Over 5,000 auto crashes were reported in Fresno, California, in 2023. Victims of these accidents are still filing claims seeking compensation for the injury they suffered. If you’re one of them, it can be necessary to seek the help of the top car accident lawyer in Fresno. You might, however, wonder how much it’ll cost to hire an attorney. You have no idea how they calculate legal fees. Keep reading to discover the fee structures of car accident lawyers and what to expect when hiring one of them.
Contingency Fees
Most car accident attorneys in Fresno work on a contingency basis. They’re only paid after your case is settled, and you receive a portion of the compensation money. In most cases, you don’t have to pay any upfront fees, which can be ideal.
Besides, if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t pay the attorney. Opting for a lawyer with this fee structure can minimize financial burden. So, after searching on the internet for “car accident lawyer Fresno”, find the fee structure of a given attorney. Find out the percentage they charge and whether you can negotiate.
Flat Fees
In some rare situations auto accident lawyers may offer a flat fee arrangement for all their services or some of them. With this structure, you know beforehand how much the attorney will charge you. However, it might not be ideal as you’re often required to pay the fees upfront. So, if you’re low on cash, you might be forced to borrow money to access the legal services you need.
In addition, if you don’t win the car accident case, there’s no way to recoup the money you paid the attorney. So, if possible, avoid hiring a car accident attorney in Fresno who charges a flat fee for all their services. Opt for an attorney who works on a contingency or only charges a flat fee for limited services.
Hourly Rates
A small number of car accident lawyers in Fresno charge by the hour. They’ll charge you depending on the number of hours they work on your case. Unfortunately, it can be impossible to tell how long your auto accident case will take, making it hard to estimate the legal fees.
Besides, if your case is complex, it might take a long time to settle, leading to massive attorney fees. So, after searching for “car accident lawyer Fresno”, request that they examine the complexity of your case. Leverage their experience to predict how long the case is likely to take. The goal is to seek information that helps you decide whether this fee arrangement is ideal for you.
Conclusion
Understanding different legal fee structures can help you choose the right car accident attorney in Fresno. The goal is to know beforehand how much it’ll cost to hire the lawyer. You’ll get information that aids you in deciding how to finance the legal services you need. So, after searching for “car accident lawyer Fresno”, find out their fee structure.
