How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost in California?
Highlights:
Get the Facts from Frank
Frank explains how car accident attorneys get paid in California
How to breakdown the fees in an accident case?
What happens in an early settlement?
What happens if your case goes to trial?
How long does it take to settle a case?
Is a settlement from a car accident taxable?
How Do Car Accident Attorneys Get Paid in California?
Chris and Frank Accident Attorneys is a personal injury law firm located in Newport Beach, California, with several offices across California.
I am Frank Fasel. Chris Guldjian and I partnered together to become the best accident attorneys in California.
How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost in California?
In California, car accident attorneys typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case and you recover compensation.
The fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or court award, generally ranging from 33% to 40%.
The exact percentage can vary depending on factors like the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial
Here's a More Detailed Breakdown of the Fees
Contingency Fees:
Attorneys take a percentage of the recovery, settlement or court award, as their fee.
This means you don’t pay any upfront fee.
This is the most common arrangement for car accident cases in California.
Fee Range:
In California, the contingency fee generally falls between 33% and 45% of the settlement or court award.
Early Settlements:
If your case settles quickly, before going to trial, the attorney may charge a lower percentage, such as 33%.
Your Case Goes to Trial:
If your case goes to trial, the attorney may charge a higher percentage, such as 45%
This is to account for the increased time and resources involved.
Other Fees:
In addition to the contingency fee, there may be other costs associated with your case.
Such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, accident reports, and medical records.
These costs are often deducted from your final settlement payment.
Case Complexity:
The complexity of your case can also influence the percentage.
More complex cases leading to a higher percentage being charge.
Example How Car Accident Attorneys in California Get Paid
If your attorney charges a 33% contingency fee and you receive a settlement of $100,000.
The attorney would receive $33,000 and you would receive $67,000.
Important Considerations
Most attorneys offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and fee arrangements.
Some attorneys may be willing to negotiate the percentage, especially if your case is complex or if you have a very strong case.
Be sure to carefully review and understand the contingency fee agreement before signing it, discussing any confusing terms with your attorney.
How Long Does it Take to Settle a Car Accident Case in California?
Depending on the complexity and opposing party a case can take as short as 1 month or 2 months.
However, the most complex case could take years.
Is a Settlement from a Car Accident Taxable?
We get that question quite often.
Generally, personal injury accident settlements are not taxable because they deal with medical bills and pain suffering.
Why are Contingency Fees Used?
In short, Chris and Frank Accident Attorneys is a personal injury firm specializing in a variety of accident cases, committed to securing favorable settlements for our clients and offering support services throughout the legal process.
Contingency fees are used most often in accidents and personal injury lawsuits or worker’s compensation cases where money is being claimed.
A contingency fee arrangement can be beneficial as it aligns the attorney’s interests with yours, as they are motivated to secure the highest possible compensation since their fee depends on it.
With Chris and Frank: No Fees Until We Win Your Case.
Reasons to Hire Us
Choosing the right attorney is a big decision, and we’re confident that Chris and Frank Accident Attorneys is your best choice. Here’s why:
- Proven Results: We know how to win with a 99% success rate and over $100 million recovered for our clients.
- Top-Rated Team: Our 5 star Google reviews speak for themselves. Clients consistently praise our dedication, expertise, and results.
- VIP Concierge Services: We go above and beyond for our clients. Need a rental car? Help with medical treatment? Cash advances to cover lost income? We’ve got you covered.
- No Fees Until We Win: You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees in addition to everything else. That’s why we only get paid if you win.
- Bilingual Services: Se habla español. Our Spanish-speaking team is here to help.
- Convenient Locations: With offices throughout California, we’re always nearby when you need us.
- Personalized Attention: At Chris and Frank, we treat every client like family. We understand that no two cases are the same, so we take the time to understand your unique situation and craft a tailored strategy.
Hiring an attorney can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time dealing with a legal issue. But at Chris and Frank, we make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
From the moment you call us for a free consultation to the day you receive your settlement check, we’re with you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is critical to have all injuries checked by medical professionals immediately after an accident. Whether by ambulance, emergency room, urgent care facility or family doctor it is important to have all injuries examined immediately after an accident. We can help you find medical treatment near you.
It is important to remember that California state laws impose a time limit on your accident case. Accident victims must use the appropriate timetable to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, vocational rehabilitation, physical pain, and emotional suffering. This is called the “statute of limitations.” This limit can be as brief as 180 days, or as long as 2 years. So don’t wait to talk to our attorneys.
Our free personal injury and accident settlement calculator offers potential estimated amounts you might offer to settle a personal injury, or pain and suffering like related to a car accident. If you have been injured, you may be eligible to file a legal claim to recover medical costs and lost wages. See our Free Accident Settlement Calculator
Not every accident requires an attorney to navigate the process to getting to a cash settlement quickly. But anyone who has been injured in an accident would be wise to speak with an experienced accident attorney. Call us for a Free Consultation. We have helped thousands of people like you improve their case as a direct result of our Free Consultation.
Contingency fees are used most often in accidents and personal injury lawsuits or worker’s compensation cases where money is being claimed. According to the American Bar Association, a client pays contingency fees to an accident attorney only if the attorney handles the case successfully. With Chris and Frank: No Fees Until We Win Your Case.
We know how to win cases. Our success rate is better than 99%. We have the best 5-Star Google reviews. While our compassionate team of experts focuses on getting the best settlement for you, you can focus on recovery and getting better.
We are Ready to Help You with Your Accident Case Now! Call Chris and Frank For a Free Consultation with an Attorney! Se Habla Español