One of the best moves you can make after a boat/jet ski accident is hiring a lawyer. Your lawyer can help you with each step of the personal injury claim process. A common question we get about boat/jet ski accident cases is, “How much will it cost me?”
The short answer is that it costs nothing to hire a boat/jet ski accident lawyer. That’s because most injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee means:
- Your lawyer only gets paid if they win you a settlement or recovery.
- If you win compensation, your lawyer receives a percentage of those winnings.
- There is no upfront cost to hire your lawyer to start working on your case.
Let’s dive further into the specific details regarding cost.
What does a Boat/Jet Ski Accident Lawyer Contingency Fee Cost?
According to the American Bar Association (ABA), you and your lawyer will agree to a fixed percentage of the contingency fee. Often, the cost is around 33% of what you win.
You won’t pay this fee out-of-pocket. It comes straight from your settlement or award. Again, if you don’t win anything, you pay no fee to your lawyer.
Sometimes, a contingency fee will be higher than the average. If you file a lawsuit or go to trial, the price could be closer to 40% of what you win. The cost is higher because trials take require a lot more time and work from your lawyer. Plus, you’re likely to win much higher compensation if you win in court.
Contingency Fees vs. Hourly Costs
Although it’s rare, some boat/jet ski accident lawyers will work on an hourly rate. The attorney will have a set hourly rate, and there might be a deposit.
Hourly rates usually only happen in other types of cases, such as criminal defense. Personal injury lawyers do not usually work hourly. However, if you’re concerned, ask your lawyer for a breakdown of their fee structure.
At John Foy & Associates, we never charge you upfront for our services. We are proud to work on contingency fees so that a win for you is a win for us. We require nothing upfront and only get our percentage if we win your case. To get a FREE consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
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Are There Other Costs Besides the Contingency Fee?
As your lawyer works on your case, there will be additional costs. You are usually not responsible for these expenses while your case is in progress. Examples of extra costs can include:
- Investigator fees
- Postage fees
- Court filing costs
- Expert witness fees
- Trial exhibit expenses
The farther your case goes, the more costs there will be. After your case is over, your lawyer will provide a list of all additional fees. If you win compensation, your lawyer will take those costs from what you win.
During the consultation, ask your lawyer about any cost concerns. An experienced attorney will be happy to explain all fees your case might have. No matter what, though, you will not have to worry about paying your lawyer until your case is over.
No-Risk Payments for Your Boat/Jet Ski Accident Lawyer
When you hire a lawyer on a contingency fee, the process is risk-free for you. Plus, there are no upfront or out-of-pocket expenses. If you win compensation, you pay your lawyer from what you win. Then, you get to keep the rest of your settlement.
Do You Need a Boat/Jet Ski Accident Lawyer?
The law does not require you to hire a lawyer after a boat/jet ski accident. However, we highly recommend at least talking to an attorney.
Boating accidents are often severe and complicated. Plus, boating rules and regulations can vary by location and case details. A lawyer will give you the best chance at full compensation for your costs.
The consultation can tell you a lot about a law firm’s methods. Schedule a free consultation to learn more and see if you and the lawyer are a good fit. Good questions to ask during the consultation include:
- How long have you been in practice?
- What are some examples of boat/jet ski accident cases like mine you’ve won?
- What percentage of cases do you take to trial?
- Are there any additional costs besides the contingency fee that I need to know?
- Will you be personally working on my boat/jet ski accident case?
- How much compensation do you think I could potentially win?
You should feel confident in your lawyer during the consultation. You’ll also want to be comfortable talking with them about the case. Your attorney is your most powerful advocate after your accident. You’ll need to be upfront and honest with them about all details.
Hiring a boat/jet ski accident lawyer does not cost you anything. Plus, you only pay them a fee if they win your case.
Talk to a Boat/Jet Ski Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we believe every accident victim deserves justice. If someone else’s actions caused your boat/jet ski accident, you have rights. You could be entitled to full compensation for your losses.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns and discuss how we can help your case. To get started for FREE today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form