Worried that hiring a lawyer will only add to your expenses? It’s one of the first questions people ask us after a crash in Columbia: how much does a Columbia car accident lawyer cost? It’s a fair concern. You’re already facing medical treatment, repair costs, and lost income, and no one wants a surprise legal bill stacked on top of everything else. The reassuring news is that auto accident attorney fees usually don’t work the way people fear. Here’s an honest look at what you’ll actually pay.
Most Car Accident Lawyers Don’t Charge Anything Up Front
Personal injury attorneys, including our team, typically work on a contingency fee. In plain terms, that means you don’t pay attorney fees out of pocket to get started. In a contingency arrangement, the lawyer is paid only if they successfully recover money for you. The fee comes out of that recovery rather than from your wallet along the way.
This arrangement exists for a reason. It lets individuals who are hurt and out of work hire a lawyer without writing a check they cannot afford. If there’s no recovery, you don’t owe attorney fees for the work done on your case.
At McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy, your first conversation is also free. The consultation costs nothing, and there’s no obligation to hire us.
Want to know exactly what you’d pay before committing to anything? Call 866-MCCRAVY for a free consultation. There’s no cost and no pressure.
What Percentage Does a Car Accident Lawyer Take?
There’s no single fixed number, and any honest lawyer will tell you that. Across the country, contingency fees in personal injury cases typically range from 20% to 50% of the recovery.
Where your case falls within that range often depends on how far it has to go. The amount can change based on the stage of litigation in which your case finally settles. A claim resolved with the insurance company early usually involves a lower percentage than one that has to be filed in court and pushed toward trial, which takes far more time and work. Your agreement should state the exact percentage and explain whether it changes if the case moves into litigation.
Fees and Costs are Not the Same Thing
This is where a lot of confusion happens, so it’s worth slowing down. “Fees” are what the firm earns for its work, the percentage outlined above. “Costs,” sometimes called expenses, are the separate out-of-pocket charges a case runs up along the way.
Costs can include:
– Court filing fees
– Charges for copies of medical records and police reports
– Fees for expert witnesses, such as crash reconstruction analysts or medical professionals
– Deposition and court reporter fees
Because a lawsuit involves costs beyond attorney fees, there can still be money invested in a case even when the attorney works on a contingency basis. Many firms advance these costs and then subtract them from the recovery at the end. What matters most is that you understand, in advance, how costs are handled and what happens to them if the case doesn’t succeed.
What a Good Fee Agreement Should Spell Out
A fee agreement shouldn’t be full of surprises. Under the rules of professional conduct, a contingency fee agreement must be in writing and signed by you. That agreement must specify how the fee is determined and clearly notify you of any expenses you’ll be responsible for.
Before you sign, look for clear answers to:
– The exact fee percentage and whether it changes if the case is filed in court
– How costs and expenses are handled and who covers them if there’s no recovery
– Whether costs come out before or after the fee is calculated
A trustworthy firm will walk you through every line in plain English. When the case wraps up, your lawyer should also give you a written statement showing the outcome of your case, including a clear breakdown of how the money was divided.
Not sure what to look for in a fee agreement? We’ll go through it with you, line by line, at no charge. Call 866-MCCRAVY.
Honest Fees are Part of Doing Right by Clients
How a firm handles money says a lot about how it treats people. For 30 years, McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy has built its reputation on an ethical, straightforward approach, and that starts with being upfront about fees. You should never feel confused about what you’re paying or why.
There is an important detail about South Carolina that you should also know. Our state follows modified comparative negligence, so if you share some blame for the accident, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, and at 51% or more, you cannot recover at all. Most injury claims also carry a three-year filing deadline. Both can affect your case, which is one more reason to ask questions early.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auto Accident Lawyer Fees
How much does it cost to start my case?
For most car accident cases, nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee, so you pay no attorney fees up front, and the fee comes only from money we recover for you. Your consultation is free.
What if we don’t win?
If there’s no recovery, you don’t owe attorney fees for our work. Your written agreement will spell out how any case costs are handled in that situation, which is exactly why you should read it together before signing.
Why do car accident lawyer fees come out of the settlement?
It’s what makes legal help affordable. Taking the fee from the recovery means you don’t have to pay out of pocket while you’re hurt and short on income.
Talk with a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer for Free
You shouldn’t have to guess what legal help will cost while you’re trying to recover from a crash. We’ll explain our fees in plain language, answer every question, and let you decide with no pressure. With seven offices across South Carolina, including Columbia and West Columbia, we are nearby to help you with your case.
Questions about what a car accident lawyer will cost? Call 866-MCCRAVY for a free consultation. McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy with 30 years of experience serving South Carolina.