Key Takeaways:
- Most car accident lawyers work on contingency, so you only pay if you win.
- A lawyer is essential for serious injuries, disputed liability, or insurance delays.
- Legal costs like court fees and expert witnesses may apply, but many firms cover them upfront.
Car accidents can turn your world upside down in an instant. The aftermath is often overwhelming, with medical bills piling up, lost wages affecting your finances, and insurance companies pressuring you into quick settlements. In the middle of all this chaos, hiring a lawyer might seem like just another expense—but the truth is, legal representation could be the key to securing compensation. But how much does it actually cost to hire a car accident lawyer in New York? Let’s break it down.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
One of the biggest concerns for accident victims is the cost of hiring legal representation. Fortunately, most car accident lawyers—including Lambrou Law—work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. Instead, your attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation for you.
At Lambrou Law, this fee structure allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about immediate legal expenses. If your lawyer wins your case, they receive a percentage of your settlement or court award. If they don’t win, you owe nothing.
How Does a Contingency Fee Agreement Work?
A contingency fee agreement ensures that legal costs are not a barrier to justice. Here’s how it works:
- No Upfront Payment: You don’t need to pay anything when you hire a lawyer.
- Attorney’s Fee Comes From Your Settlement: They receive a predetermined percentage, typically 33 1/3 to 40%.
- No Win, No Fee: If your lawyer doesn’t win your case, you don’t pay any legal fees.
This arrangement aligns the lawyer’s interests with yours—they are motivated to maximize your compensation. It also means that accident victims can afford top-tier legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Not every accident requires legal representation. If injuries are minimal or non-existent, you can likely handle the accident through insurance alone. Be sure to fill out a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident Form within 10 days of the accident to help your insurance understand your case.
However, there are situations where hiring a lawyer is crucial. In New York, you should consider legal assistance if:
- You sustained serious injuries that required medical treatment or resulted in long-term disability.
- The accident involved multiple vehicles or commercial trucks.
- The insurance company is delaying, underpaying, or denying your claim.
- You are facing significant medical expenses and lost wages due to the accident.
- There is a dispute over liability, and the other party blames you.
- A hit-and-run driver or an uninsured/underinsured motorist caused the crash.
New York follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning minor accident claims are usually handled through personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, if your injuries are severe and exceed the no-fault threshold, you have the right to pursue additional compensation through a lawsuit.
What Other Costs Can I Anticipate for a Car Accident Claim?
Beyond attorney fees, other costs may arise during a car accident claim. Some of these expenses include:
- Court filing fees: Costs for initiating a lawsuit if your case goes to court.
- Expert witness fees: Payment for specialists such as accident reconstructionists or medical experts who support your case.
- Medical record fees: Charges for obtaining copies of your medical records.
- Deposition costs: Fees associated with taking sworn witness statements.
- Investigation expenses: Costs related to gathering evidence, such as obtaining police reports or surveillance footage.
Many personal injury law firms cover these costs upfront and deduct them from your final settlement so you’re not burdened with expenses as your case progresses.
Why Choose Lambrou Law for Your Car Accident Case?
Lambrou Law has a proven track record of helping car accident victims in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida recover compensation. Our clients have secured millions in settlements from car accidents where they were severely injured. Our expertise covers:
- Severe Car Accidents: Navigating complications to maximize your compensation.
- Serious Truck Accidents: Holding large commercial vehicles accountable for negligence in accidents.
- Motorcycle Accidents: Advocating for injured motorcyclists despite insurance bias.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Lambrou Law is here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.
