If you’ve been involved in a car accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed with medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages. The last thing you need is to worry about how to afford a North Carolina car accident lawyer.
At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we understand how stressful this time can be. That’s why we work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. This blog explains the details of how a contingency fee arrangement works in car accident cases.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement between you and your attorney that allows you to get legal representation without paying any upfront costs. Instead of paying an hourly rate or a flat fee, your lawyer’s payment depends on the outcome of your case.
Simply put, if your lawyer doesn’t recover money for you, you don’t owe them any fees. It’s called a contingency fee because the lawyer’s fee is contingent upon (or depends on) winning your case or securing a settlement.
This arrangement helps people who might not be able to afford a lawyer out of pocket. You can still pursue your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve without worrying about how to pay for legal help upfront.
Additionally, your lawyer has a strong incentive to fight for the maximum compensation, since your attorney’s payment depends on your success.
How Does a Contingency Fee Work in Car Accident Cases?
When you sign up with a North Carolina car accident lawyer under a contingency fee arrangement, here’s how it usually works.
Free Initial Consultation
Our lawyers offer a free initial consultation to learn about your case and explain how we can help. During this case review, we will discuss the details of your accident and your injuries.
Signing a Contingency Fee Agreement
If you decide to work with our law firm, you’ll sign a contingency fee agreement. This contract lays out how our lawyers will be paid if we win your case. It will state the percentage of your recovery that our lawyers receive as payment.
From there, our North Carolina car accident lawyers will begin working on your case. Our team will gather evidence, talk to witnesses, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare for trial if necessary.
No Upfront Costs
With a contingency fee arrangement, you won’t pay any upfront costs when hiring a North Carolina car accident lawyer. If our lawyers settle your case or win a verdict at trial, our payment is a percentage of the money you receive.
No Fees Unless We Win
If your lawyer does not recover any money for you, you don’t owe any legal fees. This can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your recovery.
Advantages of a Contingency Fee Arrangement
There are several important advantages to a contingency fee arrangement, especially if you’re recovering from a car accident.
- No Out-of-Pocket Attorney Fees: You don’t have to pay any attorney fees out of pocket, which removes a major barrier to getting the help you need.
- Aligned Interests: Your lawyer’s payment depends on your success. This means your lawyer has a strong incentive to fight for the maximum compensation.
- Reduced Financial Risk: You don’t owe any legal fees if your lawyer doesn’t recover money for you.
Typical Contingency Fee Percentages
In North Carolina, the percentage that a lawyer charges as a contingency fee can vary depending on the complexity of the case. Most often, the contingency fee in car accident cases is between 33% and 40% of the recovery.
For example, if your case settles for $100,000 and your lawyer’s contingency fee is 33%, the lawyer would receive $33,000, and you would receive the remaining $67,000 (minus any other costs, which we’ll talk about next).
These percentages may change if your case goes to trial because trials require more work and more time. Your lawyer will discuss these details upfront so there are no surprises later on.
What About Case Costs?
While a contingency fee covers the lawyer’s work, it does not always cover other expenses involved in preparing and handling your case. These costs, often called case costs or litigation expenses, can include:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Medical record copying costs
- Fees for accident reconstruction specialists
- Investigation expenses
- Postage, travel, and other administrative costs
In most cases, the lawyer will pay these costs upfront and then deduct them from your share of the recovery at the end of your case. The details of how these costs will be handled should be clearly spelled out in the contingency fee agreement.
At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we make sure you understand exactly how costs are handled before you sign any agreement.
Why Choose NC Car Accident Lawyers?
At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping car accident victims throughout North Carolina get the compensation they deserve. We believe that everyone, no matter their financial situation, should have access to high-quality legal representation.
Here’s why clients trust us.
Experience
Our team has extensive experience handling car accident cases in North Carolina. We know how insurance companies operate, and we’re not afraid to stand up for your rights.
Communication
We believe that good communication is key. We keep you updated every step of the way and make sure you understand how your case is progressing.
Transparency
We’re upfront about our fees and costs. We’ll explain the contingency fee arrangement in detail and answer any questions you have before you sign anything.
No Win, No Fee Promise
You won’t owe us any legal fees unless we recover money for you. That’s our promise.
Contact Our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Today
Car accidents can leave you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. But you don’t have to go through it alone. At NC Car Accident Lawyers, we’re committed to helping accident victims in Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and across North Carolina pursue the compensation they deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation by calling 864-561-6247 or filling out our online form. There’s no obligation, and you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
