After a car accident, you’re likely dealing with a lot — physical pain, medical bills, and the stress of lost income. One of the first questions people ask when considering legal help is: “How much does a car accident lawyer cost?” It’s an understandable concern, especially when you’re already facing unexpected financial pressure.
The good news? Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, the lawyer’s fee is taken as a percentage of the compensation they recover for you — whether through a settlement or a court award. If they don’t win your case, you don’t owe them a fee.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we believe every injury victim deserves strong legal representation without worrying about legal fees up front. That’s why we offer a free consultation to help you understand your rights, evaluate your car accident case, and explain how our fee structure works in clear terms.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- How contingency fees work
- What other legal costs may apply
- How much car accident lawyers typically charge
- Why hiring an attorney is often worth the cost
We’re here to help you make an informed decision — because knowing your legal options is the first step toward fair compensation.
When you hire a car accident lawyer, you’re not usually expected to pay anything out of pocket up front. That’s because most car accident attorneys use a contingency fee arrangement — a payment structure designed to make legal representation accessible to injury victims regardless of their financial situation.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee means your lawyer only gets paid if they recover money for you through a settlement or court award. If you don’t win, you don’t owe them any attorney fees. This “no win, no fee” model shifts the financial risk away from the client and onto the law firm.
Typical Contingency Fee Percentages
The percentage a lawyer takes as their fee usually falls between 25% and 40% of the total recovery. Here’s a general breakdown:
- 25% to 33% if your case settles before a lawsuit is filed
- Up to 40% if your case proceeds to litigation or trial
The exact amount will be outlined in a fee agreement you sign at the start of representation. This agreement ensures you fully understand how much the lawyer will receive based on how your case progresses.
Why This Fee Structure Benefits Injury Victims
Contingency fees allow accident victims to:
- Get legal help without upfront costs
- Access high-quality representation regardless of income
- Align interests with the attorney, who only gets paid if you do
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we use contingency fee agreements because we believe everyone should have access to legal support after an accident — not just those who can afford to pay hourly.
When Contingency Fees Might Vary
While most car accident lawyers follow a standard contingency fee range, that percentage isn’t set in stone. Several factors can influence the exact amount a law firm charges, and it’s important to understand what might affect the final fee in your case.
Factors That Can Change the Fee Percentage
- Stage of the case: If your claim is settled quickly during negotiations with the insurance company, your lawyer may charge a lower fee (typically around 25%–33%). However, if the case needs to be litigated or taken to trial, the fee may rise to 35%–40% to reflect the additional time and resources required.
- Case complexity: Cases involving multiple parties, disputed liability, commercial vehicles, or catastrophic injuries often demand more investigation and expert testimony. That can sometimes justify a higher contingency fee.
- Appeals or post-trial motions: If your case requires an appeal or post-trial representation, a new fee structure may apply based on the extended effort involved.
Can You Negotiate a Lower Fee?
Some law firms — including ours — may be open to adjusting the contingency fee based on:
- The strength of your case
- The potential settlement amount
- Whether liability is clear and damages are well documented
Transparency matters. At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we take time to explain how our fee structure applies to your unique case and whether any adjustments are possible. Our goal is always to recover the maximum compensation for you while maintaining fairness in fees.
Other Types of Legal Fee Structures
While contingency fees are by far the most common payment model for car accident cases, it’s helpful to understand the other types of fee structures that some attorneys may offer — especially for limited or complex legal services.
Flat Fees
A flat fee is a fixed, one-time charge for specific legal services. This structure is rare in full personal injury cases but may apply to tasks like:
- Drafting a demand letter
- Reviewing a settlement offer
- Preparing a small claims filing
Typical flat fees for such services range from $300 to $1,000, depending on the complexity of the task.
Hourly Fees
Hourly billing means you pay for your attorney’s time — usually billed in 15-minute or 30-minute increments. While standard in some areas of law, it’s uncommon in car accident cases unless the work is:
- Highly complex or specialized (e.g., appeals, coverage disputes)
- Outside the scope of the original contingency agreement
Hourly rates for personal injury attorneys typically range from $100 to $500 per hour, and costs can escalate quickly.
Retainers and Hybrid Models
Some firms may request a retainer fee — an upfront payment against future legal work. In rare cases, a firm may use a hybrid model, combining a lower contingency percentage with some hourly work or flat-fee tasks.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we find that the contingency fee structure offers the best balance of affordability, access, and aligned interests for our clients. We’re always clear about how fees are calculated so there are no surprises down the road.
Additional Legal Costs Beyond Attorney Fees
When hiring a car accident lawyer, it’s important to understand that the contingency fee covers attorney services — but not necessarily all the costs of the case. These additional expenses are often necessary to build a strong claim and secure fair compensation.
Common Case-Related Expenses
Here are some of the most typical costs in a car accident case:
- Court filing fees: Required to initiate a lawsuit if the case doesn’t settle
- Medical records: Essential for proving injury severity and treatment costs
- Expert witness fees: Medical experts, accident reconstructionists, or financial analysts may be needed to support your case
- Deposition and transcript costs: If witnesses are questioned under oath
- Investigation expenses: Hiring private investigators or obtaining surveillance footage
These are known as litigation costs or case expenses, and they are separate from your attorney’s contingency fee.
Who Pays These Costs?
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we typically advance these expenses on behalf of our clients — meaning you don’t pay out of pocket as the case progresses. Instead, these costs are reimbursed from your settlement or court award only if we win.
However, not all law firms follow this policy. Some may require you to pay certain expenses upfront or may seek reimbursement even if the case is unsuccessful.
Ask This Up Front:
- Will the firm front all costs?
- What happens if the case is lost — will I still owe anything?
