How Much Does a Lawyer Cost For a Car Accident In Nashville?

The fees charged by a Nashville car accident lawyer can vary, and there is no set amount for a car accident claim. However, many reputable personal injury lawyers will collect their fees based on the settlement or verdict amount they are able to obtain on their client’s behalf. This structure is referred to as a contingency fee, meaning that a fee is contingent on a successful outcome.

When you hire a personal injury lawyer from Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers to handle your Nashville car accident case, it’s important to understand that you don’t pay anything upfront. We cover all out of pocket expenses and don’t collect anything unless we win or settle your claim. We can even obtain your Nashville car accident collision report on your behalf.

If you’ve been injured in a wreck in Nashville that wasn’t your fault, a car accident attorney at our firm is here to help. Call our legal team today for a free consultation. We can answer any questions you may have about attorney fees and other items regarding your specific situation.

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What is a contingency fee?

A contingency fee is a type of payment arrangement that many lawyers use to be compensated for their legal services. Unlike a fixed hourly fee, a contingency fee is based on a percentage of the monetary amount that their client receives when they win or settle the case. In simpler terms, the lawyer or law firm only gets paid if they successfully represent their client. Contingency fees are commonly used in personal injury cases, where the lawyer typically charges a percentage of the amount the client recovers as compensation.

A Nashville personal injury attorney who works on a contingency fee will not be paid until:

• A settlement is obtained
• Or, if your case goes to court and you are awarded compensation by a judge or jury

Example of how contingency fees work in a car accident settlement

Let’s say you were injured in a rear-end car accident in Nashville and decided to hire a lawyer to help you with your case. You and your lawyer agree on a contingency fee arrangement of 35%. If the lawyer that represents you wins or settles the case and receives $10,000 worth of compensation for you, your lawyer would be entitled to 35% of that amount as their fee.

That means that if he or she resolves your claim for $10,000, then they would receive $3,500 (35% of $10,000) as their payment for representing you.

If your case, however, is not won or does not reach a settlement, your lawyer will not receive any payment for their services. In this type of arrangement, the lawyer’s payment is contingent upon their successful representation of your case and the amount you receive in resolution of your claim.

Contingency fees incentivize lawyers to work diligently on behalf of their clients, as they only get paid if they achieve a positive outcome. This allows individuals who may not have the means to pay upfront legal fees to still access quality legal representation.

Do lawyers usually ask for money upfront?

Because Nashville personal injury lawyers often work on a contingency fee basis, they cover the upfront costs associated with the case and only get paid if they win the case or reach a settlement. Some common up-front costs that a personal injury lawyer may cover include:

• Legal Fees: This includes the costs of hiring investigators, expert witnesses, the cost of depositions, and the fees charged by any other professionals necessary to build a strong case.
• Court Filing Fees: Lawyers will typically cover the expenses related to filing court documents, such as complaint forms or motions.
• Medical Records and Reports: Obtaining medical records and reports from healthcare providers to establish the extent of injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.
• Investigation Expenses: If an investigation is required to gather evidence or collect witness statements, the lawyer will typically cover these costs.

It’s important to note that personal injury lawyers typically bear the financial risk of the case by covering these up-front costs. They may not be reimbursed for these expenses if they do not win the case or reach a settlement.

What is the average car accident settlement amount in Nashville, TN?

A car accident settlement can vary widely from case to case. There are no reliable average car accident settlement amounts to provide, and injury victims should consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to determine the amount their case may be worth.

If an injury law firm claims to have an average settlement amount for a car accident in Tennessee, personal injury victims should be wary and evaluate the law firm carefully. Additionally, car accident settlement calculators are not a method anyone should use to determine a typical car accident settlement figure. It truly depends on the case.

Instead, car accident settlements should be reviewed and negotiated by an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands the specifics of your case and the settlement that you deserve, which can be determined by many factors.

How are the average car accident settlements for Tennessee calculated?

Insurance companies generally do not use a specific formula to calculate average car accident settlements in Tennessee, and your total settlement offer can depend on several factors, such as insurance policy limits and the extent of damage to you or your property. When considering settlement amounts for car accident injuries, it’s important to know that higher settlements are typically awarded in cases involving severe or permanent injuries. However, no matter the circumstance of the incident, the initial insurance company offers will often not be enough to cover an injured victims short-term and long-term costs. A law firm with experience negotiating with insurance companies can help ensure you receive every dollar you deserve.

How much is my car accident worth in Davidson County?

When determining what your car accident settlement is worth, a Nashville attorney will first review your damages.

After a car accident, several types of damages can potentially be awarded, depending on the circumstances of the case. Some common damages that may be sought and awarded in a car accident case include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for the cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care related to the accident.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of damaged property, such as your vehicle or personal belongings that were in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost due to the accident, including wages missed during your recovery period or any diminished earning capacity resulting from the injuries sustained.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages meant to compensate for the physical and emotional pain, suffering, and distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
• Emotional Distress: Additional compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, or other emotional anguish experienced as a result of the accident.
• Loss of Enjoyment: Damages awarded when the accident and resulting injuries significantly impact your ability to engage in activities or hobbies you previously enjoyed.
• Punitive Damages: In certain cases where the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.

It’s important to note that the availability and calculation of damages can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, the extent of the injuries, applicable insurance coverage, and the laws of the jurisdiction where the accident occurred. Consulting with a qualified personal injury attorney can provide more accurate and specific information regarding the damages that may be recoverable in your particular case.

What your case is worth can change over time

Imagine you were involved in a car accident where you sustained injuries, and your initial medical treatment and evaluation indicated that your injuries were relatively minor. At this stage, your personal injury lawyers and the insurance company may engage in negotiations to reach a fair settlement amount.

Initially, the settlement discussions might focus on compensating your medical bills, property damage, and any immediate lost wages. Based on the information available at the time, a settlement amount of $20,000 could cover your costs.

However, as time progresses, you might experience complications from your injuries, requiring additional medical treatments, therapies, or surgeries. These unforeseen developments can increase the severity of your injuries and the corresponding medical expenses.

With these new circumstances, your attorney may reevaluate the fair settlement amount and decide that it would be more appropriate to seek a higher settlement to account for the increased damages and prolonged impact on your life. They may now pursue a settlement amount of $50,000.

In this example, the fair settlement amount changed over time due to the evolving nature of your injuries and the associated costs. It highlights how ongoing medical developments and the progression of your recovery can influence the negotiations and the final settlement amount sought by your attorney.

It’s important to work closely with your injury lawyer after a car crash, regularly communicate any changes in your condition, and allow them to reassess the settlement amount based on the updated information and the potential long-term effects of your injuries.

Who is at fault in the car accident can impact the settlement amount in Tennessee

Tennessee law includes a Modified Comparative Negligence rule, which can also determine what compensation may be available to you.

In Tennessee, if you’re partially at fault for an accident that caused your injuries, you can still seek compensation if your fault is less than 50%. However, the amount of money you can receive will be reduced based on how much fault is assigned to you. If your fault is 50% or more, you won’t be able to recover any damages.

Is it worth getting a lawyer for a car accident?

Studies have shown that people who were represented by a personal injury lawyer received nearly three and a half times more money, even after attorney fees were paid. Although every car accident settlement is different, having an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side can help ensure you receive the most money possible.

Call Hughes & Coleman today for a free case evaluation

If you’ve been involved in a Nashville car wreck and experienced serious injuries, call us today for a free consultation. We are always transparent regarding our attorney fees and never collect a dime unless we recover money for you. You never have to pay an upfront cost and our injury attorneys will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to get you the most money possible.

Contact our legal team today.

800-800-4600

Get it done.