The legal system is very complicated and is typically beyond the capabilities of the average person. Attorneys are necessary to help people navigate the judicial system and resolve disputes, but their services aren’t free. Clients must pay attorneys for their work. How much lawyers charge for a car accident case in New York will vary from case to case and from attorney to attorney.
Lawyers typically assess fees based on the level of skill and the time required to complete your case. More complex cases usually involve higher fees. Attorneys also consider their skill level and experience. A lawyer with more experience handling cases like yours will probably charge more because they have honed their skills for your benefit. Ultimately, the fees in a car accident case will be spelled out in the fee agreement between the client and the attorney.
If you need a lawyer after a car accident, our Staten Island car accident attorneys can help you without charging unnecessary fees. Talk to the team at The Carrion Law Firm about your case, and we can work out a fee agreement that works for you. Call our offices at (718) 841-0083 for a free legal consultation.
How Legal Fees Are Calculated for Car Accident Cases in New York
The legal fees in your car accident case will be influenced by the time it takes to complete your case. Fees might be assessed based on projected timetables, but fees could also change based on the actual time to perform the work. If your case is closed ahead of schedule, you might pay a bit less than you were initially quoted. Then again, you could end up paying more if your case turns out to be more complicated than originally thought.
Your attorney’s skills and experience also affect the price of their services. Lawyers with years of experience and finely honed legal skills are likely to charge more than novice lawyers still cutting their teeth. This does not mean you should never hire experienced attorneys because they are more costly. A seasoned Hamburg, NY car accident attorney will know how to complete your case quickly without sacrificing work quality.
Complex cases might require an attorney who is experienced in multiple fields. Alternatively, it might require multiple attorneys working together. If your case requires a trial, you must pay for the time and effort your attorneys need to prepare. If you instead agree to settle, you have to pay for the negotiation skills of your lawyer when determining the settlement. Work including research or drafting important documents will also factor into your total fees.
Talk to our New York Car accident lawyers today about your case, and we will work out a fee agreement that meets your needs.
When and How Do I Pay My Attorney for a New York Car Accident Case?
How you pay your attorney will be spelled out in your fee agreement. The fee agreement must be discussed and signed at the outset of representation and may take many different forms:
Flat Rate Fees
A flat fee is usually a one-time fee paid upfront before any legal work begins. This fee is pre-determined and may only increase if you want additional work performed. Flat fees are common for smaller services, such as reviewing a single legal document like a contract or consulting about a legal matter.
Hourly Rates
Some attorneys charge their clients by the hour. Exactly how much each hour is worth is to be worked out between you and your attorney. Lawyers and their staff are responsible for keeping track of their work and how long it takes to perform. You should receive an itemized list of work performed and the time it took to complete.
Retainer Fees
A retainer fee is an amount of money paid to an attorney at the beginning of a case. This is not necessarily the final fee amount. Retainer fees are held in separate accounts, and attorneys deduct from these accounts as they complete work. If your retainer fee is used up before work is complete, you will be asked to refill the account. However, if money is left over upon completing your case, the money may be returned to you.
Contingency Agreements
Contingency fees are paid only if a certain outcome is achieved in your case. These are cases where lawyers like to say, “You don’t pay anything until we win!” This is great for clients who cannot afford upfront fees. However, your attorney’s fees typically come from your damages award. This means any money you win at trial must be split with your Harlem car accident lawyer.
Factors That Might Lead to Higher Attorney Fees for a Car Accident Case in New York
Your total fees might not be set in stone when your attorney begins representation. Numerous factors may cause your fees to change. What kind of evidence is there? Minimal evidence makes for a weak case, which means your attorney might have to put in more work to get the outcome you want. It also means they may have to work to gather more evidence, which will cost more money.
Does your case present a unique or novel legal question? While car accidents are relatively routine cases most of the time, sometimes they can be legally complex. In such cases, lawyers may have to do more research and spend more time on your case to make sure they get the answer right.
The nature of your fee agreement may also influence additional fees. If you agree to pay a flat rate, you will only pay more if the work required exceeds your attorney’s agreed-upon duties. If you agree to a retainer, you are unlikely to pay additional money unless the retainer fee is exhausted before the job is done. Contingency fee agreements involve paying attorneys a percentage of your overall damages award. The more you are awarded, the more your attorney gets paid. Call our Queens car accident lawyers to discuss fee arrangements today.
Call Our New York Car Accident Lawyers
If you were hurt in a car accident and need a lawyer’s help with your case, contact our Bronx car accident attorneys. We can work out a fee agreement that fits your financial situation. Call The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 for a free legal consultation.