Texas is an at-fault state. If you suffered injuries in a car crash in Houston due to someone’s negligence behind the wheel, you could claim compensation for your injuries and losses. You can still seek compensation when you have a share in fault, but your settlement will be reduced by your fault (counted in percentage). If you are more at fault than the other driver, you cannot recover anything as Texas follows the modified comparative fault rule. No matter the circumstances, working with the right Houston car accident attorney can only benefit your case positively. People often step back from hiring an attorney because they are worried about the costs. Below are some aspects of hiring an attorney and the costs pertaining to the decision.
The contingency fee arrangement
Most accident attorneys in Houston work on a contingency fee. This means that the lawyer gets paid when the client receives a financial settlement. Typically, such claims are settled outside of court, so the at-fault party’s insurer would pay the compensation. If a trial is needed, a court judgment will determine the settlement. Either way, the lawyer only gets paid if the client wins. Despite all the good work, if your attorney fails to win the case, there is no question of a fee. The contingency fee arrangement is a great choice for people who cannot afford an attorney otherwise.
Other expenses
Besides the fee of the lawyer, there could be other expenses in the case. For example, your lawyer may have to spend money on accident reconstruction to determine fault and liability. There could be litigation expenses too. A good accident attorney will explain what you can get in a settlement along with expected expenses so that you can make an informed decision.
Fee in Houston
The contingency fee of accident attorneys in Houston may vary but typically ranges from 25% to 40%. In general, lawyers take 33% of the final settlement for most cases, depending on other factors. Experienced lawyers always charge a tad more than others, and if you had a share in fault, this can complicate the case and burden the lawyer’s work, which can add to the cost.
Make sure that you know about the accident attorney’s fee in advance and get a fine print in writing. A lawyer with experience can change everything you expect from the accident claim. Also, do check if the attorney has experience of representing clients in court.
