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You’ll undoubtedly need the assistance of a truck accident attorney following a collision, but you might be concerned about the fees. This is especially true if you are submitting your first personal injury claim. A lawyer cannot usually charge fixed costs in a truck accident claim. However, it’s typical for most personal injury attorneys to follow a similar schedule of fees.
The days following a crash involving a semi, big rig, and other enormous trucks can be daunting. As you start dealing with your medical bills, lost wages, and damaged vehicles, you could wonder whether you will pursue lawsuits to fight for your rights.
There is good news if you are concerned about the expense of hiring truck accident lawyers. The experienced attorneys at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., will take your truck accident injury case without having to worry about acceptance fees.
Don’t let your worries about the price tag of your legal representative stop you from pursuing your claims. Our legal team frequently accepts personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, rather than charging hourly rates. This means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. However, there may be case-related costs, which our attorneys will discuss with you so you know what to expect.
If you were hurt in a truck collision, speaking with an attorney who understands these cases can help you better understand your legal options and the potential value of your claim. Scheduling a free consultation with one of our attorneys can also provide you with a clearer understanding of how we handle cases and how our professional fees and case-related costs are determined.
How Much Does A Top Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee. This means they receive payment only if they win your case, taking a percentage of the compensation they recover for you rather than charging an upfront fee.
Lawyers with strong experience in truck accident cases may charge a higher percentage of the settlement. Their skill and background can significantly impact the outcome of your case, which is why their services may be more expensive.
Hiring a lawyer who understands truck accident claims can make a big difference. The right attorney will explain the process, evaluate all your damages, including medical bills and pain and suffering, and work to get you the best possible outcome. Even though choosing an experienced lawyer may feel like a big decision, it often leads to better support and a more complete recovery of the compensation you need.
How Contingency Fees Work
Many personal injury attorneys use a contingency fee arrangement, which means clients do not pay attorney’s fees unless the attorney recovers compensation on their behalf. If your case results in a settlement or court award, the attorney deducts their fee as an agreed-upon percentage of that amount. There may also be case-related costs, which the attorney will discuss with the client.
The Benefits Of Hiring Lawyers On A Contingency Basis Are As Follows:
- No upfront attorney’s fees because you can start your case without paying out of pocket.
- Attorney’s fees are collected only upon recovery of compensation, so you do not owe attorney’s fees if your lawyer is unsuccessful.
- Your interests align with those of your attorney, as their fee is a percentage of any compensation obtained.
- You avoid hourly billing, which helps reduce financial risk during the case.
- The fee comes from an agreed-upon percentage of the recovery, making the cost structure clear.
- There may be case-related costs, and your attorney will explain these so you know what to expect.
Why Can’t I Strike A Deal On My Own?
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a truck accident, you may consider negotiating with the insurance company or any other responsible parties on your own. However, doing so can put you at a disadvantage.
Insurance and trucking companies may contact you quickly with an initial settlement offer. Although their representatives may sound courteous, their goal is to resolve the claim for as little as possible. Once you accept a settlement, it is very difficult to revisit or increase the amount, and early offers often do not reflect the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Our accident lawyers at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., can help you understand the true scope of your damages and pursue appropriate compensation from the responsible parties. Our firm has access to accident investigators and reconstruction professionals who can strengthen your claim. Having someone who advocates for your interests can make the negotiation process more informed and balanced.
What Are The Average Contingency Fees For Accident Lawyers?
The contingency fee an attorney charges can vary, and several factors come into play before finalization of the fee structure. Instead of a single standard rate, many truck accident lawyers base their fees on the specific requirements of the case and its progress.
Factors that may affect attorney’s fees include:
- The complexity of the truck accident case.
- The amount of investigation and evidence needed.
- Whether the case settles early or requires litigation.
- The time, resources, and experts involved.
- The attorney’s experience and case-handling approach.
Some attorneys also use a sliding-scale contingency fee, where the fee changes depending on the stage of the case. For example:
- Cases resolved early in the process may involve one fee structure.
- Cases that require filing a lawsuit, mediation, arbitration, or trial preparation may involve a different structure due to the added work and resources required.
Our attorneys can explain how contingency fees work and what factors might apply to your situation. This discussion typically occurs during a complimentary initial consultation, allowing you to understand the arrangement before signing any documents.
Important points to remember:
- Contingency fees and case-related costs will be described in your legal services agreement.
- You can ask your attorney about anything unclear in the contract.
- Fee agreements are contracts, so you may discuss terms before signing.
- According to the American Bar Association, your involvement in certain tasks may affect overall costs, depending on the case.
If your case requires litigation or is moving closer to trial, the fee structure may differ from that of cases settled outside of court, due to the additional time and resources required. Your attorney will guide you through these details, ensuring you know what to expect.
Are There Other Payment Structures When Hiring Truck Accident Lawyers?
While uncommon, some personal injury lawyers may have different payment structures other than the contingency fee. The other options are usually:
- Collecting a Retainer Fee — In a retainer arrangement, personal injury lawyers may request a specific amount as a retainer fee and then collect a contingency fee. If they get you a settlement, the amount you already paid should be deducted from the percentage they take out of your settlement or award.
