After a car accident, you’re often left with more questions than answers, especially when it comes to hiring a lawyer. One of the most common concerns we hear at The Joel Bieber Firm is: “How much is this going to cost me?” Understanding car accident lawyer fees is crucial before making any decisions about your legal representation.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost of hiring a motor vehicle accident lawyer, the different types of fee structures, and how The Joel Bieber Firm ensures clients get top-quality representation without unnecessary financial stress.
Common Fee Structures Used by Car Accident Lawyers
Our firm primarily work’s on a contingency fee basis, however, it’s good to know all possible fee structures:
Hourly Rates
Although rare in personal injury law, some attorneys may charge by the hour. This method means clients pay for the actual time spent on their case. We prefer contingency fee arrangements to reduce client risk, but we believe it’s important to understand all potential models so you can make an informed choice.
Flat Fees
Flat fees involve a predetermined cost for specific legal services. These are more commonly seen in routine matters, like drafting a will or handling an uncontested divorce, and are not typically used for car accident claims. However, The Joel Bieber Firm is happy to explain when and where this model might apply.
Retainers
A retainer is an upfront payment made to secure an attorney’s services, which is then drawn from as work is completed. This model is often used in ongoing or complex legal matters. For car accident cases, The Joel Bieber Firm avoids retainer-based billing so clients can focus on healing instead of budgeting for attorney’s fees.
Contingency Fees
Contingency fees are the most common payment structure for personal injury cases. This arrangement allows clients to pursue justice without worrying about upfront legal bills. This contingency fee agreement aligns our goals with yours and gives you access to justice regardless of your financial situation. It also allows for individuals—regardless of financial standing—to access top-tier legal representation without worrying about hourly bills piling up.
How Contingency Fees Work
At The Joel Bieber Firm, we’re transparent about our fees from the very beginning, so there are no surprises later on! An attorney fee in a contingency fee agreement is a percentage of the final settlement or judgment that you only pay if we win your case. This fee structure is designed to reduce the financial risk for clients; since payment is based on the success of your case, it means we’re as invested in the outcome as you are.
The contingency fee percentage should be clearly outlined in your agreement and may vary depending on whether your case settles quickly or proceeds to trial. If litigation is required, the percentage may increase slightly due to the added time and resources involved. The Joel Bieber Firm ensures you understand all these details upfront so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Additional Costs Beyond Legal Fees
When considering the cost of legal services, it’s important to understand that attorney’s fees aren’t the only expenses involved. While The Joel Bieber Firm works on a contingency fee basis, certain case-related costs may arise as your claim progresses. Here’s a breakdown of some common additional costs:
Court Filing Fees
These are mandatory fees required to file your case with the court system. These often vary depending on jurisdiction and case type, but your attorney may choose to advance you those costs.
Expert Witness Fees
Sometimes, we may need to bring in professionals, such as doctors or economists, to testify on your behalf. Their expertise can be crucial in proving liability or damages, and can be the deciding factor in a case, but don’t worry! We’ll always explain these costs ahead of time.
Medical Record Retrieval Costs
Accessing medical records is indispensable to building a strong personal injury claim. While hospitals and clinics often charge for this documentation, The Joel Bieber Firm will handle the retrieval process for you and can advance the costs needed to order your records.
Are Car Accident Lawyers Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. Studies show that those who hire a skillful car accident lawyer typically receive significantly higher settlements than those who handle insurance companies alone. Many car accident lawyers increase the overall value of your case by negotiating skillfully with insurance providers and building strong claims.
The Joel Bieber Firm fights hard to ensure you get every dollar you deserve—especially when insurance companies try to minimize your injuries or shift blame. Legal help can mean the difference between settling for less and receiving full compensation.
Why Clients Choose The Joel Bieber Firm
Understanding how much a car accident lawyer will charge doesn’t have to be complicated. At The Joel Bieber Firm, we believe in fair, honest, client-first representation—backed by decades of experience and a proven track record of success.
The Joel Bieber Firm is more than just a legal service provider—we’re your advocates through every step of your recovery journey. As Joel himself says, “You shouldn’t pay for someone else’s mistakes, and you shouldn’t have to fight insurance companies.”
Clients choose us for our personalized approach, proven track record, and unmatched accessibility. We offer 24/7 support, top-of-the-line digital intake tools, and a legal team that treats you like family.
With offices all along the East Coast, our car accident attorneys understand the local laws, court systems, and insurance practices specific to your community. This regional knowledge allows us to develop effective, customized strategies to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact The Joel Bieber Firm today for a free, no-pressure consultation.