If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence in Austin, Texas, the cost of hiring a personal injury attorney is usually nothing up front.
Most Texas personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay attorney’s fees if your lawyer successfully recovers compensation through a settlement or verdict. This arrangement allows you to pursue your case without adding to the legal bills you’re already facing.
How Does a Contingency Fee Agreement Work?
Under a contingency fee arrangement, legal representation is more accessible to people who may already be facing unexpected medical bills and lost income because payment is contingent on the attorney recovering compensation for their client.
Before signing a representation agreement, your attorney should clearly explain:
- The contingency fee percentage
- Whether the percentage changes if litigation becomes necessary
- How case expenses are handled
- When attorneys’ fees and costs are deducted from a recovery
At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, we take all our cases on a contingency fee basis. Our team has more than 40 years of combined experience and has recovered over $500 million for injured Texans. Members of our legal team have also been recognized by Super Lawyers, reflecting our commitment to advocating for accident victims throughout Texas.
Are There Any Upfront Costs?
In most personal injury cases, there are no upfront attorney’s fees. Many contingency fee firms also advance the costs associated with building your case.
Depending on the circumstances, these expenses may include:
- Court filing fees
- Medical record requests
- Expert witness fees
- Accident reconstruction costs
- Deposition expenses
- Investigation costs
These expenses are typically reimbursed from a settlement or verdict if your case is successful. Every law firm structures its fee agreements differently, so it’s important to understand how costs will be handled before your case begins.
What Types of Cases Use Contingency Fees?
Contingency fee agreements are common across many types of personal injury cases in Texas, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Premises liability claims
- Workplace accidents involving third-party negligence
- Wrongful death cases
- Dog bite injuries
Because your attorney’s fee depends on obtaining compensation, your lawyer has the same goal you do: recovering the strongest possible result based on the facts of your case.
Does Texas Law Affect My Personal Injury Claim?
Yes. One example is Texas’s modified comparative fault rule. Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, an injured person generally cannot recover compensation if they are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident. If they are 50% or less at fault, their recovery is reduced by that percentage.
Texas also generally provides two years from the date of an injury to file most personal injury lawsuits under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Because important evidence can disappear over time and legal deadlines are strict, speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later is often in your best interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Pay a Personal Injury Lawyer Before My Case Settles?
No. Most Texas personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so attorneys’ fees are generally paid only if compensation is recovered.
What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge in Texas?
The percentage varies depending on the law firm and the complexity of the case. Your attorney should explain the contingency fee agreement before you hire the firm.
Will I Owe Money if I Lose My Personal Injury Case?
Under most contingency fee agreements, you generally do not owe attorney’s fees if no compensation is recovered. However, you should review your fee agreement to understand how case expenses are handled.
Is the Initial Consultation Free?
Yes. McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers offers free consultations, allowing you to discuss your accident and legal options without any upfront cost or obligation.
How Soon Should I Contact a Lawyer After an Accident?
It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Early legal guidance can help preserve evidence, protect your rights, and ensure important deadlines are met.
Contact McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With an Austin Car Accident Lawyer
After an accident, the last thing you should worry about is whether you can afford experienced legal representation. At McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Contact our Austin personal injury attorneys today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
We proudly serve clients throughout Austin, TX in Travis County, as well as Salt Lake City, UT in Salt Lake County.
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Austin, TX Office
502 W 14th St, Austin, TX 78701
(512) 474-0222
McMinn Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City, UT Office
650 S 500 W Suite 290, Salt Lake City, UT 84104
(385) 462-7630
