Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers | July 17, 2025 | Personal Injury
You are probably facing medical bills, missed work, and pain if you have been injured in a car accident in Florida. Hiring a Florida personal injury attorney can significantly improve your chances of securing fair compensation, but many victims worry about the cost.
Fortunately, most car accident attorneys in Florida work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay upfront. Here is what you need to know about how attorney fees work for car accident claims in Florida.
Understanding Contingency Fees in Florida
Nearly all personal injury attorneys in Florida handle car accident cases on a contingency fee. This means the attorney only gets paid if they recover money for you, either through a settlement or a court judgment.
The fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive, which is agreed upon at the beginning of your case and documented in a written fee agreement. This fee structure enables injured victims to hire experienced legal representation without incurring out-of-pocket expenses.
If your case is not successful, you generally owe the attorney nothing for their services.
Typical Contingency Fee Percentages in Florida Car Accident Cases
Contingency fees can vary slightly depending on the attorney and complexity of the case, but Florida law generally sets the following standard percentages:
- Up to 33.33 percent of any recovery up to $1 million if the case is settled before a lawsuit is filed.
- Up to 40 percent of any recovery up to $1 million after a lawsuit is filed or if the case goes to trial.
- Up to 30 percent of any additional recovery between $1 million and $2 million, either by settlement or trial verdict.
- Up to 20 percent of any additional recovery above $2 million, either by settlement or trial verdict.
These amounts are set by the Florida Bar’s rules and must be clearly outlined in a written contingency fee agreement. Both the attorney and the client should sign this agreement.
Example Breakdown
Imagine you were injured in a car crash and your attorney helps you secure a $90,000 settlement before filing a lawsuit. Under a standard agreement, your attorney would receive 1/3 of $90,000, or $30,000. You would receive the remaining $60,000, minus any case-related expenses or fees that may apply.
What’s Included in the Contingency Fee?
The contingency fee covers many costs associated with a personal injury case. These include:
- Time and labor
- Legal strategy
- Communication with insurance companies
- Settlement negotiations
- Court filings and trial representation, if necessary
However, it does not usually include other costs related to building your case, such as:
- Court filing fees
- Medical record retrieval costs
- Expert witness fees
- Deposition and transcript fees
- Postage and copying expenses
These case-related costs may be paid by your attorney up front and then reimbursed out of your final settlement or judgment. Some attorneys may deduct these expenses in addition to the contingency fee, while others subtract them before calculating their percentage.
Are Attorney Fees Regulated in Florida?
The Florida Bar has strict ethical rules that govern attorney conduct, including fee arrangements. A written contingency fee agreement must:
- State how the fee is calculated
- Specify whether case costs are included or separate
- Explain the client’s rights, including the right to cancel the agreement within three days
- Be signed by the client and attorney
Attorneys must also avoid charging “clearly excessive fees,” and a court must approve any fee that does not follow the Florida Bar’s guidelines.
Why a Contingency Fee Can Be Worth It
It may seem like a large portion of your settlement goes toward attorney fees, but having a skilled attorney on your side can significantly increase the value of your claim. Insurance companies often offer lowball settlements to unrepresented claimants.
An experienced Tampa car accident lawyer can:
- Investigate your crash thoroughly
- Gather evidence and expert testimony
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers
- File a lawsuit and go to trial if necessary
- Advocate for maximum compensation
Studies show that represented claimants often recover significantly more than those who go it alone, even after paying legal fees. Hiring a Miami auto accident attorney on a contingency fee basis is typically a smart investment when your health, financial security, and future are on the line.
Other Potential Fee Arrangements
Contingency fees are the most common for car accident claims. However, some attorneys may offer alternative billing structures, though they are rare. These include:
- Hourly billing: You pay a set hourly rate for legal work regardless of case outcome. This is typically not advisable for injury cases.
- Flat fees: A one-time charge for specific services, such as reviewing a settlement offer.
- Hybrid arrangements: A combination of a lower hourly rate and contingency fee.
Always discuss fee structures thoroughly with your attorney and make sure the terms are clearly outlined in writing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Attorney Fees in Florida Car Accident Cases
Prospective clients often have questions about attorney fees in Florida car accident cases. These include:
Do I Owe Anything if My Case Is Not Successful?
Generally, no attorney’s fee is charged if there is no recovery. However, you may still owe case-related expenses unless your attorney agrees to absorb them.
Can I Negotiate the Contingency Fee?
Yes. Attorneys often stick to standard fees, but you can ask if the percentage is negotiable, especially in high-value or straightforward cases.
Do Attorneys Offer Free Consultations?
Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations so you can discuss your case and understand your options without financial risk.
Will I Still Get Money After the Attorney Is Paid?
Yes, your portion of the settlement or verdict is paid after the attorney has taken their fee and expenses are deducted. Your lawyer should provide a detailed settlement statement explaining all deductions.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car crash, do not let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. A contingency fee arrangement could allow you to pay nothing upfront.
An experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can protect your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and fight for the full value of your claim. Reach out to Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve Fort Lauderdale, Clermont, and its surrounding areas:
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
633 S Andrews Ave Ste 401, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 361-3997
Workman Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers
1655 E Hwy 50 ste 316, Clermont, FL 34711
(352) 77-33866