Being injured in a car accident can cause a lot of emotional and financial concerns. You’re likely dealing with medical bills, car repairs, and the stress of recovering from your injuries. We understand that you don’t want to add the cost of a lawyer into that mix. However, the good news is that hiring a lawyer is often much more affordable than you might think.

Contingency fee agreements

The most common way lawyers charge for Knoxville car accident cases is through a contingency fee arrangement. With this type of agreement, you pay no upfront fees. Instead, your attorney’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or judgment you receive from the case. If you don’t win or settle your case, you won’t owe your lawyer anything.

This is a beneficial system because it allows everyone access to legal representation without having to pay large sums of out-of-pocket money. It also aligns the lawyer’s interests with yours – to win.

Not every lawyer works on a contingency fee basis, but most do. You could also be charged:

• By the hour
• Through a payment plan
• On retainer

If you do pay on a contingency fee arrangement, if you lose your case, you don’t have to pay your car accident attorney. You may have to reimburse them for out-of-pocket expenses, like hiring an accident reconstruction expert, but terms like these should be negotiated between you and your attorney beforehand. Ensure you talk about fees at your initial consultation so you’re not met with any surprises.

What factors affect the cost of hiring a lawyer?

In personal injury cases like car accidents, contingency fees are typically the most common payment structure. However, a variety of factors can affect the overall cost of hiring a lawyer.

For example, the more complex your case is, the more time and resources your attorney will need to invest. A complex case can include serious injuries, multiple parties, or the need for expert testimony. These kinds of cases often require more work, and as a result, your attorney may charge a higher percentage.

If your case is resolved through settlement – not going to trial – your attorney’s fee might be lower. However, if the case proceeds to trial, your lawyer might charge a higher percentage because of the increased time, effort, and costs involved in handling a trial.

Other fees to be aware of

There are a few other fees involved in car accident cases. These include:

• Court fees. Court filing fees, motion fees, and other expenses related to filing paperwork with the court can add to your case. Often, these fees are paid by your attorney upfront, and you reimburse them if you win your case.
• Expert witness fees. If your case requires expert testimony – like from medical professionals, accident reconstruction specialists, or financial experts – you may be responsible for these costs. Depending on the expert’s level of expertise and the complexity of their testimony, these fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
• Medical records. Your lawyer may also need to collect your medical records, accident reports, and other essential documents to build your case. There may be fees associated with getting these records. Your lawyer might include these costs in a contingency fee arrangement, while others may require you to pay them separately.
• Investigation and discovery. Your lawyer may need to conduct an investigation and engage in discovery – the process of both sides exchanging information about the case. This can be expensive and can include hiring private investigators or obtaining subpoenas. Talk to your attorney about how these expenses are paid.

How can I save on legal fees?

Obviously, you can’t avoid paying attorney’s fees altogether. However, there are ways to reduce your costs and get more value from your investment:

• Make sure you hire a lawyer who has experience in Knoxville car accident cases and a strong track record of success. An efficient and informed lawyer is better equipped to handle your case effectively and reduce costs in the long run.
• Work closely with your attorney to make sure you understand the legal process and avoid unnecessary delays. The more organized and cooperative you are, the easier you can make it for your attorney.
• If your case can be resolved through negotiation or mediation and you avoid a trial, you can save time and extra fees. Talk to your lawyer early in the process to find out if settlement is a viable option in your case.

What settlement can I get for my car accident?

Car accident cases aren’t one-size-fits-all, and it is impossible to give an exact estimate of the value of a case. While past success is no guarantee for future outcomes, our Knoxville personal injury attorneys have obtained the following verdicts and settlements for clients:

• A 7-figure settlement on behalf of an African National who was injured in a car crash.
• A 7-figure sealed resolution in a case involving a tractor-trailer accident.
• $1.5 million on behalf of a client who sustained catastrophic extremity injuries in a car accident.
• $950,000 on behalf of a client injured in a car crash. It remains one of the largest civil car accident verdicts in the County.

Remember, hiring a lawyer after a Knoxville car accident doesn’t have to break the bank. Talk to the personal injury attorneys at Banks & Jones today for knowledgeable counsel. We will discuss fees with you during your initial consultation and will keep you informed every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation, and take the first step toward getting the justice and recovery you deserve.