Brooke graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law after receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brooke worked for five years in private practice with a law firm specializing in insurance defense litigation before becoming the trial litigator for Allstate Insurance Company in the metro Richmond area.
In Virginia, you have the right to pursue monetary compensation for injuries you suffered in a car accident caused by the wrongful acts of another.
Indeed, you will want to get the most money possible for any settlement, and you should.
After suffering painful and debilitating injuries that have kept you out of work and left you in dire financial straits, the desire to make the other person pay for your loss is perfectly natural.
A larger settlement will not make your physical and emotional pain go away, but it will make your life a little easier.
You may think that one way to get the most out of your settlement is by handling the claim yourself instead of hiring a lawyer.
If you’re wondering about the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer in Virginia, it’s essential to ask a top Virginia car accident lawyer directly: “How much does a car accident lawyer cost in Virginia?”
The answer might surprise you.
If you have questions or think you may have a claim, contact the experienced Richmond car accident attorneys at River Run Law online today or call (804) 889-0500. We offer free consultations.
What are the Possible Car Accident Lawyer Fees?
Car accident lawyers typically charge for their services using one of three methods:
- Hourly Rate
Depending on the attorney’s experience and expertise, hourly rates can start at $250 or more. Attorneys charging hourly rates often require a retainer, which they bill against monthly for costs and fees. - Flat Fee
Some attorneys charge a flat fee for specific legal services. Both hourly and flat fee structures require upfront payment, meaning you’ll need to pay out of pocket for the lawyer’s services. - Contingency Fee Basis
Many car accident lawyers charge on a contingency fee basis, which means their payment is contingent upon you winning your case or receiving a settlement. The typical contingency fee percentage ranges from 33% to 40% of the settlement amount, depending on the case’s complexity and the lawyer’s expertise. Importantly, if you don’t win your case, the attorney doesn’t get paid. This arrangement ensures the lawyer is motivated to fight for your rights and maximize your compensation.
Advantages of a Contingency Fee Arrangement in Virginia
The contingency fee arrangement is advantageous to you and your personal injury attorney.
This benefits you because you do not have to spend any money out of pocket to hire an attorney.
You and your attorney agree on the contingency percentage. Your personal injury attorney will deduct the fee from your settlement.
Additionally, a top-notch Virginia auto accident and hit-and-run lawyer will advance your litigation costs.
That means you do not have to pay out of pocket for:
- Filing fees,
- Medical records duplication fees,
- Deposition fees,
- Transcripts, and
- Expert witness fees.
Your lawyer will explain that the costs associated with pursuing a car accident claim may be necessary to spend in your situation so that you could make a more persuasive claim.
You would have to pay these costs if you represented yourself.
Contingency fees also act as an incentive to your attorney to do everything in their power to maximize your award. In other words, they make more money if you win more money.
Furthermore, your attorney does not have to worry about billing you for services rendered.
As a result, your attorney can focus more on building a strong case for you.
Contingency fees ultimately promote justice. Contingency fees allow accident victims to have the services of a passionate Virginia auto accident lawyer regardless of their net worth.
Without these arrangements, injured people who do not have enough money to hire a lawyer might not pursue a claim for damages.
Remember, justice is for everyone and not just for those with money.
Other Issues to Consider If You Are Concerned About Auto Accident Lawyer Fees in Virginia
An exceptional auto accident lawyer knows how to get the largest settlement for you.
Getting the largest settlement for you obligates your attorney to:
- Gather all the evidence available in your case including, photographs, accident reports, witness statements, and other evidence from the accident scene;
- Interact with the other driver’s insurance company on your behalf (they cannot speak to you if you have a lawyer);
- Review all your evidence with you;
- Retain expert witnesses if necessary;
- Negotiate a settlement for you;
- File a case in court if a just settlement is not reached;
- Ensure you comply with the statute of limitations; and
- Ensure that all your medical bills and other costs from your accident are paid from the proceeds.
The best Virginia car accident lawyers take the time to ensure that you and your family receive the care you need.
We want you to return your life to the way it was before your accident.
Without an exceptional car accident lawyer from Virginia, you would have to worry about all these issues on your own while trying to get your life back on track.
Call (804) 889-0500 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
Get Justice After Your Accident: Contact Our Virginia Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
At River Run Law, we proudly serve our clients’ best interests. We want every person victimized by the wrongful actions of another to experience justice.
Call our firm today at (804) 889-0500 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Richmond car accident attorneys.
We would be happy to answer all questions, including, how much a car accident lawyer costs in Virginia.
Let us help you win a just and fair settlement for your Virginia car accident claim.
Where You Can Find Our Richmond Office
