After a serious truck accident, victims often face a daunting combination of physical, emotional, and financial challenges. With medical bills piling up and income lost due to missed work, many people worry they can't afford to hire a skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyer to protect their rights and pursue fair compensation.
At Finney Injury Law, we understand the financial strain a truck accident can cause. That's why we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis—a payment arrangement that allows anyone to secure high-quality legal representation, regardless of their economic situation. Under this structure, you pay no upfront costs, and your attorney only collects a fee if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
The Advantages of Contingency Fee Agreements
Contingency fee structures offer numerous benefits for truck accident victims seeking legal help:
- No out-of-pocket expenses. You don't need to pay anything upfront to hire a lawyer, allowing you to obtain legal counsel without adding to your financial burdens.
- Improved access to justice. Contingency fees level the playing field by enabling individuals to hire skilled attorneys they might not otherwise be able to afford.
- Alignment of interests. Your lawyer is motivated to work diligently to maximize your compensation because their fee is a percentage of the recovery.
- Reduced financial risk. If no recovery is made, you typically owe no attorney fees, minimizing your financial risk in pursuing a claim.
Common Contingency Fee Structures in Truck Accident Cases
Contingency fee percentages can vary based on the specifics of your case and the attorney you hire. Contingency fees in the St. Louis area generally range from 25 to 45 percent of the amount recovered. Some common scenarios include:
- Pre-lawsuit settlement. If your case settles before a lawsuit is filed, the attorney's fee tends to be lower, around 25 to 35 percent of the recovery.
- Post-lawsuit settlement. If your case settles after a lawsuit is filed but before trial, the fee is typically higher, around 35 to 40 percent, to account for the additional work involved.
- Trial verdict. If your case goes to trial and results in a jury award, the attorney's fee may be as high as 45 percent of the recovery.
Before signing a representation agreement, you’ll need to discuss the specific contingency fee percentages and structure with your St. Louis truck accident lawyer. Your attorney should clearly explain their fees and provide a written contract detailing the terms of the arrangement.
Understanding Case Expenses and Costs
In addition to attorney fees, pursuing a truck accident claim often involves various expenses, such as:
- Court filing fees and deposition costs
- Expert witness and accident reconstruction fees
- Medical record retrieval and review
- Investigative expenses
Typically, your lawyer will cover these costs upfront and deduct them from your final settlement or award. However, it's important to clarify with your attorney how case expenses will be handled and whether you'll be responsible for reimbursing these costs if no recovery is made.
Factors That Can Impact Your Claim's Value
While contingency fees make legal representation more accessible, several factors can affect the potential value of your truck accident claim, including:
- Liability issues. To recover compensation, you must prove that the truck driver, trucking company, or another party was at fault for the accident. The strength of the liability evidence can significantly impact your case's value.
- Extent of damages. The severity of your injuries, total medical expenses, lost income, and other damages directly influence the potential recovery in your case.
- Insurance coverage. The at-fault party's insurance policy limits can constrain the available compensation, even if your damages exceed those limits.
- Comparative fault. If you're found partially at fault for the accident, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault under Missouri's pure comparative negligence law.
An experienced St. Louis truck accident lawyer can assess these factors and provide an educated opinion on your claim's potential value.
Choosing the Right Truck Accident Attorney
When selecting a St. Louis truck accident lawyer to handle your case on a contingency basis, consider the following:
- Experience. Look for an attorney with a proven track record of successfully handling commercial vehicle accident cases like yours.
- Resources. Truck accident cases often require extensive investigation and expert analysis. Ensure your lawyer has the resources needed to build a strong claim.
- Communication. Choose an attorney who prioritizes client communication and will keep you informed throughout the process.
- Reputation. Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to gauge the attorney's reputation and client satisfaction.
At Finney Injury Law, we pride ourselves on providing skilled, compassionate representation to truck accident victims on a contingency fee basis. We have the experience, resources, and commitment to pursue the compensation you deserve.