Understanding car accident lawyer fees

Weiss Attorneys offers a free consultation for California accident injuries. Accepted matters use a written contingency fee agreement explaining attorney fees and case costs. Request a consultation or call (213) 583-0977.

How does a contingency fee work?

The attorney fee depends on a recovery under the agreement. Ask the percentage, when it changes, and whether it is calculated before or after costs. Review your signed agreement rather than relying on an online percentage.

Attorney fees and case expenses are different

Expenses may include filing, service, depositions, record retrieval, investigation and expert work. Ask who advances and ultimately pays expenses, including if there is no recovery. A contingency fee does not promise unlimited expert spending or automatically waive every cost.

Ask about your expected net recovery

The gross settlement is different from the amount the client receives. Attorney fees, reimbursable expenses, medical liens and other applicable obligations may affect the net amount. Ask for an itemized explanation before deciding on an offer.

A hypothetical fee calculation

On a hypothetical $100,000 recovery, a one-third fee on the gross amount and $5,000 in reimbursable expenses leave approximately $61,666.67 before medical liens and other obligations. This is arithmetic only, not our fee quote or a prediction. Calculating fees after costs changes the result.

Questions to ask before signing

  • What percentage applies, and when can it change?
  • Is it calculated before or after costs?
  • Who advances records, deposition and expert expenses?
  • What might I owe if there is no recovery?
  • What happens if representation ends early?

What should I bring to a free consultation?

Bring the crash date, photographs, insurance correspondence, treatment information and any written offer. Tell us if another lawyer represents you so existing fee and cost obligations can be discussed.

Do I owe costs if there is no recovery?

That depends on the written agreement. Attorney fees and expenses are separate questions; ask about both before signing.

Does an inquiry create representation?

No. The firm must accept the matter and enter a written agreement. Read the State Bar guidance on fees and billing.

Discuss your accident and proposed representation with Weiss Attorneys. Request a free consultation or call (213) 583-0977. Review our California car accident lawyer page. Attorney fees and responsibility for case expenses are governed by the written agreement. Hablamos Español.