Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer: How to Find Trusted Pros

In most cases, no. Personal injury lawyers in Philly typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. You shouldn't have to pay a retainer or hourly fee just to get started. However, you may be responsible for certain case costs, like court filing fees or expert witness fees, which are usually deducted from your settlement.

Sometimes. Lawyers may be willing to lower their percentage, especially if your case is strong and likely to settle quickly. It doesn't hurt to ask. You can also negotiate who pays for costs. However, be wary of a lawyer who drastically reduces their fee—it might indicate they're not planning to put in much effort.

Yes, there can be. Even on a contingency fee, you may be responsible for 'costs' such as police reports, medical records, expert witness fees, court filing fees, and deposition costs. These are often advanced by the lawyer but deducted from your final settlement. Make sure to ask for a written list of potential costs and how they're handled.

The standard range is 33% to 40% of your settlement or award. It's often 33% if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed, and 40% if a lawsuit is filed or the case goes to trial. Some lawyers may charge a lower percentage for very large settlements, but that's not guaranteed. Always ask for the exact percentage before signing.