In most cases, truck accident attorneys do not charge by the hour. Instead, they work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if they win your case. However, before agreeing to sign with any law firm it is important to clarify any possible costs with the lawyer who may be representing you. Some firms may charge specific fees related to handling a truck accident case that may not be typical to most personal injury cases. For that reason, if you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, it is important to consult with a trusted truck accident attorney about your legal options.
What is a Contingency Fee?
Contingency agreements are usually what a lawyer will have you sign if they agree to take you on as a client and you agree to have them represent you in your legal matter. According to the American Bar Association, most truck accident lawyers will accept a fixed percentage of the final settlement amount if the plaintiff (their client) wins their case. If the plaintiff loses the case, then they are not responsible for paying any lawyer’s fees whatsoever.
In California, the typical contingency fee for personal injury lawyers ranges from 33% to 40% of the total recovery. So, for example, if your case settles for $100,000 in damages, then your lawyer will receive between $33,000 to $40,000, depending on the agreement you signed.
Some lawyers may elect to only work on a retainer. In this case, a specified payment is required for the attorney to begin working on your case. However, injured truck accident victims should be wary of entering into a retainer agreement as they could be non-refundable, regardless of the outcome of your case.
In certain circumstances, some truck accident attorneys will charge an hourly fee for their services. Hundreds of hours are spent on personal injury cases, so accident victims should be cautious before agreeing to an hourly wage. Hourly wages can be several hundred dollars per hour, which can end up costing a substantial sum, even if the case is not successful. If you have additional questions about your case, please do not hesitate to contact Maison Law for a free consultation and case evaluation today.
Costs Associated with Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney in California
Depending on your case, there could be additional costs that will be taken out of your settlement. A truck accident attorney should make you aware of additional costs as they arise, however, it is always good to understand the expenses you may be accumulating as your lawsuit progresses. Fees and costs associated with a car accident lawsuit may include:
- Copy fees
- Cost of obtaining medical records, accident reports, and other necessary records
- Cost of securing expert witnesses
- Cost of travel and lodging expenses for you and anyone else involved in your case
- Expenses related to independent accident investigations
- Deposition costs and fees
- Postage costs
- Trial costs (if necessary)
Are Truck Accident Attorney Fees Negotiable?
Yes, contingency fees are negotiable. If you have a straightforward case that is likely to settle quickly, then you may consider lowering an attorney’s fee if there is not much work to be done. However, most trucking accident cases are complex, involving multiple liable parties, as well as possible witnesses. For your own benefit, it is essential to have an open discussion with a truck accident attorney about what is needed in your specific case. If you decide to negotiate an attorney’s fee, it is recommended to take into account the following factors.
- The likelihood of winning the case: if you have a high chance of winning your case, then your attorney will most likely be willing to negotiate a lower fee.
- The complexity of the case: the more complex your case, the higher the fee can become due to the time and resources required.
- Settlement v. Trial: attorneys can charge a lower contingency fee if the case is expected to settle out of court.
What Factors Determine Compensation in a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents are complex matters. Oftentimes, multiple people are injured and several liable parties may need to be brought into your lawsuit. The matter only becomes more complicated as parties deny liability for your injuries, or even place liability onto you. This is not an uncommon occurrence in truck accidents as lawyers and insurance companies will be looking to avoid responsibility, or paying injured victims any amount of compensation. For this reason, it is important to work with a trusted truck accident attorney to help you get fully compensated for your damages. Having an experienced attorney is one of several factors that will affect your overall compensation. Other factors that could affect your compensation include:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Loss of income, as well as the reduction in your earning capacity you’ve suffered from your slip-and-fall accident
- Cost of living with your injury, such as making your home disability accessible, purchasing a wheelchair or crutches, hiring a nurse or housekeeper
- Damage done to your property during the accident
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Stress and anxiety due to the nature of your accident
- Your mental state after a life-changing accident
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in California, the experienced accident attorneys at Maison Law can help. We understand how to deal with the insurance company’s lawyers and protect your right to fair compensation, even if you were found partially at fault for the accident. Maison Law offers all motorcycle accident victims and their family members a free, no-risk consultation. No upfront money is required and we only get paid if we win your case.
Contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation.
