The costs of hiring a car accident lawyer in Virginia Beach vary depending on the complexity of the case, the level of negotiation or court representation involved, and whether there are legal charges related to reckless driving or a DUI.
However, in every case, it is far more costly to forgo legal representation and attempt to deal with claims against you, disputes over fault, or unacceptably low settlement offers made by the other party’s insurance provider.
What does a car accident lawyer do? Hiring one of our local attorneys ensures your chances of achieving full compensation or disputing untrue claims against you are significantly higher, with skilled, capable lawyers who will defend your rights and uphold your claim robustly.
What Is a Car Accident Lawyer Contingency Fee?
Contingency fees are a common feature in car accident cases, which are linked with personal injury claims, and reduce the risk of paying upfront for legal representation, only to find you do not achieve the resolution you had hoped for. While fee structures will also differ with cases and the details of the incident, a contingency fee effectively means that the lawyer recovers a settlement or damages on behalf of their client, from which their costs are deducted.
The final cost of legal representation is normally calculated as either a percentage of the settlement or a pre-agreed percentage of the award made by a court judge, where a claim escalates outside the scope of out-of-court negotiations.
How Do Retainers and Flat Fees Work in Car Accident Lawsuits?
A different charging structure could involve a retainer or working on a flat fee basis. Retainers mean a lawyer requests a deposit upfront, normally associated with a contingency fee once the case has concluded.
Flat fees are less typical and not standard within car accident claims. This type of payment system means the client pays the lawyer a fixed value per case or per day or hour for their services. In a flat fee scenario, most lawyers will offer payment plans to ensure you know the total cost payable–you can pay this in reasonable installments rather than investing a larger value in the outcome of a car accident case that is yet to be determined.
For more advice about the charging structure best suited to the details of your car accident claim, please get in touch with the experts at Coastal Virginia Law. Our consultants will evaluate the specifics and be able to provide more tailored guidance about the likely costs of representation and how these will be calculated.
What Is the Average Contingency Fee for a Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer?
Averages can be a useful indication but are vague because every case and client is unique, and their expectations and requirements will differ. As a rough guide, the average contingency fee varies up to 40% of the settlement value. However, highly respected car accident lawyers with proven success rates and excellent track records may charge higher rates, with the assurance of a strong likelihood of a satisfactory outcome.
In complex and technical discussions with accident assessors and insurers, the aptitude and knowledge a car accident attorney brings to the table can expedite a resolution and secure a far higher settlement than you might otherwise be able to achieve.
We believe in fee transparency and always provide advice to ensure you are comfortable with the likely fees associated with your case before we take any action on your behalf. However, fees can also adjust as a case progresses. For example, reaching a settlement without filing a lawsuit will differ from the costs of mediation or arbitration and again from the costs of taking a case to court.
Are There Other Costs of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most lawyers will not charge a fee until you have secured a settlement, although other expenses are possible, including:
- Court filing charges and investigation costs
- Fees charged by medical professionals to provide reports
- Admin costs such as postage and photocopying
- Costs linked with creating transcripts, exhibits, and scheduling depositions
One of the many benefits of hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is that they will commonly finalize a settlement or reach an agreement quickly, whereas additional fees can spiral when cases continue for an extended period. Coastal Virginia Law can arrange a no-obligation consultation at your convenience and run through all the potential costs, fees, and deductions to help you make informed decisions about choosing the right legal representation to achieve a favorable outcome.
