How Much Does a Personal Injury or Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
It depends on the case and the state, and official sources do not publish a typical price. Personal injury lawyers commonly charge a contingency fee, a percentage of any money recovered, and some states cap that percentage in certain cases; case costs such as filing fees are usually separate from the lawyer's fee.
What the law says
- Example (Florida): in personal injury and property damage cases, a contingency fee is presumed excessive, without court approval, if it is more than 33 1/3 percent of any recovery up to $1 million when the case settles before an answer is filed, or 40 percent of any recovery up to $1 million after an answer is filed. Limits for larger amounts are up to 30 percent of any additional recovery between $1 million and $2 million and up to 20 percent of any additional recovery above $2 million. The Florida Bar, Consumer Pamphlet: Attorney's Fees
- Example (Florida): if liability is admitted and only damages are tried, the limits are 33 1/3 percent of recovery up to $1 million, 20 percent between $1 million and $2 million, and 15 percent over $2 million. An additional 5 percent of the recovery may be added if there is an appeal or the lawyer must seek post-judgment relief or collection. The Florida Bar, Consumer Pamphlet: Attorney's Fees
- Example (Florida): a contingency fee contract must be in writing and signed by the client and the lawyer or firm to be paid. Costs such as filing fees and witness expenses are separate from the fee, may be deducted from the client's share of a recovery, and may be owed even if the case is lost unless the contract says otherwise. At the end of the case, the lawyer must give a signed written closing statement with an itemized bill of costs. The Florida Bar, Consumer Pamphlet: Attorney's Fees
- Example (New York): Judiciary Law § 474-a caps contingent fees in medical, dental, and podiatric malpractice cases at 30 percent of the first $250,000 recovered, 25 percent of the next $250,000, 20 percent of the next $500,000, 15 percent of the next $250,000, and 10 percent of any amount over $1,250,000. A judge may approve a higher fee only if extraordinary circumstances are found. New York Judiciary Law § 474-a (NY State Senate)
- Example (Michigan): Michigan Court Rule 8.121, as quoted in a State Bar of Michigan ethics opinion, sets the maximum allowable contingent fee in personal injury and wrongful death claims at one-third of the amount recovered. State Bar of Michigan, Ethics Opinion RI-122 (1992)
- Example (California): court filing fees are separate from the lawyer's fee. As of January 1, 2026, the first-paper filing fee is $435 for an unlimited civil case (amount over $35,000), $370 for a limited civil case over $10,000 up to $35,000, and $225 for a case up to $10,000; these fees vary in Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Francisco counties because of a local courthouse construction surcharge. Superior Court of California, Statewide Civil Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2026)
- Example (California): a court fee waiver may be available to people who receive certain public benefits, whose household income is below a set amount, or who cannot afford basic needs and court fees. A waiver can cover filing fees and some other court costs but not lawyer fees. California Courts Self-Help Guide, Ask for a Fee Waiver
- Bar lawyer referral services can offer a low-cost first meeting. For example, The Florida Bar's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30-minute consultation for no more than $25. The Florida Bar, Lawyer Referral Service
- The State Bar of California says a certified lawyer referral service can arrange a consultation with a lawyer for a reduced or no fee, but cannot estimate the overall costs of your legal matter. State Bar of California, How a Certified Lawyer Referral Service Works
- The Legal Services Corporation, established by Congress in 1974, funds civil legal aid for low-income Americans; its website has a search tool that shows which LSC-funded organization serves your area. Legal Services Corporation, Get Legal Help
FAQ
Is there a standard price for a personal injury lawyer?
No official source sets a typical price. Fees are usually a percentage of any recovery under a written agreement, and some states limit the percentage in certain cases, such as Florida's schedule for personal injury cases.
Do I pay anything if I lose?
Possibly. The Florida Bar says you may have to pay costs such as filing fees and witness expenses even if you lose, unless your contract says otherwise.
Is the percentage taken before or after costs?
It depends on the agreement and state rules. The Florida Bar says a contingency contract must state which expenses will be deducted and how.
Are fees capped in medical malpractice cases?
In some states. New York's Judiciary Law § 474-a sets a sliding scale starting at 30 percent of the first $250,000 recovered and falling to 10 percent of any amount over $1,250,000.
Can I get a low-cost first consultation?
Many bar referral services offer one. For example, lawyers referred by the State Bar of Wisconsin's Lawyer Referral Service agree to charge no more than $20 for the first 30-minute consultation; their regular fees apply after that.
Can I get help with court filing fees?
Courts may waive filing fees for people who qualify. In California, eligibility can be based on public benefits, household income, or inability to afford basic needs and court fees.
Related
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- Fell at Your Apartment Complex? When the Landlord Is Liable
- How Much Does a Slip and Fall Lawyer Cost?
- Injured Because a Landlord Didn't Make Repairs: Your Rights
- Fell in a Parking Lot: Who Is Responsible?
- How Long Do You Have to File a Slip and Fall Claim?
- Slipped and Fell in a Store or Grocery Store? Who Is Responsible
- Slipped on Ice or Snow: Can You Sue?
- Tripped on a Broken or Uneven Sidewalk: Who Pays?
- Slipped on a Wet Floor: When the Property Owner Is Liable
- What Is a Statute of Limitations?
- What Is Medical Malpractice?
- What Is Premises Liability? Slip and Fall Law Explained
- What to Do After a Car Accident
- Personal Injury & Wrongful Death by state
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.