- You typically only pay car accident lawyer fees in New York if you win a settlement or verdict.
- In New York, lawyers using a contingency fee structure must charge no more than 33.33 percent of the client’s award.
In New York, car accident lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning their payment comes as a percentage of the compensation they recover for you. For instance, if you receive a $100,000 settlement and the agreed-upon fee is 30 percent, your lawyer would earn $30,000, and you’d take home the remaining $70,000.
At Chopra & Nocerino, we handle most car accident cases under this type of arrangement. You don’t pay anything upfront, and you owe nothing unless we win. Below, we break down how contingency fees work and why having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can make a difference.
Types of Fee Structures Used by Injury and Accident Attorneys
When looking for a car accident attorney in New York, the fee structures you might encounter include contingency, hourly, flat, and retainer fees.
Contingency Fees
The vast majority of personal injury lawyers use a contingency fee structure. Personal injury clients often face financial hardships that make paying out of pocket challenging. This structure allows clients to get quality representation regardless of their ability to pay for it personally.
Under New York State law, personal injury contingency fees may not exceed 33.33 percent. Fees often vary between firms and even between different cases at the same firm.
If the lawyer doesn’t successfully win compensation, the client pays nothing. If the lawyer does win compensation, their fee is a percentage of the total amount won.
Are Contingency Fees Negotiable?
Yes, contingency fees are usually negotiable. However, you may only negotiate the amount before you sign a contract with the lawyer. The negotiated percentage becomes binding once you have signed a contingency fee agreement.
Hourly Rates
In rare circumstances, personal injury attorneys may charge a client an hourly rate. This is a type of fee structure in which the lawyer bills the client a set amount for each hour they work on their case. The client pays the attorney when the charges are incurred.
Flat Fee
Flat fees are also rare in car accident cases. This fee structure requires the client to pay a set amount for the attorney’s legal services upfront. It covers the full scope of the case, regardless of how much time and effort the attorney puts into it.
Retainer Fees
Retainer fees are another uncommon personal injury fee structure in which the lawyer is paid upfront. A retainer fee doesn’t cover the full scope of the case. Instead, it acts as a deposit, and the client may pay additional fees for the attorney’s work as the case progresses.
Why Pay a Car Accident Lawyer if I Can Represent Myself?
While it is possible to handle your car accident claim on your own, doing so is likely not in your best interests. Insurance companies don’t want to pay you what your case is worth, and they’ll do everything in their power to reduce your compensation. If representing yourself, you may easily say something that hurts your case or overlook important details that could strengthen it.
A car accident attorney is an experienced legal professional who has handled hundreds or thousands of similar claims. They understand how the New York claims process works and can anticipate the insurance company’s tactics. Having the right lawyer on your side can significantly improve your chances of getting fair compensation.
Working with a reputable law firm provides an even greater advantage. It means you’ll have a diverse team of legal professionals reviewing your case, gathering evidence, and working diligently to meet deadlines. The last thing you need while dealing with an injury is the stress of managing a legal claim alone, and partnering with a law firm can alleviate that burden for you.
Common Expenses and Costs in New York Car Accident Injury Claims
Lawyers’ fees are not the only costs you’ll incur when filing a car accident injury claim in New York. Our attorneys cover all the additional costs upfront. You won’t have to pay them if we don’t win your case, but we may deduct them from your settlement or verdict if you win.
Possible expenses may include:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Fees for obtaining documents, such as medical records and police reports
- Travel expenses, if your case requires you to travel for medical exams or court appearances
- Postage, copying, and printing expenses
Contact Chopra & Nocerino To Learn About Our Fee Structure
Each law firm has a different way of handling lawyers’ fees for a car accident. If you or a loved one was injured in a New York car accident, we can help you seek fair compensation for your damages without upfront costs.
This starts with a free consultation where we can explain your legal options and help you understand how our fee structure works. Contact us online or call (855) NYC-HURT today to get started.
