Getting injured is stressful enough on its own. So when someone tells you to “get a lawyer,” it’s easy to freeze and wonder how you can possibly afford an attorney when you’re already drowning in bills and expenses (and, suddenly, no income to offset it).
It’s a dilemma many people wrestle with after an accident. You want justice and fair compensation, but the idea of paying hundreds of dollars an hour for an attorney sounds impossible. The good news is that’s not how most personal injury lawyers work.
In fact, hiring an experienced attorney is often more affordable than trying to handle a case on your own – and it can lead to a far better outcome.
However, if you’re going to do this correctly, there are a few things you’ll need to know.
1. Understand the Contingency Fee System
If you’ve been injured and think you can’t afford legal help, you’ll be relieved to learn about contingency fees. This is the most common payment model used by reputable personal injury law firms – and it’s designed to make legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of financial situation.
Here’s how it works: your attorney doesn’t get paid unless you win your case or reach a settlement. Instead of paying upfront fees or hourly rates, they take an agreed-upon percentage of your recovery amount. That means if you don’t get compensation, they don’t get paid.
This approach ensures that your lawyer is motivated to fight for the best possible outcome – because their success depends on yours.
The law firm of DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger explains it this way: “No fee or cost, if no recovery. We advance all of the costs of litigation, from the free initial consultation until your case is resolved. This includes expert witnesses, deposition costs, the hiring of accident reconstructionists and other professionals, and any other litigation costs that arise while pursuing your claim. There is no risk to you to pursue a claim.”
That last sentence is key: There’s no risk to you. With a contingency fee, you can pursue justice without worrying about adding more debt or draining your savings.
2. Take Advantage of Free Consultations
Almost every personal injury law firm offers free consultations – and you should absolutely take advantage of that. A consultation is your chance to tell your story, explain what happened, and get honest feedback about whether you have a strong case.
During this meeting, you’ll also get a feel for the attorney’s experience, communication style, and overall professionalism. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like:
- How long have you been handling cases like mine?
- What’s your success rate?
- What percentage of cases do you settle versus take to trial?
- What are your fees and how are they structured?
The best lawyers will take time to explain everything clearly and make sure you understand what to expect. This is your chance to evaluate them.
3. Don’t Let Fear of Cost Keep You From Calling a Lawyer
Insurance companies love when people try to handle claims alone. They know most individuals don’t fully understand how compensation works – and that fear of legal fees often stops people from getting representation.
That’s exactly how they save money.
When you don’t have an attorney, insurance adjusters will likely offer you a quick, low settlement and pressure you to accept it before you realize how much your claim is actually worth. Once you sign those papers, your case is over – even if your medical bills continue to pile up or your injuries get worse.
A personal injury lawyer prevents that from happening. They know how to calculate the true value of your claim, taking into account lost income, future medical care, and pain and suffering. And because they only get paid if you win, they have every incentive to fight for the maximum amount possible. (In other words, you can’t afford not to call a lawyer.)
4. Your Lawyer Covers the Upfront Costs
Even though lawsuits can involve significant expenses – like filing fees, medical expert reports, depositions, or accident reconstruction – a good contingency-based law firm covers all of that upfront.
That means you don’t pay anything out of pocket while your case is in progress. The law firm fronts the money and gets reimbursed only if they recover compensation for you.
Think of it like this: Your attorney is investing in your case. They believe in your claim enough to put their own resources behind it. That’s a powerful indicator that you have a solid chance of winning.
And if the case doesn’t go your way? You don’t owe them a dime.
5. Choose the Right Attorney for Your Situation
Not all lawyers handle the same types of cases, and not all firms operate with the same level of dedication. If you’re hiring an injury lawyer, you want someone with experience in personal injury litigation – not just general practice.
Look for these qualities:
- Experience with your type of case. Whether it’s a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace injury, find someone who’s handled it before.
- Strong communication. You should never feel left in the dark. Your lawyer should keep you updated and explain complex legal terms in plain English.
- Reputation for results. Check reviews, testimonials, and case outcomes. A strong track record speaks volumes.
- Willingness to go to trial. While most cases settle, you want a lawyer who’s prepared to go to court if necessary – not one who takes the first offer just to close the case.
Legal Help as an Investment
It’s easy to view hiring a lawyer as an added cost, but it’s more accurate to see it as an investment in your recovery. Studies consistently show that people who work with injury lawyers receive significantly higher settlements than those who represent themselves – even after legal fees are deducted.
You’ve already been through enough. You shouldn’t have to take on the legal system alone. Hire the right one and it’ll be the best investment you could ever make.
