What Are Most Lawyers’ Fees for an Accident?
April 22, 2025 | J.L. King, II
Many accident victims do not seek help from accident lawyers because they believe they cannot afford to hire a personal injury attorney. The truth is that you can hire an accident attorney without paying any attorneys’ fees upfront. Keep reading to learn more about contingency fees for accident cases in Macon, GA.
What Is a Contingency Fee for a Personal Injury Case in Macon, GA?
Attorneys may charge varying fees depending on the nature of their services and the structure they use. Many lawyers bill by the hour, often requiring a retainer upfront—typically amounting to several thousand dollars. The retainer covers hourly work, with clients usually receiving itemized monthly invoices for services rendered.
Most personal injury lawyers use contingency fees. A contingency fee does not require any payment upfront. Instead, the client agrees to pay the lawyer a percentage of what they recover for their case.
The attorney will deduct their contingency fee from the settlement or jury verdict they recover for their client. If the attorney loses the case, the client does not owe any attorneys’ fees.
Contingency Fees Benefit Personal Injury and Accident Victims
A contingency fee allows an accident victim to hire an experienced lawyer without worrying about how to pay the attorney upfront. Furthermore, because the attorney’s payment is directly tied to how much they recover for their client, there is a strong incentive for the client to recover the best possible settlement available. The attorney’s compensation is dependent on the outcome of the case.
Personal injury lawyers who charge contingency fees generally take cases in which they are confident of winning. Clients can rest assured that the attorney believes in their case’s merits and will aggressively pursue all avenues of compensation for the claim.
What Is the Average Contingency Fee Charged for an Accident Case in Georgia?
The contingency fee charged for an accident case depends on several factors. Factors that can impact the amount of a contingency fee include:
- The type of personal injury case
- The lawyer’s track record, experience, and skills
- The complexity of the case and the parties involved
- The geographic location of the case (i.e., what other attorneys charge in the area for similar cases)
- The amount of time the attorney anticipates spending on the case
The average contingency fee for an accident claim is about 33% or one-third of the settlement proceeds, including economic and non-economic damages. However, the contingency fee may increase if the attorney files a lawsuit and takes the case to trial, which requires more time and resources.
The information about the contingency fee is explained in the retainer agreement with the lawyer. Always read the entire retainer and contingency fee agreements and ask questions if you do not understand some of the terms.
Who Pays the Costs of an Accident Case?
Pursuing a personal injury case involves various costs. The costs of a personal injury case can include, but are not limited to:
- Fees for obtaining medical records, police reports, accident reports, etc.
- Deposition fees
- Postage and copy costs
- Travel expenses and mileage
- Court reporter fees
- Expert witness fees
- Preparation for trial
The costs of a personal injury case depend on many factors. Generally, the law firm pays the costs as they are incurred and deducts them from the personal injury settlement. You should read the signed agreement with your attorney to determine how these fees are paid if they lose your case.
What Types of Services Are Included in a Contingency Fee for an Accident?
Typically, a contingency agreement includes all the services required to pursue your claim from the beginning through resolution. However, as stated above, the fee could increase if your case goes to trial.
When you meet with a lawyer about your accident case, ask them to discuss what is included and excluded in their contingency fee. Experienced lawyers understand these concerns and are prepared to answer your questions about fees.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm at The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We have three convenient locations throughout Georgia:
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Tifton Office
1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-1376
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Griffin Office
3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
(404) 567-4546
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Macon Office
886 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201
(478) 292-7272
Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.
