How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Car accidents can be scary and stressful. When you’re in a car accident, it can be hard to know what to do next, especially if you’re injured. One important thing to consider is getting a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer to help you. But how much does a car accident lawyer cost? Let’s break it down.

What is a Car Accident Lawyer?

A car accident lawyer focuses their time on helping injury victims helps you if you’ve been in a car accident. They know the laws about car accidents and can help you get money for your injuries, damage to your car, and other expenses. They deal with insurance companies, go to court if needed, and make sure you get a fair settlement.

How Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge?

Most car accident lawyers work on something called a “contingency fee” basis. This means that you don’t pay them upfront. Instead, they take a percentage of the money they win for you. Here’s how it works:

• Before Filing a Lawsuit: If your case is settled before a lawsuit is filed, the lawyer usually takes about 33.33% (or one-third) of the settlement amount.
• After Filing a Lawsuit: If a lawsuit is filed, the lawyer’s fee usually goes up to 40%.
• If the Case Goes to Appeal: If your case goes to trial and then to an appeal, the lawyer’s fee can be as high as 50%.

Most cases settle without going to trial, but a good car accident lawyer will be one that has trial experience and is ready to whatever it takes to get you the best outcome.

Example of Lawyer Fees

Let’s say you were in a car accident, and your case settles for $30,000 and you have $6,000 in medical expenses and no court costs before a lawsuit is filed. If your lawyer’s fee is 33%, they would get $10,000, your medical bills would be paid, and you would get $14,000.

If a lawsuit is filed and you settle for the same amount, the lawyer’s fee would be 40%, which is $12,000, the medical bills would still be $6,000, and you would get $18,000 less any court costs or other expenses.

No Out-of-Pocket Expenses

One of the best things about hiring a car accident lawyer on a contingency fee basis is that you don’t have to pay any money upfront. The lawyer will cover all the court costs and other expenses for you. This means you don’t have to worry about paying for anything while your case is going on.

What Do Court Costs and Other Expenses Include?

When you hire a car accident lawyer, they might pay for things like:

• Filing Fees: These are fees paid to the court to file your lawsuit.
• Expert Witness Fees: Sometimes, experts are needed to explain things in court.
• Medical Records: Getting copies of your medical records can cost money.
• Investigations: Investigating the accident might include costs for getting police reports, accident reconstruction, and more.

Your lawyer will pay these costs and get reimbursed from your settlement. This is important because it means you don’t have to worry about paying for these things upfront.

Why Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer is Worth It

You might wonder if hiring a car accident lawyer is worth it, especially since they take a percentage of your settlement. Here are some reasons why it’s worth it:

• Experience: Car accident lawyers know the laws and how to deal with insurance companies. They can make sure you get a fair settlement.
• Less Stress: Dealing with a car accident and injuries can be very stressful. A lawyer can handle all the legal stuff for you, so you can focus on getting better.
• Better Settlements: Studies have shown that people who hire lawyers often get higher settlements than those who don’t.

How to Choose a Car Accident Lawyer

If you decide to hire a car accident lawyer, here are some tips to help you choose the right one:

• Experience: Look for a lawyer who has experience with car accident cases.
• Reputation: Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends and family.
• Free Consultation: Many lawyers offer a free consultation. This is a chance to talk to the lawyer about your case and see if you feel comfortable with them.
• Clear Fee Structure: Make sure the lawyer explains their fee structure clearly. You should understand how much they will charge and when.

Conclusion

Car accidents can be overwhelming, but hiring a car accident lawyer can make things easier. Like most car accident lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. At Big River Trial Attorneys, we only get paid if we win your case. This makes it easier for you to get the help you need without worrying about money.

Remember, a good car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve, handle all the legal details, and give you peace of mind. So, if you’ve been in a car accident, give us a call at (225) 725-6000 and let us help you through the process.