What does it cost to hire an auto accident lawyer?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you’re likely in the process of shopping around for a lawyer and you are probably wondering just how much it’s going to cost you to hire one. Most injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning they do not collect an upfront fee; rather, they retain a percentage of the settlement award. In Nevada, there isn’t a “standard” percentage when it comes to personal injury cases, but it is normal for an attorney to take around 33 percent of any settlement awarded. That’s our short answer. For the longer answer (including some important details to consider), continue reading.

When do I pay the contingency fee?

As mentioned above, a contingency fee means an attorney agrees to represent a client with the mutual understanding that your Las Vegas car accident lawyer will only collect a fee if a settlement award is reached — in other words, the client receives either:

  • A settlement award from the at-fault party, or
  • a court judgment in his or her favor.

Therefore, the attorney’s fee is “contingent” on a positive outcome to the case.

How are lawyer “costs” managed?

You’ve probably heard on all of the attorney commercials, “you don’t way if you don’t win!” However, that’s not always the case. With every injury claim, there are costs associated with each case. Typical fees include filing fees, costs of photocopying, expert witness fees, deposition fees, etc…

That said, in most contingency agreements, costs are absorbed by your lawyer as they arise; however when you receive your settlement award, those costs can be deducted from your settlement–on top of the agreed-upon contingency percentage.

Contingency fee agreements are not for defendants

Another important point worth touching on is that a contingency fee agreement is only an option when a lawyer represents a plaintiff — the one filing the lawsuit and seeking compensation from the negligent party.

If you are the defendant (the one being sued), you would not typically hire legal counsel for a personal injury. Unless, of course, you believe you were not at fault and you’ve been injured as well. If you do believe you are at fault, and you have liability car insurance, your insurance company should cover this aspect of the claim for you. This is part of the insurance company’s obligation to defend.

How Brian Boyer Injury & Car Accident Lawyer Las Vegas can help

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, please do not hesitate to give Brian Boyer a call for a free, no-obligation case review. If he cannot help you, he will point you in the best direction for your specific needs. Call him today at (702) 800-0988.

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