- Working on a Flat Fee — Another alternative payment schedule is the flat fee. This is common among other types of lawyers, but less so for personal injury attorneys. Flat fees involve one set payment for the lawyer’s services. Some may offer payment plans, but one set fee is still required. Cases with very low complexity may be the only situations where a personal injury lawyer works on a flat fee; however, this is rare.
Contingency Fees Versus Hourly Based Rate
Some attorneys use the billable hour method, where the lawyer tracks the time spent on each case and invoices clients by the minute. The lawyer’s hourly rate determines the overall cost.
A contingency fee arrangement can be helpful for many clients because it does not require paying attorney’s fees up front. In some situations, however, an attorney may choose not to handle a truck accident case on a contingency basis and may instead offer representation through an hourly fee structure.
An attorney’s refusal to accept a case on a contingency basis may be due to factors such as the complexity of the matter, the available evidence, or the resources required. An attorney can explain their reasoning so you understand your options moving forward.
Costs And Expenses In A Truck Accident Case
Depending on your contract with the law firm, you may or may not be responsible for the following costs and expenses:
- Court fees and other litigation costs.
- Price of acquiring medical records.
- Police reports.
- Court reporter fees.
- Expert witness fees or investigator fees.
- Photocopying fees.
- Postage fees.
- Fees associated with depositions, transcripts, and trial exhibits.
While other personal injury law firms will pay all costs and fees, you should expect a personal injury firm to request payment of the expenses mentioned earlier. The costs will be deducted from your settlement or awards. Attorneys deduct fees and case-related costs based on the terms in your contract. Some firms calculate their fee based on the total recovery, while others use the amount remaining after case-related costs. Your attorney will explain their process before you sign.
Law firms may employ various methods for calculating contingency fees. Your attorney will outline their approach during the consultation and answer any questions you have.
Your contract explains who is responsible for case-related costs. Some firms advance these costs and recover them later, while others ask clients to cover certain expenses as they arise.
You can learn more about attorney’s fees and litigation costs in personal injury claims by contacting our truck accident attorneys at Arash Law, owned and operated by Arash Khorsandi Esq.
Payments Deducted From Your Net Settlement
Ask your lawyer whether their fee is calculated from the gross recovery or from the net settlement. The net settlement is the amount remaining after deducting case-related costs. Law firms use different, contract-based methods for calculating fees, and your attorney will explain how their process works before you sign an agreement.
How Your Lawyer Gets Paid Upon Settling Your Claim
Upon resolution of the case and recovery of compensation, the settlement or award check is typically issued to the law firm’s trust account. The contingency fee is then deducted in accordance with the terms outlined in your contract. After the funds are received, you receive notice and an itemized breakdown that shows the attorney’s fee and any case-related costs included in the case.
This structure allows many clients to move forward without paying attorney’s fees upfront, and your agreement will explain how any case-related costs are handled.
Is A Truck Accident Lawyer Worth The Cost?
Many injured people wonder whether the attorney’s fees for their injury claim are worth it, and it is an important question to consider. While you can handle your claim on your own, the process can be difficult after a truck accident. You may need to communicate with insurance companies, gather evidence, meet deadlines, and follow legal procedures that can be confusing if you are unfamiliar with them.
The importance of hiring a lawyer usually increases when a case involves severe injuries, extensive medical care, multiple parties, or disputed liability. These situations can make the claims process more complex, which is why some people choose to seek legal help. By contrast, individuals with very minor injuries sometimes handle simple claims themselves, but this varies from person to person.
A truck accident lawyer from our California team can explain their role during a consultation and may assist with tasks such as:
- Evaluating the facts of the collision.
- Identifying potentially liable parties.
- Documenting and organizing your damages.
- Assessing the value of your losses.
- Investigating the cause of the accident.
- Explaining your legal options.
- Handling communications with insurance companies.
- Managing settlement discussions.
- Preparing legal documents.
- Representing your interests in civil court, if needed.
- Providing ongoing legal guidance throughout the process.
The level of support you may need depends on your individual circumstances, and a consultation can help you understand how a truck accident attorney can assist with your specific situation.
How Injury Lawyers Support Your Claim
Insurance companies may offer settlements that do not fully reflect the extent of your injuries or losses. Navigating these discussions independently can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the claims process. Having an experienced lawyer on your side provides guidance, helps you understand the value of your case, and ensures your interests are represented during negotiations.
The Importance Of Discussing Attorney’s Fees
Clear communication about fees is essential in any attorney-client relationship. Misunderstandings can occur when clients are unsure of the payment structure. While many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, agreements differ in how filing fees, expert costs, and other expenses are addressed.
Before hiring a lawyer, it is helpful to review the fee structure and ask questions about any costs that may arise during the case. Understanding these terms at the start ensures transparency and helps both you and your attorney move forward with clear expectations.
Speak With Our Team Today
If you have questions about your case or the progress of your claim, your attorney can walk you through the details and help you understand each step. Clear communication is an essential part of the attorney-client relationship, and our team is available to address your concerns as they arise.
The truck accident attorneys at Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., assist clients throughout California with navigating the personal injury claims process. We serve all of California, including Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Riverside, San Diego, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, and San Jose.
To discuss your situation, you can schedule a free consultation by calling (888) 488-1391 or contacting us online.