- Will I get a full breakdown of expenses at the end?
We believe in complete transparency. Before we begin work on your case, we’ll walk you through all potential additional costs and how they’ll be handled.
Sample Cost Breakdown: What Clients Might Pay
To help you better understand how legal fees and case costs affect your final compensation, here’s a realistic example of what a car accident settlement might look like when working with a lawyer on a contingency fee basis.
Example Scenario
Let’s say you were injured in a car crash and your attorney negotiates a $100,000 settlement on your behalf.
Here’s how the numbers might break down:
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Settlement | $100,000 |
| Attorney Contingency Fee (33%) | -$33,000 |
| Case Expenses (e.g., records, expert fees) | -$5,000 |
| Client Receives | $62,000 |
✅ No upfront payment required
✅ All legal fees and expenses are deducted from the final settlement
❗ Note: If the case had gone to trial, the attorney fee might increase to 40%, and litigation costs could be higher.
Why Transparency Matters
Before you sign a fee agreement, your lawyer should explain:
- What percentage they’ll take under different scenarios (settlement vs. trial)
- What types of expenses might come out of your recovery
- Whether you’ll owe anything if the case is unsuccessful
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we make sure our clients have a clear and detailed understanding of all potential costs from day one. You focus on healing — we’ll handle the rest.
The Value of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Some people hesitate to hire a lawyer because they worry about attorney fees. But the truth is, working with a skilled car accident attorney often leads to significantly higher compensation — even after legal fees are deducted.
Represented Clients Recover More
According to insurance industry data, injured people who hire lawyers often recover three times more than those who try to handle a claim on their own. That’s because an experienced attorney knows:
- How to calculate the true value of your claim
- How to gather and present compelling evidence
- How to negotiate with insurance companies who try to settle low
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we fight to ensure that your compensation reflects all of your damages, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket costs like property damage or transportation to treatment
No Upfront Risk
With a contingency fee agreement, there’s no financial risk to hiring a car accident lawyer. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us anything in attorney fees. That peace of mind lets you focus on recovery while we handle the legal process.
Why It’s Worth It
Think of it this way: a lawyer’s job isn’t just to get a settlement — it’s to get the maximum settlement possible, factoring in every loss you’ve suffered. That can make a life-changing difference in your recovery and financial stability.
Questions to Ask About Fee Agreements
Before signing on with any car accident lawyer, it’s important to fully understand how you’ll be charged. A clear, written fee agreement protects both you and the attorney — and helps avoid misunderstandings later in the case.
Here are some essential questions to ask during your free consultation:
🔹 What is your contingency fee percentage?
- Ask if the percentage changes based on whether the case settles or goes to trial.
- Common range: 25%–33% for settlements, up to 40% if trial is required.
🔹 Who pays for case-related costs?
- Will the law firm advance litigation costs, like court fees and expert witness charges?
- Will you owe anything if the case is unsuccessful?
🔹 Is the fee negotiable?
- Some firms are willing to adjust fees based on the complexity of the case or the expected recovery amount.
🔹 What services are included in the fee?
- Ensure that you’re not being billed separately for things like client communication, document drafting, or court appearances.
🔹 Will I receive a full breakdown at the end?
- A good firm will provide a detailed closing statement showing exactly how much was recovered, what fees and expenses were deducted, and what you receive.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we go over all of these points with our clients during the initial consultation — and we don’t move forward until you feel confident and informed.
Choosing the Right Accident Lawyer
Finding the right lawyer can impact both your settlement and your peace of mind. Look for someone with a proven track record in car accident cases, who offers clear communication and a free consultation.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we take pride in giving every case the time and attention it deserves. We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to — from day one.
Why Fair Compensation Matters
A car accident can leave you with more than just physical injuries — it can disrupt your finances, your job, and your daily life. That’s why it’s critical to pursue full and fair compensation.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we work to recover everything you’re owed, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
Insurance companies may try to settle quickly and cheaply. Our job is to make sure you don’t leave money on the table — and to fight for what your recovery truly requires.
Calculating Damages and Compensation
Every car accident case is different, and so is the compensation you may be entitled to. A lawyer’s role is to make sure no part of your losses is overlooked.
Key Types of Damages
- Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, medication, future treatment
- Lost Wages: Time missed from work, plus any reduction in your earning ability
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact on your quality of life
- Other Losses: Property damage, transportation costs, or out-of-pocket expenses
How Attorneys Help
Experienced car accident lawyers use medical records, expert opinions, and financial documents to calculate the full scope of your damages — not just what the insurance company offers upfront.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we carefully document your losses and fight for the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.
Navigating the Claims Process
Dealing with a car accident claim on your own can be overwhelming. From paperwork to deadlines and insurance company tactics, the process can feel stacked against you. That’s where a lawyer makes a real difference.
What a Car Accident Lawyer Does for You
- Handles all communication with insurance companies
- Gathers evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Builds your case and calculates damages
- Negotiates aggressively for a fair settlement
- Prepares for trial, if necessary
Focus on Recovery — We’ll Handle the Rest
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we guide our clients through every step of the process — from the first phone call to the final resolution. You don’t have to face the insurance companies or the legal system alone.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve — Without the Upfront Cost
Hiring a car accident lawyer doesn’t have to be expensive — and in most cases, you pay nothing unless your lawyer wins your case. With contingency fees, no upfront costs, and the potential to recover significantly more in compensation, legal representation is not just affordable — it’s often the smartest move you can make after a crash.
At The Law Offices of Peter Briskin, P.C., we understand how overwhelming this time can be. That’s why we offer free consultations, transparent fee agreements, and compassionate legal guidance every step of the way.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Jersey or New York, don’t wait. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us today at (908) 279-7979 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation.
