How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Texas?
If you’ve been in a car accident, one of the first questions you might have is: “How much will a lawyer cost me in Texas?” Understanding attorney fees can help you make informed decisions and ensure you get the best possible outcome without unexpected financial burdens.
Hourly Fees vs. Contingency Fees
Some lawyers charge by the hour and require a retainer — a deposit to reserve their time. Hourly retainers can range from $5,000 to $50,000 or more, and clients are billed against that retainer as work is performed. Once the retainer runs out, the client must replenish it to keep the attorney working on the case.
However, personal injury cases in Texas are almost always handled on a contingency fee basis. This means:
You pay nothing upfront
The attorney’s fee is only collected if compensation is recovered
If your case is unsuccessful, you owe no attorney fees
This arrangement allows more people in Texas to access legal representation, even if they cannot afford traditional hourly rates.
Other Expenses in a Personal Injury Case
Throughout the life of a case, there may be additional costs, such as:
Filing fees
Expert witness fees
Obtaining medical records or accident reports
These costs are typically advanced by the law firm on your behalf. If the case results in a recovery, the firm is reimbursed from that recovery. If there is no recovery, the firm absorbs these expenses, meaning you are not left with unexpected bills.
Why Contingency Fees Are Beneficial
The biggest advantage of contingency fees is that they remove financial risk for the client. You can pursue a claim without worrying about paying thousands of dollars upfront with no guaranteed outcome.
Contingency fees also ensure the lawyer is motivated to maximize your compensation, since their payment depends entirely on the results they achieve for you.
How Fees Are Calculated
Contingency fees are usually a percentage of the settlement or verdict. In most markets, this percentage is around 33%, but it can vary depending on the complexity of the case or whether litigation is required.
At The Kaufman Law Firm, we take a flexible approach. Unlike many firms with fixed percentages, we are open to discussing fair fee arrangements before entering into a representation agreement. This helps clients understand costs upfront and feel confident about pursuing their claim.
