If you have been hurt in a car accident, but are not sure whether you need to speak to an attorney because you fear paying for a lawsuit, you may be surprised to find out that most personal injury lawyers will handle your case without any, or minimal upfront cost.

No Fee Initial Consultation
Almost all personal injury attorneys charge no fees for the initial meeting, or consultation.  This should give you an opportunity to meet with the lawyer, explain the facts and circumstances, and determine his opinion as to whether or not you have a valid case.  Although you may want to know what your case is "worth", most attorneys will not give you a value on the matter, due to the fact that so many variables are highly unpredictable.

What is a Contingency Fee Arrangement
Almost all personal injury lawyers will generally take a valid case on a contingency fee basis.  What this means, is that you do not need to pay the attorney any money up front.  The lawyer will collect his or her fees to the party at fault, or their insurance carrier, only when he wins any money for the client.  If you do not prevail in your claim, you won't owe any legal fees. When you do arrange a settlement or receive court ordered damages, the lawyer then charges an agreed percentage amount of the total award for legal fees.  The specific amount you will be charged may likely vary among lawyers, and could be set in a few states, but generally you will pay anything from 1/3 (33.3%) to 40% for legal fees, should you gain an compensation.

Legal Expenses
By law, as well as the legal code of ethics, all lawyers must charge you for all costs spent while handling your case.  Such expenses shall include: police reports, medical reports, court stenographer fees, and much more.  Once again, lawyers differ as to how they are reimbursed for these costs. Some will pay them as they are billed, and then reduce the amount of your award.  Others could bill these costs periodically as the case moves forward.

Every attorney must have a client - attorney agreement which must spell out each sides obligation.  You should be sure that you carefully review the contract before you retain any attorney.

Harry S. Bernstein has been representing personal injury clients and workers compensation clients as an experienced Cleveland, Ohio attorney for twenty years. Be sure to visit our Cleveland, Ohio attorney website for more information on this topic.

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