The majority of motorcycle accident attorneys in California do not charge an hourly rate. Personal injury law firms will start working on your case without charging attorney’s fees. Personal injury lawyers tend to work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they will only charge you a fee on the contingency that they win your case. While every attorney sets their own fees, the average cost of hiring a motorcycle accident attorney will be around 30% of the final settlement.
Contingency Fee Arrangements for a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in California
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 motorcycle 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.
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 motorcycle 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 motorcycle 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.
What Damages Can You Claim from a Motorcycle Accident in California?
Depending on the severity of your accident, there are several damages available to motorcycle accident victims. Motorcycle accidents can be expensive for victims and their families. According to the Insurance Information Institute, motorcycle accidents have an average of around $16 billion in damages each year. For victims to be able to pursue compensation for their accident, it is recommended to partner with an experienced attorney who can maximize their compensation. An attorney will help motorcycle accident victims pursue the following damages:
- Present and future medical expenses
- Loss of income, as well as a reduction in earning capacity
- Cost of living with an injury, such as making a home disability accessible, purchasing a wheelchair or crutches, hiring a nurse or housekeeper
- Damage done to property during the accident
- Pain and suffering caused by injuries and loss of enjoyment of life
- Stress and anxiety due to the nature of the accident
Costs Associated with Partnering with a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in California
Depending on your case, there could be additional costs that will be taken out of your settlement. A motorcycle 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)
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one have been injured due to a motorcycle 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.
