How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer can be confusing and overwhelming. Unfortunately, for many victims, this can keep them from seeking out legal guidance that can help them recover the compensation they deserve. 

The legal experts at Bernstein & Maryanoff are committed to simplifying cost breakdown, so you get a clear understanding of the cost associated with working with our team. This commitment to victims has allowed us to be a leading Miami, Florida personal injury law firm.

There is no upfront cost when you work with our team 

Like most law firms, our lawyers operate on a contingency fee. This means you won’t have to pay any upfront costs, and you only pay when we win your case. This allows you to focus on getting quality representation and puts your attention on the healing process rather than the stress of wondering how you’ll pay for legal representation. 

Contingency fee agreements

Contingency fee agreements allow a client to seek the representation of an attorney without the burden of paying for the legal representation up front. Instead, contingency fees allow a lawyer to get paid once they help their client recover money for their losses. 

A car accident lawyer will charge a percentage of the damages the client is awarded. The specific percentages vary by law firm and client. It also depends on whether the case gets settled or goes to trial. 

Typically, however, contingency fees can range anywhere from 22% to 40%, with average costs hovering around 33%. The length of the case can also impact the contingency fee. For example, if your case settles quickly, the fee could hover around 22 to 25%, whereas a longer case might be charged upwards of 40%. 

Benefits of contingency fee agreements

Contingency fee agreements are one of the best fee structures available as they allow victims to seek legal representation without the burden of cost hanging over them. 

Contingency fees also incentivize lawyers to work harder and quickly to resolve a case. After all, they will only receive payment for their services once they’ve helped their clients recover compensation. 

What is the cost when we win my case?

At Bernstein & Maryanoff, our legal team is committed to working with car accident victims regardless of their financial standing. Our lawyers work on contingency, meaning you won’t pay until we win your case. 

We understand that all car accident victims and the circumstances of their cases are unique. Our team is committed to understanding the details of your case so we can offer the best contingency fee structure to represent you. 

Initial consultations are free and allow us to have a better understanding of your legal needs. During the initial consultation, our team will: 

• Get to know you, what happened, and the injuries and losses you’ve sustained
• Discuss who was at fault and which parties may be held responsible
• Go over possible plans of action and legal avenues
• Go over any major obstacles in your case
• Discuss possible outcomes 
• Offer an opportunity allowing you to ask questions or voice concerns you have about your case
• Discuss contingency fee structures
• Discuss the next steps in your case 

Is hiring a car accident lawyer worth it?

In most situations, yes. It can be extremely beneficial to hire a car accident lawyer. While minor fender benders can be quickly resolved without legal support, more major car accidents that result in total property loss, injury, and even death can benefit significantly when taken on by a car accident lawyer. 

Working with a car accident attorney allows you to navigate the many layers involved in complicated car accident cases. If your car accident involved a commercial vehicle like a semi-truck or was the result of a company or government entity’s negligence, a lawyer can help you represent your best interests to the fullest extent of the law. 

What does a car accident lawyer do?

A car accident attorney can help you beyond just offering legal counsel. When you work with an experienced Miami car accident attorney like the team at Bernstein & Maryanoff, you’ll have the guidance and support you need as you navigate the road forward. 

Our attorneys will help you do the following: 

• Assess your case and determine the best possible legal avenues 
• Discuss possible outcomes 
• File an insurance claim or pursue other forms of legal action 
• Communicate with the insurance companies, lawyers, and other third parties on your behalf 
• Negotiate higher settlement amounts 
• Represent you in a court of law if a settlement is not successful 
• Complete and file important documentation in a timely manner
• Gather evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony to strengthen your case 
• Keep you updated and in the loop throughout the process of your case

How long do you have to file a car accident claim?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Florida, you have 14 days to file a claim with your personal injury provider insurance according to Florida Statute § 95.11(1)(a). If you take additional legal action by filing a personal injury lawsuit, Florida Statute § 95.11(4)(d) requires you to do so within two years from the date of your accident. 

If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s important to take action quickly. Insurance company policies and Florida law impose strict rules about when a claim or additional legal action needs to be filed. This is because the sooner you file a claim, the quicker it can be resolved. Important evidence is still present and can be collected, and negligent parties can still analyze this evidence in order to defend themselves against the claims made against them. 

Call Miami’s top car accident lawyers today

You have legal rights and options if you’ve been involved in a car accident in Miami, Florida. Even if you’re not ready to commit to working with a lawyer, contacting our team to get an assessment of your case allows you to explore your legal options, possible outcomes, and more. 

Sources:

Beiber, C. (2023). Car Accident Lawyer Fees 2023 Guide.

FlA. STAT. § 95.11(1)(a) (2023).

FlA. STAT. § 95.11(4)(d) (2023).