenpoint. The lawyers we work with will ensure you’re fairly compensated following a car accident, and they possess the skills, experience, and resources necessary to take on your insurance provider and win!

What Is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee is essentially what a car accident lawyer charges for their professional legal assistance. The reason why it’s called a contingency fee is because the lawyer getting paid is contingent on them resolving the case favorably for their client. There are two kinds of favorable outcomes:

You get a settlement from your insurance provider.
You get awarded damages via a judgment.

Contingency fees have been around for a long time, and there are a variety of reasons why these are advantageous for both car accident lawyers and their clients—but more on that later. First, we must look at what contingency fees are and how they’re different from other costs associated with bringing a lawsuit.

What Costs Are Associated With Bringing a Lawsuit?

People often think that the fees associated with bringing a lawsuit are covered by the contingency fee, but this isn’t so. Your car accident lawyer will take a percentage, usually 33 – 40% of the award. Also, the fees are deducted from the awarded amount. The fees are largely administrative costs like filing fees and photocopying charges. If expert witnesses were employed to prove your case, they will be paid using money from the award.

Even though car accident lawyers often pitch their services as totally free, there are instances where a client will be on the hook for case-related fees even though they didn’t secure a favorable judgment. This is why you MUST read any agreement before bringing on a car accident lawyer.

Who Hires a Car Accident Lawyer?

Contingency fees are only used by plaintiff’s attorneys. You won’t find a defense attorney operating on this basis, as defending against a lawsuit doesn’t yield a sum of money like suing for damages does. If you’re being sued for damages because of your involvement in a car accident, your insurance provider will provide a car accident lawyer to present your defense, as all insurance companies have what’s known as a “duty to defend”.

However, you may counter sue with your own plaintiff’s attorney and let a judge and jury decide where fault rests and who’s awarded what in damages. But this is only in what are known as “at-fault” states. In other states, the “no-fault” principle is followed, and under this parties to a car accident file claims with their own insurance providers for compensation rather than sue each other. But in no-fault and “at-fault” states alike, there are car accident lawyers who work on contingency fees.

There are instances when your insurance provider will not be obligated to pay for your legal defense, such as when damages being sought exceed the coverage limit. In this case, you’d have to hire a private defense attorney. Most defense attorneys charge anywhere from $150 to $500 per hour, and the rate depends on the state they’re practicing in, the circumstances surrounding the case, and other factors.

How Do Contingency Agreements Work?

The American Bar Association (ABA) mandates that car accident lawyers must get their clients to sign what’s known as a contingency agreement. This is essentially a contract that makes clear how the lawyer calculates their compensation. This agreement will also detail the fees related to bringing a case, and it will explain how fees are deducted in the event an award is secured. In most cases, the fees related to bringing a case will be deducted after the lawyer takes their percentage as a contingency fee. These agreements are used to prevent unpleasant surprises in the event an award is secured.

How Large Is a Contingency Fee Usually?

Generally speaking, a car accident lawyer will take 1/3 of an award amount as compensation for their services. This usually breaks down to around 33%. However, a lawyer can take anywhere from 25 to 40%, though laws, regulations, and ethical codes govern how much a lawyer can claim. Lawyers operating on contingency use what’s known as a sliding scale—the more that needs to be done, the more you (the client) pays in a contingency fee.

Why Are Contingency Fees Beneficial for Car Accident Victims?

The contingency fee model is advantageous for both car accident lawyers and their clients for several reasons. For the client, upfront fees are avoided, and they can receive legal advice and assistance regardless of their income. And if your lawyer does not receive an award, you won’t have to pay for their efforts (in most cases).

For the lawyer, the contingency fee is a huge motivator, as inadequate performance means the lawyer won’t get paid. Plus, they will pursue the maximum amount possible in damages, which will help their client and their own bottom line.

Where to Find Contingency Car Accident Lawyers

Finding a first-rate car accident lawyer who works on a contingency basis can be difficult. That’s why we here at 1-800-HURT-511 have made the process simpler. Call us to be connected with top-rated car accident lawyers in Greenpoint. The car accident lawyers we work with have recovered more than $1 billion for their clients, and for over a decade they’ve been providing superb legal assistance to individuals who were injured through no fault of their own. These lawyers are multilingual, and you only have to pay if you win.