How Are Michigan Car Accident Lawyer Fees Determined?
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There is extensive research on the benefits of hiring an experienced lawyer if you are injured in a car accident. Studies show plaintiffs who hire attorneys win twice as many cases and receive at least three times more money than those without legal representation. However, many victims hesitate to hire attorneys because they fear the cost will be too high. Here is an overview of how Michigan car accident lawyer fees work and why a No Fee Guarantee® is important.
Do You Have a Case?DO I HAVE TO PAY MY MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER UP FRONT?
No. Personal injury attorneys, which includes car accident lawyers, take cases “on “contingency.” According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a contingency is something that is possible or likely – but not certain – to occur. In the realm of personal injury, lawyers may believe a case is likely to be successful but they cannot guarantee the outcome.
Therefore, Michigan car accident lawyers take cases subject to, or contingent upon, the end result. This allows clients to benefit from high-quality legal representation without spending money up front.
Attorneys who work on contingency do not collect their fees until the case is resolved and compensation is paid by the defendant. Then, the lawyer’s fees are deducted, along with any out-of-pocket expenses that accrued during the case, and the client receives the remainder.
HOW MUCH WILL MY MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER MAKE ON MY CASE?
Contingency fees for personal injury lawyers are regulated by Michigan law, which caps car accident lawyer fees at one-third (33.33 percent) of the settlement or verdict.
For example, if an auto accident case settles for $300,000, the lawyer receives one-third of this amount, or $100,000, and the client receives $200,000 minus any case-related expenses.
Therefore, because their fees depend on the size of the verdict or settlement, most Michigan car accident lawyers will fight to win the maximum amount of compensation for their clients.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A CONTINGENCY FEE IN A MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT CASE?
Both clients and attorneys benefit from a contingency fee agreement. Here are some of the advantages:
- Seriously injured clients can have the benefits of hiring a knowledgeable car accident lawyer without paying up-front costs or unaffordable hourly rates
- Car accident lawyers who work on contingency are highly motivated to fight for the largest possible verdicts and settlements.
- Clients do not have to cover out-of-pocket expenses such as including obtaining and copying documents, postage, filing fees and expert witnesses until the case is resolved
- Because car accident lawyers do not take cases with little chance of winning, they provide clients with realistic case assessments, including potential compensation
- Experienced car accident attorneys help clients obtain No-Fault benefits such as lost wages, replacement services and excess medical expenses in addition to intangible damages such as pain and suffering
WILL I HAVE ANY OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES?
Most accident attorneys cover out-of-pocket expenses while the case is ongoing and deduct these costs from the client’s compensation after the case is complete.
Here is a list of common out-of-pocket expenses for a typical car accident case:
- Filing fees
- Mileage/Travel expenses
- Photocopying documents
- Obtaining medical records
- Expert witness fees
- Postage
- Hiring investigators when needed
- Deposition costs
WHAT IS THE BERNSTEIN NO FEE GUARANTEE®?
For more than 50 years, our clients have trusted in our No Fee Guarantee®. It’s a promise we made when our firm began and continues to uphold today. The terms are straightforward and they apply to every case we take.
We don’t get paid until we win.
If you do not receive compensation after your case is resolved, neither do we.
It’s that simple.
Contact our experienced Michigan car accident lawyers today to learn how we can help you and your family get the settlement you deserve.
WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK A MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER BEFORE SIGNING AN AGREEMENT?
While you should feel comfortable asking questions at any time during a case, it is a good idea to ask certain questions before signing a contract or fee agreement:
- Will you be handling my claim or will it be assigned to another lawyer?
- How long will it take to receive compensation?
- What kind of settlement (or verdict) can I expect?
- What out-of-pocket expenses will I be charged for?
- Will I have to pay those expenses if my case is not successful?
- What are the chances my case will go to trial?
- Will a trial involve additional out-of-pocket expenses?
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS TODAY
If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan traffic crash, we can help. Our experienced car accident lawyers have the skills, knowledge and resources to build a winning case so you receive the compensation you deserve.
Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan car accident lawyer is simple.
Get your case started today by filling out the brief form below or contacting us for a free, no-obligation remote consultation from the safety of your home.
Do You Have a Case?
