Who Pays Attorney Fees in a Car Accident?

Typically, the best car accident lawyers operate on a contingency basis. This means the lawyer is paid only if they win your case. Many lawyers who work on contingency will take a case only if they feel confident they can win. In turn, they receive a portion of your accident settlements for car accidents.

However, the responsibility for paying attorney fees in a car accident can vary depending on factors such as the laws of the jurisdiction where the accident took place or agreements made between the attorney and their client. 

Gage Mathers Law Group operates on a contingency fee basis, so we’re only paid when you win your case. Our highly trusted team of attorneys has a 99.9% success rate–a testament to our track record.

Other Payment Methods

While Gage Mathers operates on a contingency fee basis, other personal injury lawyers may have different payment arrangements. Here are other payment terms you may encounter during your search for legal representation:

• Hourly rate: Some lawyers charge by the hour, which means you’ll be charged based on how much time they spend on your case. You must agree on the rate upfront and ask how long they expect to spend on your case. This estimate will give you a clue as to what you’ll owe at the end of the case.
• Flat fee: With a flat fee arrangement, you pay a set amount for the entire case. This can be paid at the start of the case or over time with a deposit upfront and a payment plan.
• Retainer fee: Some lawyers may request a retainer fee upfront, which covers a specific number of hours. As they work and find more time is needed, these lawyers may request more money based on the situation.
• Hybrid: This is a blend of payment methods. You may pay a flat fee to begin your case and a percentage of the compensation awarded if the case is won.

How Much Will I Owe?

Legal fees often depend on the complexity of the case and the amount of work it requires. The trickier the case, the more you pay. For example, if it’s clear who’s at fault in a car accident, less work is needed to settle. If a case heads to trial, legal fees will likely increase. A good attorney will keep you informed along the way to ensure you understand what you owe.

What Do Legal Fees Cover?

Legal fees typically cover all aspects of your representation. This includes case evaluation, investigation, negotiation with insurance companies and opposing parties, legal documentation preparation, court appearances, and more. 

Plus, fees generally cover communication between you and your lawyer and the expert legal advice they provide. These fees pay an attorney for their time, knowledge, and resources dedicated to winning your case.

Is Hiring an Attorney Worth It?

Personal injury lawyers, like the team at Gage Mathers Law Group, have a wealth of knowledge about cases like yours and the outcomes you can expect. We know how to navigate the complex court system on your behalf and reduce your stress levels.

Having legal representation can level the playing field when dealing with insurance companies. However, the decision to hire a lawyer is entirely up to you. An initial consultation with our law firm can help you make the right call for you and your case.

Let Gage Mathers Take the Reins

At Gage Mathers, we are passionate about helping people recover from an accident. We take the time to know our clients, build trust, and answer any questions. Through our personalized approach, we get results and have recovered more than $275 million.

Money aside, our best reward is helping people get justice for their accidents!

About the Author

Joseph D'Aguanno

Guided by the belief that being a highly skilled specialist in a narrow field is better than being ordinary in everything, Joseph “JD” D’Aguanno leads Arizona’s best personal injury law firm in Phoenix, AZ. Having extensive cross-training in pre-litigation negotiations and trial lawyer skills, with decades of experience, JD strives to provide clients with the most valuable legal services a personal injury lawyer can provide. Under his direction, Gage Mathers Law Group is an award-winning personal injury law firm providing aggressive representation to victims of a car accident, medical malpractice, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and other injurious events. Gage Mathers is trusted by thousands of lawyers and clients throughout the country because of their reputation for getting clients the maximum compensation they deserve.

Years of experience: Over 23 years
Bar number: 020421
Location: Phoenix, AZ
JD’s Profile