Cost should be explained clearly before you hire a car accident lawyer. You should know when an attorney fee is earned, how it is calculated, and what expenses may be handled separately.
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means the attorney fee depends on obtaining a recovery, instead of billing you an hourly fee for the case. The written contract sets the terms.
Is there a standard percentage?
Florida Bar rules set limits for many personal injury contingency arrangements. For the first $1 million, the familiar 33⅓% and 40% limits relate to different procedural stages, including whether an answer or arbitration demand has been filed. Additional tiers and exceptions can apply.
Those figures are not a quote for every case. Ask the lawyer to explain the percentage in your agreement and what circumstances could change it.
Attorney fees and case expenses are separate
Expenses can include obtaining records, filing documents, and retaining experts. Ask how they are paid, how they affect your recovery, and whether you would owe any expenses if the claim is unsuccessful.
“No attorney fee unless there is a recovery” does not, by itself, explain every expense term. Read the contract and ask for a plain-language explanation of both.
What a free consultation means
A free initial consultation lets you discuss the accident and ask whether the firm may be able to help. Representation is a separate step requiring an agreement. You should not feel that asking a question obligates you to sign.
Bring the offer or insurance letter if you have one. If another lawyer already represents you, explain that at the start so the circumstances can be addressed appropriately.
Questions to ask before signing
- What percentage applies, and what could change it?
- How are case expenses handled?
- What happens to fees and expenses if there is no recovery?
- What happens if the representation ends before the case is resolved?
- Will I receive an itemized settlement statement?
Keep a copy of the signed agreement and ask about any term you do not understand.
Gonzalez Muñoz Law offers free consultations and advertises no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. Call 305-770-6666 to discuss a Miami-area car accident and review the terms that would apply to your matter.
Related reading
- How Much of a Car Accident Settlement Do You Actually Receive?
- How to Choose a Spanish-Speaking Car Accident Lawyer in Miami
- Car accident representation in Miami and North Miami Beach
Official references
- The Florida Bar — Attorneys’ Fees
- The Florida Bar — Honorarios de los abogados
- The Florida Bar — A Consumer Guide to Clients’ Rights
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Each case is different; past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.