What is a contingency fee in truck accident cases?
Truck Accident - September 17, 2025 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
What is a contingency fee in truck accident cases? Contingency fees allow you to secure legal representation without having to worry about paying a lawyer out of your own pocket. A Chicago truck accident lawyer only gets paid if they win your case, at which time they take their attorney fees from your settlement or verdict. Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates uses this model to ensure that you and your family have access to the legal services you need after a truck accident.
The purpose of contingency fees
Injuries and losses from a truck accident can disrupt your life and leave you with minimal options due to the financial strain. Legal representation can help you recover more compensation than handling your claim yourself, but the cost of hiring a lawyer is often a concern for many individuals. Contingency fees are designed to solve this problem.
Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis so that you have access to the legal services you need, regardless of your financial situation after an accident. An attorney assumes the upfront costs of the case, which may include filing fees and the cost of various services required for your case. Because lawyers do not get paid if they do not win, contingency fees give you peace of mind that you are not taking a financial risk when you are at your most vulnerable. For this reason, most personal injury lawyers work on contingency.
How contingency fees work in truck accident cases
When you hire an attorney, they will discuss their contingency fees with you so you know what to expect for payment from any settlement or verdict you receive. In truck accident cases, contingency fees cover costs such as fees to file documents with the court, the use of reconstructionists or expert witnesses, deposition costs, travel expenses, use of court reporters, cost of investigations and discovery, and expenses related to alternative dispute resolution methods.
Contingency fee rates and factors that can impact them
Contingency fees for personal injury cases can vary based on a couple of factors. First, it is up to the discretion of the law firm to set its contingency fee rates. Generally, contingency fees for personal injury claims range from 33% to 40%. The complexity of your case can also impact how much the contingency fees will be. The more your case involves after being injured in a truck accident, the higher the contingency fee rate is likely to be. This is especially true if your case is litigated.
During your consultation, be sure to discuss with the personal injury attorney what fee percentage they will apply to your case. You should also find out if there are any expenses not covered by contingency fees that you will be responsible for covering.
Regardless of what fee percentage a lawyer uses in your case, lawyers are required to act ethically regarding legal fees. They must keep their fees reasonable and in proportion with what is customary for the area, as well as the service.
How contingency fees compare to other payment structures
Contingency fees are not the only payment structure that lawyers use. They can also use hourly or flat fees. With the hourly fee method, lawyers will keep track of all billable hours, and you will pay them as agreed. In a flat rate model, the firm charges a set fee for the service.
When consulting with prospective law firms, discuss the payment model they use and how it will impact the final value of your remaining settlement. When you are ready to hire a lawyer, make sure all financial expectations are in writing.
Recovering and settling your truck accident case
The lawyer you hire will negotiate with insurance companies, court personnel, and other applicable parties on your behalf to secure compensation to cover your losses. Your lawyer’s fees are often included when they calculate the value of your settlement. Your settlement will also cover the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
It is important to talk with your lawyer during your consultation about whether they deduct their fees from the gross or net value of your settlement. This timing can make a significant difference in the amount that you ultimately take home after resolving other expenses related to the accident.
Contact Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates Today
Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates provides accident victims with the legal support they need after a truck or car accident. You should not have to handle your case alone, and our team works hard for you and your family so you can receive a fair settlement for your losses. Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (800) 985-1819 to learn more about how our contingency fees can help you secure legal representation.
