What Do Car Accident Lawyers Charge? A Complete Guide to Fees and Costs After a Crash

Car accidents often leave victims overwhelmed—not just by physical injuries, but by the financial burden that follows. Between vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and insurance battles, many hesitate to contact an attorney, fearing high legal fees. At SG Legal Group, we believe that understanding car accident lawyer fees shouldn’t be complicated or intimidating. This blog will explain the types of fees car accident attorneys charge, how contingency fees work, and what costs you might encounter during your case.

If you’re looking for a car accident lawyer in Maryland, this guide will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward with representation—without worrying about out-of-pocket costs.

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What Are Typical Car Accident Lawyer Fees?

The most common fee structure in car accident cases is the contingency fee. This means that you pay nothing upfront and your attorney only gets paid if they recover compensation on your behalf. If your case is unsuccessful, you owe nothing in attorney fees.

At SG Legal Group, our clients appreciate the transparency and fairness of this model. Here's how it generally works:

• Contingency Fee Range: Most personal injury attorneys, including car accident lawyers, charge between 33⅓% and 40% of the total settlement or verdict.

• Sliding Scale Based on Case Stage:

• 33⅓% if your case settles before filing a lawsuit.

• 40% if your case proceeds to litigation or trial.

This model allows accident victims to access high-quality legal representation without paying anything out of pocket.

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What’s Included in a Contingency Fee?

Many clients wonder what a lawyer’s fee actually covers. The contingency fee includes compensation for your attorney’s:

• Time and labor spent investigating your accident

• Legal research and case development

• Communication with insurance adjusters

• Negotiation of medical bills and liens

• Drafting of legal documents

• Representation during litigation or at trial

In essence, the fee pays for the experience, strategy, and advocacy required to build and win your case.

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Do I Still Pay If I Lose My Case?

No. If SG Legal Group does not secure a settlement or verdict in your favor, you do not owe any attorney’s fees. This "no win, no fee" model is designed to align our interests with yours—we only get paid when you do.

However, case costs are a separate category, which we’ll explore next.

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Understanding Case Costs: What Else Might I Be Responsible For?

While attorney’s fees are contingent, there are other case-related expenses that can arise during the course of a car accident lawsuit. These may include:

• Court filing fees

• Expert witness fees

• Medical records retrieval

• Police report copies

• Deposition costs

• Postage and mailing fees

• Trial exhibit preparation

These expenses are often referred to as “case costs” or “case expenses.”

At SG Legal Group, we typically advance these costs on your behalf and recover them only if your case is successful. You’ll never be asked to write a check while your case is pending or if your case is not successful.

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What Happens to Fees in a Large Settlement?

If you receive a high-value settlement—say $500,000—your attorney’s fee would be calculated as a percentage of that amount. For instance:

• 33⅓% of $500,000 = $166,666.67 (attorney fee)

• Remaining $333,333.33 goes toward medical bills, case costs, and your recovery

A reputable firm like SG Legal Group ensures that your net compensation is maximized by negotiating medical liens and reducing unnecessary expenses wherever possible.

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Is It Worth Paying a Lawyer in a Car Accident Case?

Absolutely. Insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind—they are profit-driven businesses that often undervalue claims. Studies consistently show that individuals represented by a car accident lawyer recover significantly more in compensation, even after accounting for attorney fees.

Hiring a personal injury attorney can:

• Prevent you from accepting a lowball offer

• Ensure all damages (including future medical care and lost income) are pursued

• Shield you from aggressive insurance tactics

• Give you access to medical and investigative resources

• Increase your chances of winning at trial

How Does SG Legal Group Handle Car Accident Lawyer Fees?

At SG Legal Group, our client-first approach means full transparency and no financial surprises. Here's how we handle attorney fees in car accident cases:

• Free Consultation: Always free. Always confidential. We’ll evaluate your case without any pressure or obligation.

• No Upfront Costs: We cover the costs of building your case and getting it to settlement or trial.

• Contingency-Based Representation: You pay us only if we win your case.

• Clear Fee Agreement: Our retainer agreement outlines all terms upfront so you know exactly what to expect.

• Aggressive Negotiation of Liens: We work to reduce any medical bills or health insurance liens that could reduce your final compensation.

Our mission is simple: maximize your recovery and minimize your stress.

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FAQs About Car Accident Lawyer Fees

1. Will I owe anything if I fire my lawyer?

Possibly. If you fire your attorney mid-case, they may assert a lien for the reasonable value of the work they performed. It’s important to review your agreement and consult another lawyer before switching firms.

2. Are there extra fees for going to trial?

While some firms charge a higher fee if the case goes to trial (typically 40%), this is disclosed upfront in the contingency agreement. Going to trial requires significantly more preparation, hence the higher percentage.

3. Does the lawyer take the fee from the gross or net settlement?

Attorney fees are taken from the gross settlement, before medical bills or liens are paid. However, we work hard to negotiate those bills down, ensuring you keep more of your settlement.

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Choosing the Right Car Accident Lawyer Matters

When you’re injured in a crash, choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make. It’s not just about legal fees—it’s about experience, communication, and commitment to your case.

At SG Legal Group, we bring:

• Decades of experience handling Maryland car accident claims

• A proven track record of success against large insurance companies

• Compassionate support throughout your recovery

• A clear, client-focused fee structure that ensures you risk nothing

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Final Thoughts: You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

If you're searching for a car accident lawyer in Maryland and you're worried about legal fees, rest assured: you can afford to hire SG Legal Group. Our team is committed to securing justice and fair compensation for accident victims—and we don’t get paid unless you do.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and let us help you move forward with strength and clarity.