The right Westchester County car accident lawyer does not cost anything up front. At Lever & Ecker, we handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. That means our clients do not pay upfront attorney fees, and they will not pay any fee unless they recover compensation.
We built our firm’s fee structure so that injury victims can pursue the compensation they deserve without worrying about how they’ll pay for it.
How Contingency Fees Work in a Westchester County Car Accident Case
When lawyers take car accident cases on a contingency fee basis, clients pay no upfront costs or fees and owe their attorneys nothing unless they recover compensation.
Personal injury attorneys use hourly billing systems in many fields of law, often requiring a significant retainer payment up front to cover their fees. Contingency fees ease access to trusted representation and allow personal injury lawyers to align their goals with the outcomes of their clients’ cases.
Lever & Ecker’s Westchester County car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and only get paid when you do—that is the only arrangement we offer.
What Percentage Does a Car Accident Lawyer Take in Westchester County?
In car accident lawsuits in Westchester County, personal injury attorneys typically charge a contingency fee of one-third—or 33 and 1/3%—of the recovery, plus reimbursement of expenses incurred in the case. Case law and the Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit lawyers from charging excessive fees. Lever & Ecker’s Westchester county car accident lawyers walk each car accident client through their fee agreement before they sign anything, ensuring there are no surprises about what you pay and when.
Are Car Accident Case Expenses Separate?
Your retainer agreement will also determine the way your car accident case expenses are treated. Case expenses are the costs required to pursue your case. They generally include, for example, fees for court filings, investigations, medical record retrieval, depositions, and expert witnesses. These costs are separate from the attorney fees.
Many personal injury firms advance the case expenses and deduct them from their clients’ recoveries.
Make sure to ask your lawyer how they will handle expenses and whether you will owe them anything if you lose your case. Most firms do not volunteer that information, but we do. Our car accident attorneys at Lever & Ecker will advance your case expenses and be transparent from day one about exactly how we handle them.
If You Lose Your Car Accident Case, Do You Owe Anything?
In a true contingency fee arrangement, you will not owe your attorney any fees if you do not recover compensation. However, some retainer agreements still leave the client responsible for case expenses even in the event of a loss. Therefore, it is very important to ask whether you will need to reimburse the firm for its expenses before signing anything.
It is critical for you to fully understand the terms of your agreement.
At Lever & Ecker, we fully review the agreement with each individual involved in a car accident in Westchester County before taking on their car accident case. Our firm believes in not burying important terms deep in your contract. Instead, we will explain every line to you in plain language.
Does Hiring a Lawyer Actually Pay Off Financially?
Even after accounting for attorney fees, car accident injury victims in Westchester County who hire a car accident lawyer recover significantly more compensation than those who represent themselves. Lever & Ecker’s experienced Westchester car accident attorneys will investigate your circumstances, estimate the full value of your injuries and expenses, and pursue all available damages from a position of strength.
Whether you were injured in a multi-vehicle collision on I-287, a commercial truck accident on I-95, or another type of incident in Westchester County, the other side will have legal professionals hired by an insurance company working for them, so you need top-tier legal representation. Our lawyers at Lever & Ecker will calculate the value of your car accident claim before any negotiation begins, and we will not agree to settle for anything less.
What the Initial Consultation Costs and What to Bring
Lever & Ecker’s car accident consultations are always free, with no fees or obligations. Having a conversation with our Westchester County car accident lawyers comes with no pressure and no commitments. We would rather answer your questions for free than have you make a financial decision without understanding the full picture behind your case.
We can visit you in your home, in the hospital, at our White Plains office, or over the phone. We have Spanish-speaking staff available and can schedule your meeting after hours or on weekends if necessary.
When you come to your car accident consultation, bring any evidence relevant to your case that you have ready, including:
- Photos from the scene.
- Medical records and bills.
- The police report, if it is available.
- Any correspondence you have had with insurance companies.
- The other driver’s contact information.
Talk to a Westchester County Car Accident Lawyer — No Cost, No Commitment
The award-winning Westchester County car accident lawyers at Lever & Ecker, PLLC, have over 80 years of combined experience handling car accidents in the area. Our trial-ready attorneys will take care of the hard work for you with no upfront fees.
Our staff are available to meet with you over the phone, at home, or in the hospital at any time, and may converse with you in Spanish if you prefer. There is no cost to call and no obligation to move forward after your consultation.
Contact us online or call us today at (914) 288-9191 to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Pay Anything Up Front to Hire Lever & Ecker’s Car Accident Lawyers in Westchester County?
No, you do not have to pay anything up front to hire a Westchester County car accident lawyer. Lever & Ecker’s car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means no upfront payments, no hourly billing, and no fees unless we recover compensation for you.
What Percentage Do Car Accident Lawyers Take in New York?
Under the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, the standard rate for car accident lawyers is one-third of the recovery.
Will I Still Owe Attorney Fees if I Lose My Case?
You will not owe any attorney fees if you do not recover compensation for your Westchester car accident case. However, depending on the terms of your retainer agreement, you may have to reimburse your lawyer for case expenses.
Will Hiring a Lawyer Reduce My Total Recovery After the Fee?
Even when accounting for contingency fees, you will almost always recover more compensation by hiring a legal professional than by representing yourself.
How Do I Know if My Case Is Worth Pursuing?
Lever & Ecker’s experienced Westchester County car accident lawyers can answer that question through a free consultation. We will assess your case at no cost and with no obligation, giving you the knowledge and perspective you need to make an informed decision.
