If you’ve been in a car accident in Texas and are considering hiring a lawyer, you’re probably wondering, “How much will this cost me?” The answer may surprise you - most Texas car accident lawyers don’t charge anything upfront for their legal representation. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis.

A contingency fee arrangement doesn’t mean your attorney won’t be paid at all, it just means the payment won’t be coming directly out of your pocket - and the attorney will only get paid if they win your case or secure a settlement. This arrangement alleviates significant financial pressure on car accident victims so they can focus on their recovery while their attorney handles the legal complexities of their case.

Contingency Fees Explained

Most personal injury lawyers in Austin, including car accident attorneys, do not charge an hourly rate or require an upfront retainer. Instead, they are paid as a percentage of the final settlement or court award when they win the case. This is called a contingency fee.

The typical contingency fee for a car accident case in Texas falls between 33.33% and 40% of the final settlement. For example, if you receive a $100,000 settlement, your lawyer may take between $33,333 and $40,000 from the final settlement, though this number depends on the complexity of your case, whether it settles out of court or goes to trial, and other variables including the law firm’s standard fee structure.

What Additional Costs Might Be Deducted?

In addition to the contingency fee, there are additional attorney expenses that may be deducted from your settlement, including filing fees and court costs, expert witness fees, medical record retrieval costs, and investigation expenses.

It’s important to understand how these expenses will be accounted for when the day is done because even though they are often initially paid by your attorney, they are usually deducted from your settlement (in addition to the contingency fee). Make sure you discuss these potential expenses with your lawyer so you have a clear picture of your net recovery.

Have Questions About Attorney Fees? Call Us a McKinney Vos PLLC

Reputable Texas personal injury lawyers should be transparent about their fees. Before signing a contract, make sure you understand:

• The percentage the lawyer will take from your settlement
• Whether the contingency fee includes or excludes additional costs
• If there are any fees you might owe if you don’t win your case (most firms charge nothing if they don’t win)

Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask questions! If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas car accident, consulting an attorney can help maximize your compensation all without paying upfront costs. Our experienced attorneys at McKinney Vos are here to fight for you. Call our Austin office at 512-457-8991 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.