Attorney Fees for an Auto Accident Case: What You Should Know
At Chanfrau & Chanfrau, we always take care to answer all client questions. This focus on informing the client is part of what makes us one of the leading law firms in the greater Daytona Beach area.
We deal with a number of lawsuits involving injuries sustained during auto accidents, and many people who come to us want to know how much our legal services will cost. Let's delve into the matter in a bit more detail.
Attorney Fees Can Vary in Auto Accident Cases
No two auto accidents are quite alike, and similarly, the fees that attorneys charge for their services can vary a fair amount based on a whole host of factors. Because of this, there is never a single set cost for legal representation that can be provided.
Keep in mind that the nature of your auto accident will often determine the attorney fees and other expenses that are incurred. Our legal team works to ensure as speedy and sound a resolution is possible in all legal matter, taking the rule of law into account just as much as the life and the livelihood of a client.
There are two potential ways in which an attorney may bill his or her clients: contingency fees and hourly rates. Let's look at each individually.
About Contingency Fees
When an attorney works on a contingency fee basis, this means that he or she will not be compensated unless there is a successful settlement or verdict of your case. When a successful resolution is reached, the attorney receives a percentage of the verdict amount. Generally this is about one-third of the amount awarded, and will be specified in the legal contract.
Keep in mind that a client may still be billed for court filing fees and other expenses incurred by the attorney regardless of a successful resolution.
About Hourly Lawyer Rates
An attorney may charge an hourly rate for his or her services rather than working on a contingency fee basis. This means a fixed rate by the hour that the attorney works on a client's case.
Hourly rates are much rarer for attorneys to charge when it comes to personal injury claims or legal matters involving lawsuits. Clients should consider getting an estimate of the cost of a lawyer's total time before securing his or her services.
Is one better than the other?
Contingency fees are not necessarily better than hourly lawyer rates. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages to consider, and will vary depending on the overall nature of your case.
Additional Fees and Expenses from the Legal Process
As noted above, there are multiple fees and expenses to consider when it comes to lawsuits of any kind. Filing court documents, meeting with witnesses, and doing other kinds of investigation and research will be part of the final legal cost. A number of attorneys working on a contingency basis may add on these expenses as part of their final bill for legal services.
We will be more than happy to go over all of these matters with you during the consultation process so you feel confident about working with our legal team.
Speak with Skilled Auto Accident Attorneys About Your Case
For more information about your legal rights following a serious injury accident of any kind, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The legal team at Chanfrau & Chanfrau will work with you to ensure that you receive just compensation for any injuries sustained and hardships that you have had to endure.