How much does a lawyer charge for a car accident in Tennessee?

The lawyer will usually charge a percentage of the car accident settlement in Tennessee. At 615 Lawyer we charge a contingent one third (⅓) fee for all car accident cases that settle without filing a lawsuit. Contingency fees allow personal injury victims to have representation without paying an upfront attorney fee. Car Accident Lawyer George Angelopoulos evaluates the merits of each case because our time and resources in funding litigation are on the line. Clients never get a bill for services or expenses. Any personal injury attorney fee and expense reimbursement are clearly itemized on the settlement statement.

What is a contingency fee?

Contingent is defined by Merriam-Webster as, ‘dependent on or conditioned by something else.’ The contingency fee is only earned if the client is paid money. The money comes from a personal injury settlement or from damages awarded at trial. The attorney fee is therefore contingent on a client victory. This provides motivation for the attorney to increase the amount of your car accident settlement. A personal injury’s job is not only to increase the top line, but to also increase the bottom line, or net compensation, clients receive.

Tennessee rules of professional conduct authorize contingent attorney fees. ‘A fee may be contingent on the outcome of the matter for which the service is rendered’. There are a list of exclusions that do not apply to car accident cases if, ‘the total fee is reasonable.’

How is the contingency fee calculated?

A one third (⅓) contingency fee is calculated by dividing the amount of total compensation by 3. For example, if a car accident victim’s case settles for $90,000 then the attorney fee is $30,000. I know, this seems a large fee. Keep in mind, it is expensive to be a lawyer. Paying for staff, office space, insurance, licensing and not to mention the cost of law school. In addition to business expenses we also shoulder litigation expenses for numerous cases. If the attorney loses then a loss occurs, not to mention the amount of time that each and every car accident case requires.

A car accident attorney working on a contingency may earn more than the attorney would have received if fee was paid on an hourly basis. Most cases do not result in million dollar settlements. However, some do and when this happens the attorney fee can be quite large. George Angelopoulos charges a ⅓ fee for cases where no lawsuit is filed. The attorney fee is 40% for cases where a lawsuit is filed. This is all explained on our simple one page retainer agreement. We are happy to send a copy for review. Just ask.

Who pays expenses and costs?

Personal injury cases are expensive. Car accident clients do not pay expenses as they are incurred. George Angelopoulos advances all litigation expenses. These expenses are itemized and reimbursed at the conclusion of your personal injury case in addition to the attorney fee. If we don’t win, you don’t pay the contingent attorney fee or expenses. It is our cost and risk of doing business.

Typical expenses and cost examples are as follows: Filing the lawsuit & Service of process ~$350; Medical Records ~$250; Mediation ~$1,000; Court Reporters ~$750; and Doctors or experts ~$3,000 – $7,000. We also may incur travel expenses, hiring investigators and consultants when needed. Understanding the arrangement prior to signing is important. We are clear in the agreement and try to make your recovery as easy as possible.

Don’t let these expense dissuade your car accident case. Consultations are free. We handle the stress and manage the process from start to finish. Call George at 615-422-7171 and we can get started today.