Will a Lawyer Take My Car Accident Case if I Have No Money?
Many people hesitate to hire a lawyer after a car accident because they think: “I don’t have the money to pay an attorney.” The good news? In Texas, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which allows people with little or no money to still get professional legal representation.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee means that:
You do not pay anything upfront.
Your lawyer only gets paid if your case settles or wins at trial.
The attorney’s payment is usually a percentage of the total recovery, typically 33% before a lawsuit is filed and up to 40% or more if a lawsuit is required.
This system is designed so that anyone injured in a car accident can hire a lawyer, even if they don’t have the money to pay hourly fees or retainers.
Why Lawyers Accept Cases with No Upfront Payment
Lawyers take cases on contingency because:
They are confident they can help their client recover money.
Their payment depends entirely on success, so they have a strong incentive to maximize the settlement.
Clients can access specialized medical providers, investigators, and experts without worrying about upfront costs.
For the client, this means zero financial risk for hiring an attorney. If the case is unsuccessful, you generally owe nothing in attorney fees.
What About Case Expenses?
While attorney fees are only due if you win, your lawyer may advance certain case expenses, such as:
Court filing fees
Service of process fees
Obtaining medical records or police reports
Expert witnesses
Accident investigation costs
Most contingency arrangements deduct these costs from the settlement, so you never pay out of pocket. If there’s no recovery, these costs typically are not owed, though you should always confirm the details in your fee agreement.
Advantages of Contingency Representation
No upfront cost: You don’t need money to hire a lawyer.
Aligned incentives: Your lawyer works to maximize your recovery since their payment depends on it.
Access to specialists: Medical experts, investigators, and accident reconstruction specialists can be retained without any personal expense.
Level playing field: Insurance companies often have teams of lawyers; a contingency lawyer ensures you can fight back effectively.
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