Car accidents can be distressing, and dealing with the aftermath often involves navigating through a maze of insurance claims, medical bills, and legal procedures. If you’re in Hollywood, Florida, and have been involved in a crash, you might be considering hiring a car accident lawyer to help you through these complexities.
But one question that might be on your mind is: how much does a car accident lawyer in Hollywood, FL charge? The short answer is that most personal injury lawyers don’t charge any upfront costs. Instead, your attorney is paid a percentage of your compensation.
This blog will delve into the details.
Hollywood, FL Car Accident Lawyer Fees
Before we discuss specific costs, it’s crucial to understand how legal fees work in the context of personal injury cases, which include car accidents.
Contingency Fees
In Florida, it’s common for personal injury lawyers, including those handling car accident cases, to operate on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer’s fees are contingent upon them winning the case.
If they don’t win, you don’t pay any legal fees. This arrangement is beneficial for clients as it eliminates the risk of paying out of pocket for legal services without a successful outcome.
Percentage of the Settlement
The contingency fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or court award. This percentage can vary but typically ranges from 33 1/3% to 40%. The exact percentage can depend on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the potential settlement amount.
House Bill 837: Important Changes
In Florida, the contingency fee arrangement is governed by the Florida Bar and the Florida Statutes. House Bill 837 was signed into law on March 24, 2023. Before the passage of HB 837, plaintiffs were entitled to an award of attorney’s fees if they were successful in a breach of contract claim against a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance carrier.
The new law changes this by allowing car accident victims to recover attorney fees in a successful PIP breach of contract claim only in rare cases where coverage was completely denied.
The law also ended “attorneys’ fees multipliers.” In the past, attorneys who took on cases with a lower chance of success could claim a higher percentage as a contingency fee. This is now only allowed in “rare and unusual circumstances.”
Factors Influencing the Cost
Several factors can influence the cost of hiring a car accident lawyer in Hollywood, FL. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate the potential costs involved.
Complexity of the Case
The complexity of the case can significantly impact the cost. Complex cases that require expert testimonies, depositions, and extensive negotiations can result in higher legal fees. For example, if your case involves severe injuries, multiple parties, or disputed liability, it may require more resources to resolve, leading to higher costs.
Experience of the Lawyer
The experience and reputation of the lawyer can also influence the cost. More experienced lawyers typically charge more for their services. However, they may also be more likely to secure a favorable outcome due to their expertise and knowledge.
The Potential Settlement Amount
The potential settlement amount can also affect the lawyer’s fees. If a large settlement is expected, a lawyer may charge a higher percentage. This is because they will likely need to invest more time and resources into securing a larger settlement.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average car accident liability claim for property damage was $5,313 while the average car accident liability claim for bodily injury was $24,211 in 2022.
Navigating Florida Car Accident Laws
Florida law has specific statutes and regulations related to car accidents and personal injury claims, which your lawyer should be familiar with. For instance, under Section 316.065, Florida Statutes, drivers who are involved in a collision must report it to the police if the crash caused at least $500 in vehicle or property damage or if the crash caused injury or death.
Florida has a modified comparative negligence standard, which means that if a person is found to be no more than 50% at fault, their recovery is reduced by the same proportion as their percentage of fault.
Contact Klotzman Law Firm Today for a Free Case Review!
Hiring a car accident lawyer in Hollywood, FL, can be a significant decision following a car accident. Understanding the cost involved is an important part of this decision.
In Florida, similar to other states, most car accident lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no legal fees until your attorney wins your case. Instead, your lawyer receives a percentage of the settlement or the compensation awarded by the court.
However, the percentage may vary based on the lawyer and the specifics of the case. It’s crucial to discuss the fee structure with your lawyer before proceeding.
Contact the Klotzman Law Firm at 754-799-7321 for a free case review. Our South Florida car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping clients get the compensation they deserve.
