How Much do Lawyers Charge for Motorcycle Accident Claims?

After a devastating motorcycle crash, you may wonder how much a lawyer would charge to handle your claim. Different attorneys have different fee structures, but personal injury lawyers generally tend to handle motorcycle accident cases on contingency, collecting between 33 and 40% of your final settlement or court award.

That said, you shouldn’t choose a law firm solely based on cost since the attorney you hire impacts the likelihood of winning your case and your compensation amount. While every case is unique, those represented by an experienced lawyer tend to walk away with more money than those who handle their own claims, even after legal fees are taken out.

Let’s dive into some common questions about paying for a motorcycle accident lawyer.

How do Contingency Fees Work?

Facing the financial burden of legal fees on top of motorcycle accident-related expenses can be overwhelming. That’s why many personal injury and wrongful death lawyers work on a contingency fee basis when handling motor vehicle accident claims.

Here’s how this arrangement works:

• No upfront costs: When you work with an attorney who handles cases on contingency, you won’t have to worry about paying money upfront, like retainer fees. The law firm covers the initial expenses associated with your case, such as filing fees, investigation costs, and expert witness fees.
• Your personal injury lawyer only gets paid if you win: An experienced attorney will work diligently to build a strong case and secure a fair settlement or court award. Your lawyer is motivated to win your case because their fees depend on the outcome. If they don’t win, you won’t owe any legal fees.
• Percentage-based fees: If your attorney successfully resolves your motorcycle accident claim, their fees are calculated as a percentage of the personal injury settlement or court-awarded compensation. The actual percentage they take out is something you will discuss during your initial consultation.
• No Financial risk: The contingency fee arrangement allows you to pursue your motorcycle accident claim without any financial risk. You can focus on your recovery and leave the legal complexities to your attorney.

A contingency fee structure ensures that you have access to immediate legal representation with no upfront costs or risks. It also ensures that your attorney is motivated to pursue the maximum compensation available in your case.

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

What Services do Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Provide?

The aftermath of being hurt in a motorcycle accident is expensive, and thinking about legal fees on top of everything else can feel overwhelming. Even though you might be tempted to manage your own claim with the insurance company, working with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney can help you maximize your compensation.

You deserve compensation for your injuries, medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but you may be focused on other things right now. A good attorney can take care of every facet of your case, including researching the accident scene, dealing with insurance providers and liable parties, and, if needed, defending you in court.

By allowing an experienced attorney to handle your personal injury claim, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the settlement check you are owed.

Will a Personal Injury Attorney Bill Me Hourly?

Depending on the particular legal firm and the case circumstances, your lawyer may use various payment structures to charge for services in your motorcycle crash claim. While some attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, like we talked about, others may bill their clients based on an hourly rate.

Attorneys frequently use hourly billing, which entails charging a set hourly rate for the time spent working on the case. Time spent on meetings, phone calls, research, drafting legal documents, and court appearances can all be included. Hourly billing can be costly and often requires an upfront retainer fee to get started.

Conversely, with a contingency fee arrangement, the attorney is only compensated if they win your case. Injured victims who do not have the financial means to make an initial payment usually find that this system is the most cost-effective option.

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What Is the Total Cost of Having a Lawyer Represent You in a Motorcycle Accident Claim?

There can be other costs and fees related to legal representation in a motorcycle crash claim in addition to the accident lawyer’s fee.

Depending on the details of your case, these additional expenses may vary, but some typical ones include:

• Court fees: There could be various court costs related to submitting legal paperwork, showing up in court, and other components of your case.
• Hiring specialists: Expert witness fees may apply if your case calls for the testimony of a specialist, such as a doctor or accident reconstruction expert. These costs are related to the expert witness’s time and knowledge.
• Costs associated with the investigation: Your attorney may incur these costs to gather evidence for your case, such as photos of the accident scene, witness statements, or video.
• Fees for medical records: Your attorney may need to pay additional costs to obtain copies of your medical bills and records associated with your motorcycle accident injuries.
• Travel expenses: Additional costs, including flights, hotels, and food, may be incurred if your case requires your lawyer to travel.

When you choose Zanes Law, a member of our team will go over potential costs with you when evaluating your case. 

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If You Fire Your Lawyer, Will You Still Owe Them the Agreed Amount?

Before terminating your lawyer’s services, you must check your fee agreement and speak with another attorney to be sure you understand your rights and obligations. Before taking that step, you should discuss any concerns with your existing attorney.

Terminating Contingency-Fee Lawyers

Your lawyer will normally only be compensated if they are successful based on your signed contingency fee agreement. However, depending on the terms of your contract, your lawyer might be entitled to a percentage of your motorcycle accident settlement or award if you fire them before your case is settled.

Terminating Hourly-Paid Lawyers

You can still be required to reimburse your attorney for the time they have already spent working on your case if you have a written hourly fee agreement. If your case is dismissed in the middle of it, your personal injury attorney may be willing to waive some of their fees or give you a refund, but this is not always the case.

How Can I Ensure My Accident Attorney Is Billing Me Fairly?

You may take various actions to ensure your accident attorney is charging you fairly. Make sure you comprehend the details of your fee arrangement, including the contingency fee percentage, hourly rate, any additional costs, and the invoicing method.

Ask your lawyer for thorough invoices that itemize the work and time spent on each assignment. Your lawyer should give you this documentation without hesitation. Look closely at your invoice to ensure the work was necessary and reasonable.

Talk to your lawyer about any concerns you have. Your attorney should be able to clarify their rates and provide a clear idea of the services rendered. You can also check your state’s laws regarding attorney fees to ensure that your lawyer adheres to these rules.

Free Consultation for Arizona Motorcycle Accident Victims

At Zanes Law, we offer a free consultation to injured victims and their families. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Arizona, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. During your initial case evaluation, we’ll discuss the details of your accident and provide guidance on accessing the necessary medical treatment and other services you may require.

Our team has the legal experience and track record to support you through every step of your insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to help you on your road to recovery. Contact us today to take the first step toward obtaining compensation that covers more than just medical expenses.

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