How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer after a Car Accident in Memphis?

In the days and weeks following a car accident, injured victims have a lot on their plates. Between doctors’ appointments, work obligations, and insurance negotiations, car accident victims often find themselves facing an onslaught of unknowns – many of which carry hefty price tags. For this reason, individuals often delay or refrain from seeking legal help due to the perceived cost of hiring an attorney.

In reality, however, hiring effective legal representation isn’t the financial burden that recovering accident victims may expect it to be. And the right representation can actually help injured parties maximize the amount of money awarded to them in their case. Let’s get real about the cost of hiring a lawyer in the wake of a car accident and explore how experienced legal professionals like the team at Greer Injury Lawyers can help clients secure more favorable outcomes for their car accident claims.

Understanding attorney fee structures

If you’ve had to hire a lawyer for a divorce, criminal defense, or estate planning, you might be familiar with some billing practices. These types of attorneys may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee to complete a project – like setting up a trust. Personal injury attorneys work differently than the lawyers who practice in these areas – and with good reason. Those facing serious injuries, medical bills, and lost time at work aren’t usually in the best position to pay a lawyer’s hourly rate. If personal injury attorneys forced their clients to pay upfront, many people wouldn’t be able to pursue a claim at all. This would be bad for those injured and for society in general because few people would face consequences for their negligence.

For all of these reasons, personal injury attorneys use what is called a contingency fee agreement. Contingency fee agreements generally allow clients to hire legal representation without shouldering any costs up front. Instead, clients in these cases will agree to compensate their attorneys with a certain percentage of their final settlement amount. Clients who work with attorneys on a contingency basis can typically expect to owe their legal representatives anywhere from one-third to 40% of their final financial award. Actual percentages may vary from firm to firm or based on the complexity of the case. Contingency fee agreements are the norm in car accident cases, as many victims do not have a substantial amount of cash on hand to compensate an attorney up front.

Case costs vs. attorney fees: What’s the difference?

In all three of the fee structures outlined above, clients may find themselves wondering whether there is a difference between legal fees and legal costs or expenses. In many cases – even in contingency fee agreements – clients may be asked to reimburse their team for certain case costs. These charges may be levied in addition to an overarching attorneys’ fee and may include things like:

• Filing fees.
• Securing testimony from expert witnesses.
• Medical or other record retrieval.
• Acquisition of deposition transcripts.

In some fee agreements, clients are only expected to reimburse their lawyers for these costs if their case results in a win. However, some attorneys will still bill clients for these expenses even if the case does not yield a substantial settlement amount. It’s important to speak to your attorney about the details of their fee structure to determine just how much you can expect to pay in the event of both a case win or loss.

Are there caps on attorneys’ fees in Memphis, Tennessee?

In many cases, attorneys are free to set their own fees without interference from the State. However, there are some specific types of cases for which attorneys’ fees are capped under state or federal law. Some of those exceptions include:

• Workers’ compensation claims: In cases involving workers’ compensation, the State of Tennessee caps attorneys’ fees at 20% of the client’s award amount.
• Social Security cases: Attorneys’ fees in Social Security Disability (SSD or SSDI) claims and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims are capped at $9,200 as per the Social Security Administration (SSA).

In most car accident claims, attorneys’ fees are not subject to the caps detailed above. Subsequently, clients should develop a clear understanding of the amount of compensation they may be expected to provide in the event that they are awarded damages in their case.

It’s important to note, however, that working with a car accident lawyer – even with the expectation of having to pay a contingency fee – can help clients save money and maximize their award amount. Attorneys have experience and training in working with insurance companies, calculating damages, investigating accidents, and many other duties, making them well-equipped to help steer their clients in the direction of a case win. Additionally, if an insurance company knows you’re willing to take your claim to court, and potentially all the way to trial, they will be more inclined to make a fair offer. For many clients, the long-term personal and financial benefits far outweigh the potential cost of hiring an experienced legal professional to help them navigate their case.

Looking for a car accident attorney in Memphis?

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Memphis or the surrounding areas, the attorneys at Greer Injury Lawyers are here to help. With nearly 40 years of experience representing clients across West Tennessee, we understand how your pain and suffering can be compounded by the administrative and financial burden of navigating the legal system.

Our team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the legal process with compassion and clarity, and we are firmly committed to arriving at the best possible fee agreement for your unique case. Whether you’re unsure if you have a claim, need help dealing with the insurance company, or want to better understand your options, we’re here to provide straightforward advice and hands-on support to help you secure the best possible case outcome without adding to your stress level.

To speak with an experienced Memphis car accident lawyer, give us a call today or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward and fight for justice.