How do attorneys usually charge their clients?

Question

Hello guys I recently hired an attorney for the accident I had in freeway. she told me that I will charge you 30% if you win the case.
I am wondering how it works I had full coverage insurance on my car. What if I lose the case she even sends me to doctor to get therapy and they say we only charge you if you win the case. I am asking them what you will do if I lose and they say we are screwed then and we charge you nothing. Are they telling the truth or is there any hidden charges that they are not telling me about I appreciate you response in advance.

Additional Details

12 hours ago
I rear ended another car but the other cars driver was arrested by CHP not sure why probably drugs, or alcohol I asked this question before and people said never the less I am at fault. the other vehicle was stopped or going 10 miles/hr not sure why because it was 1 am and no traffic in freeway.

12 hours ago
ok if I win who is going to pay me money and for what. They gonna fix my car and pay my medical bills why pay cash to me? Attorney wants to get a share from what money?

Answer 1

Ack! So many variables!

Your attorney is working on a contingency fee basis. This means she will collect a percentage (and 30% is very typical) of however much money you collect from the other party's insurance company.

She will pay for the doctor up front, likely an accident reconstruction specialist, pay the filing fees, long distance phone calls, paper and postage in anticipation of making it all back when the case settles.

She will make sure you get enough $$ in the settlement to pay your doctor bills, prescriptions, compensate you for stress and pain, fix your car and pay her bill.

An attorney who takes a case on a contingency basis is taking a risk, and is financially vested, as well as ethically required, to get the best result possible for you.

Sounds like you are in good hands.

Answer 2

Plaintiffs' attorneys routinely take bodily injury cases on a contingency basis. That means they take a percentage of the settlement or jury verdict as their fee. It is legitimate.
You don't need an attorney for your collision claim on your vehicle. If you have coverage, use your own insurance. Your insurance company then has the right of subrogation, that is the right to recover from the alleged responsible party.
The same deal applies if you have medical payments coverage of your own. Use your med pay coverage to pay your medical bills. Your insurance company may have a right of recovery.

You may have some legal expenses, down the road. Court filing fees, and the fee from a court reporter are generally not a part of the contingency fee structure.

Get a written contract from your attorney. Read it and understand it.

As regards liability, your attorney would not take the case if she thought you were liable.

Answer 3

This is a personal injury action. The common practice for personal injury attys is to charge a contingent fee. That does mean the atty gets nothing if you lose. If you win, he/she gets a % of the award. BTW, 30% is a good deal. Often, if the case goes to trial, it's 40-50%. You are responsible for the costs, however. Costs are money paid by the atty to another on your behalf, such as the court filing fee and the service of process fee.

Answer 4

The answers to all of these questions are, or definitely should, be answered by the Power of Attorney/fee agreement that you should have entered into with your lawyer as soon as you hired her. If you are not sure about the answers to ALL of these questions, immediately contact your lawyer and get the answers in writing.

Answer 5

sometimes they take cases for a percentage, sometimes a flat rate, but i have been charged by the minute when we're in court or waiting to see the judge in a compensation case.