After a car accident in Nassau County, NY, one of the first questions many people ask is: how much do accident lawyers charge? It’s an understandable concern—especially when you’re already dealing with medical bills, lost income, and the stress of vehicle repairs.
The good news? Most New York car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. At the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, we believe everyone deserves access to justice—you only pay if we win your case. It’s part of our commitment to supporting accident victims when they need help the most.
Understanding Lawyer Contingency Fees in Car Accident Cases
In car accident cases, a contingency fee means your lawyer only gets paid if you win your case. It’s a structure designed to prioritize your results and minimize financial risk for injury victims.
New York imposes strict rules on these agreements to ensure they are fair and transparent. Attorneys typically receive approximately one-third of the client’s recovery in personal injury cases unless otherwise capped, and these arrangements must meet ethical standards set by state law.
Here’s how it works:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- Your attorney fronts the costs of building your case.
- If you win a settlement or verdict, your attorney takes a percentage as their fee.
- If you don’t recover compensation, you owe them nothing.
This approach helps people who are already facing the financial burden of a serious accident. You’re not asked to pay hourly rates or retainers—just a portion of your final recovery.
What Percentage Do Car Accident Lawyers Take?
Car accident lawyers in New York typically take between 30% and 40% of your settlement or court award. This percentage can depend on the complexity of your case and whether it settles early or goes to trial.
For example:
- Simple settlements: Around 33.3% is common.
- Litigated cases: If your case goes to court, the fee may increase to 40% due to the added time, effort, and resources.
While that may sound like a lot, it’s important to understand what’s included: legal strategy, negotiation with insurers, evidence gathering, expert consultations, and, if necessary, courtroom representation. All of this boosts your odds of a much higher payout than you might get going it alone.
Additional Costs and Expenses in a Car Accident Claim
While attorney fees are based on a percentage of your recovery, case-related expenses can arise during the legal process. Our firm typically pays these upfront and reimburses once your case is resolved.
Economic damages in car accident cases cover tangible financial losses, such as:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for treatment, surgeries, medications, therapy, and future care related to the accident.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost during recovery or future lost earnings if your injury affects long-term employment.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Additional costs like transportation to medical appointments, vehicle rental, or home modifications needed for accessibility.
We handle these expenses on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about immediate costs while your claim progresses.
Other Fee Arrangements for Hiring an Accident Lawyer
While contingency fees are standard in car accident cases, a few other billing options exist—though rarely used in this area.
- Flat fees: Fixed pricing for specific legal services.
- Hourly billing: Payment is based on time spent, which is uncommon due to unpredictability.
- Hybrid models: A mix of hourly and contingency, occasionally used in complex claims.
These models are more typical in other areas of law. However, contingency arrangements remain the most practical and accessible for car accident cases.
Is Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer Worth It in New York?
Working with a car accident lawyer in New York doesn’t just ease your stress—it can make a significant difference in what you recover. Insurance companies often try to delay, minimize, or outright deny valid claims, hoping you’ll settle for less. But with our team on your side, you’re not alone.
We know the law, we know the tactics insurers use, and we fight back—handling negotiations, calculating every dollar you’re owed, and taking your case to court if necessary. In fact, studies show that accident victims with legal representation recover up to 3.5 times more compensation than those who go it alone.
Get a Free Consultation With a Nassau County Car Accident Lawyer Today
How much do accident lawyers charge is a common question—and at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe, we keep the answer simple. You don’t pay anything unless we win. Our car accident lawyers are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call 516-358-6900 for your free consultation and take the first step toward your recovery.
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