Key Takeaways
- St. Louis car accident lawyers typically charge a contingency fee of 33.3% to 40% — you pay nothing upfront.
- You only pay attorney fees if your lawyer wins your case or secures a settlement on your behalf.
- Victims who hire an attorney are statistically more likely to receive higher settlements than those who negotiate alone.
- Missouri’s 5-year statute of limitations means you should consult an attorney sooner rather than later.
How Much Does a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Charge?
St. Louis car accident lawyers usually charge a fee based on a percentage of the final settlement or verdict reward. These percentages range from around 33.3% to 40%. The contingency fee model allows you to get legal representation for your car accident without paying upfront costs, and you will only pay attorney fees if they win.
Most attorneys who represent car accident victims in St. Louis charge roughly one-third of the settlement amount if the case is won, which equates to 33.3%. You may need to pay a higher percentage if your case requires filing a formal lawsuit and goes to trial, which could put it at 40%.
However, when you go in for your free initial consultation, our attorneys at The Bruning Law Firm will discuss all potential fees with you so that you’ll fully understand what to expect. You might be wondering whether hiring a lawyer is worth it for a minor accident or if you could handle dealing with the insurance company yourself. It never hurts to find out your legal options during the free case evaluation, though you should know that car accident victims who hire an attorney are more likely to get a higher settlement.
Most people don’t realize what damages can be covered in a car accident claim or lawsuit. They also don’t realize there is a deadline for hiring a St. Louis car wreck lawyer in Missouri, which needs to be done before the 5-year statute of limitations runs out. If you miss the Missouri statute of limitations or you sign for a settlement with the insurer on your own, you’ll be leaving money on the table.
What Happens if My Car Accident Lawyer Doesn’t Win?
When your St. Louis car accident lawyer works on a contingency fee, if they do not win, you don’t owe them anything. Some firms do charge for small fees, and it is wise to have a clear understanding, preferably in writing, what responsibilities you would take on for any fees in the event they do not get a settlement or winning verdict on your behalf.
Are Attorney Fees Calculated Before or After Medical Bills?
In Missouri, attorney fees are usually calculated as a percentage of your settlement before medical liens and costs are taken out. Your attorney would then pay any medical liens and expenses from the settlement funds to clear these out, and you would get the remainder.
Is It Worth Paying 33% to 40% for a Car Accident Lawyer?
Yes, it is worth deducting a percentage out of your settlement or verdict for a car accident lawyer in St. Louis because they will most likely get you much more in compensation than you would’ve gotten by trying on your own. They know how to work around insurer tactics to lower settlements and make the case work in your favor. Knowing how to select the best st. louis car accident lawyer can help ensure you find the best possible person to represent you in your time of need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need money upfront to hire a car accident lawyer in St. Louis?
No. Most St. Louis car accident attorneys, including The Bruning Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and only owe fees if your case results in a settlement or verdict in your favor.
What is included in the contingency fee percentage?
The contingency fee typically covers attorney time, legal research, negotiations, and court appearances. Some additional costs like filing fees or expert witnesses may be handled separately — your complete guide to hiring a car accident lawyer covers what to ask during your consultation.
How do I know if I need a lawyer after my car accident?
If you have injuries, medical bills, lost wages, or the insurance company is offering a low settlement, consulting a lawyer is strongly recommended. Learn more about the do i need a lawyer after a car accident? 4 signs that you do.
Contact The Bruning Law Firm
The Bruning Law Firm helps St. Louis car accident victims understand their rights under Missouri personal injury law and fights for their maximum compensation. We charge no fee unless we win, so call (314) 735-8100 today to schedule a free consultation with our affordable St. Louis car accident attorneys.
If the collision caused injuries or insurance disputes, a St. Louis auto accident attorney can explain the next steps for protecting your claim.