Most car accident lawyers work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and they take a percentage (typically 33-40%) of your settlement or judgment, so you only pay if you win. Some offer flat fees for specific services or hourly rates, but contingency is standard for accident cases because it aligns the lawyer’s incentive with getting you the best outcome. Before hiring, ask about their fee structure in writing, what costs (like filing fees or expert witnesses) you might owe separately, and what percentage they take. A good lawyer should be upfront about all costs from the start.
