How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in California?

There are few things more stressful than getting into a car accident, especially if you’ve sustained serious injuries. If the accident occurred as a result of another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to help pay for your hospital bills, lost wages, and more. It is wise to consult with a car accident attorney right away, but how much does a car accident lawyer cost in California?

Understanding Contingency Fees

The most important thing to understand about car accident lawyers is that they typically work on a contingency fee basis. What that means is you’ll only need to pay your attorney if you obtain a settlement, and you will not be required to pay any upfront costs.

The percentage of your settlement you’ll be required to pay your lawyer will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. More difficult claims can incur higher fees, as can cases that need to go to trial to be resolved.

If you want to know exactly what percentage of your settlement you can expect to pay in the form of a contingency fee, contact our office. We can walk you through the specifics of our fee schedule.

Additional Fees to Be Aware Of

While there aren’t usually any upfront attorney fees to pay for a car accident claim, you should be aware that there may be additional costs. Court filing fees, expert witness fees, and miscellaneous legal expenses can all be taken out of your final settlement, as well, resulting in a slightly lower payout.

Factors Influencing Your Settlement Amount

The amount of money you’ll need to pay your lawyer will depend directly on the size of the settlement you get. Your settlement amount will vary based on factors such as:

• The cost of current and projected future medical expenses
• Current lost wages and potential future loss of earnings
• Non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and loss of consortium
• The extent of any property damage

Schedule a consultation with a lawyer to get an idea of what your claim might be worth and whether you’ll need to consider additional fees for court filings, expert witnesses, and other extras.

What to Expect From Your Lawyer

It is common for car accident claims to be handled by personal injury lawyers. The United States saw 5.1 million vehicle accidents resulting in medical injuries in 2023, with a total cost of injury estimated at $513.8 billion. Over 150,000 crashes occurred on California State Highways alone in the same year. Representation by an experienced car accident lawyer can help you hold the party responsible for your accident accountable.

While every claim is a little different, you can expect your lawyer to outline their fee schedule during your initial consultation. The initial consultation gives you a chance to have your case evaluated to determine whether it has sufficient merit to proceed. If it does, you’ll sign a written contingency fee agreement to formalize the legal relationship.

From here, your lawyer will investigate your case, gather evidence, and perform legal research. They can file documents with the court, hire expert witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies during the settlement negotiations phase. The costs for all of these activities are generally advanced by the attorney.

If your attorney obtains a settlement, you’ll pay the agreed-upon percentage of your compensation package in fees, plus out-of-pocket costs. Your contingency fee agreement will also require you to reimburse costs advanced by the attorney.

FAQs

How Much Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge in California?

How much car accident lawyers charge in California varies based on the case. If the case is extremely complex or needs to go to trial to be resolved, the fees charged by your lawyer could be higher than they would be with a simple, straightforward claim. However, the car accident lawyers at the Corrales Law Group, Inc., charge contingency fees, so you’ll only need to pay your legal team if you win.

How Hard Is It to Win a Car Accident Case?

It can be hard to win a car accident case in court, but most claims are settled before going to trial. To win your claim, you’ll need to prove that the other driver was at fault and provide documented evidence of any damages. Consult with a California car accident attorney before accepting any settlement offers from insurance companies, as their initial offer is often quite low.

What Percentage Do Car Accident Lawyers Take?

The percentage that car accident lawyers take depends on whether or not a case goes to trial, and can vary from firm to firm. Most car accident claims are settled before they need to go to court, which helps to keep contingency fees low. If your case needs to go to trial, you can expect to pay more in legal fees. You can discuss the firm’s contingency fee when you schedule a consultation.

Is It Worth It to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

It is worth it to hire a car accident attorney. Most accident attorneys charge contingency fees, which means they only accept payment if you win your case. Insurance companies will likely attempt to get you to accept a lowball offer that doesn’t cover all damages. You have nothing to lose by consulting an attorney to discuss the merits of your claim, and you could obtain a significantly larger settlement with the advocacy of a dedicated and seasoned car accident lawyer.

Reach Out to a Car Accident Lawyer You Can Trust at Corrales Law Group, Inc.

Corrales Law Group, Inc., has successfully handled many car accident claims for our California clients. Our legal team is well-versed in the state’s car accident laws and what it takes to obtain a maximized settlement. We can help you evaluate the strength of your claim and determine the right path forward, whether that means accepting a settlement agreement offered by an insurance company or taking them to court to push for a more favorable result. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation today.