How Much Will It Cost Me to Hire a Car Wreck Attorney?

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Most personal injury attorneys will handle your case on a “contingency fee” basis. In other words, this means you don’t owe the attorney any money unless you win.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we have a contingency fee contract, which means a car accident lawyer at our firm doesn’t get paid unless you recover money. To clarify, we cover all costs associated with prosecuting and litigation. So if you have to go to doctor’s visits or go to court, or if we need to hire an expert, we cover those costs. 

If we’re successful, we’re reimbursed for those costs. If we’re not successful, then we lose those costs. The contingency fee structure we employ at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys is more fully explained on our page about the G Guarantee

No fee unless we win. I’ll win your case, or you don’t owe me a dime. No costs, no expenses, no fees. Nothing.

Is a Car Accident Lawyer Worth The Cost?

It’s not uncommon to ask the question, “How much will it cost me to hire a car wreck attorney?” 

In general, if you were in a minor fender bender with little or no injuries, a negotiation may be settled without a lawyer. However, if your injuries are serious, the value of hiring a car accident lawyer is usually very high. This is because if you need any major medical treatment, the value of your case rises fast. 

CAUTION: Insurance adjusters will try their best to minimize your damages and try to get you to take the lowest possible settlement offer since they’re in the business of making money. This is why having an experienced car accident attorney on your side is vital. 

In fact, in a recent survey done by Nolo/Lawyer.com, they discovered that having a lawyer on your side can definitely make a major difference:

  • 74% of people who had a car accident attorney on their side gained at least some amount of compensation in their car accident claim, while only 54% of those handling their own claim saw a payout.
  • People with a car accident lawyer received an average of $44,600, compared to a $13,900 average payout for self-represented claimants.

As you can see, if you’ve been in a car accident and suffered major injuries, hiring a car accident lawyer can help you tremendously. At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, our team of highly trained and experienced car accident attorneys are on standby and eager to help! 

How Much Will It Cost Me to Hire a Car Wreck Attorney: Payment Methods

When seeking legal assistance for a car accident case, there are multiple payment options beyond the common contingency fee worth noting:

  1. Hourly Rate: Your car accident lawyer tracks time spent on your case and charges an agreed-upon hourly rate. Request a good-faith estimate of the attorney’s time commitment. This option suits limited assistance, such as reviewing settlement offers.
  2. Flat Fee: A car accident attorney charges a set amount for representing you throughout the case. Payment plans are available, usually requiring an initial payment.
  3. Retainer Fee: Some attorneys require an upfront retainer fee, which covers a predetermined number of hours. Additional billing may occur if more time is needed, potentially followed by outcome-dependent payments.
  4. Hybrid: This payment arrangement combines different methods. For example, an attorney may request an upfront flat fee and later receive a percentage of the damages, contingent upon a successful case outcome.

Take these options into account to choose the payment structure that best suits your unique needs and circumstances.

How Much Can You Get from a Car Accident Settlement?

Determining the exact dollar amount of a car accident settlement without evaluating your specific case is not feasible. However, there are various types of damages that you may be entitled to receive compensation for. By hiring a car accident attorney at one of our Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gonzales, Hammond, Houma, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans, Shreveport, and Zachary, your settlement can potentially cover the following:

  1. Medical expenses resulting from the accident-induced injuries.
  2. Costs of prescription medications required for your recovery.
  3. Expenses associated with physical therapy or mobility aids.
  4. Repairs for property damage or your vehicle.
  5. Compensation for lost wages if the accident has rendered you unable to work.

Generally, people who experience significant financial hardships as a result of the accident tend to receive higher settlement amounts. If you have sustained an injury that permanently disables you or significantly impacts your quality of life, it’s reasonable to seek a settlement that reflects these circumstances.

Call a Car Accident Lawyer Today if You’ve Been Injured

By consulting with a car accident lawyer at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, you can have your case and related expenses thoroughly evaluated, allowing for a more accurate estimation of a car accident attorney cost and the compensation you may anticipate receiving! We have 679+ years of combined legal experience and amazing client results galore. You can check them out here. It’s time to Get Gordon and Get it Done!

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justin rabalais profile picture
justin rabalais
13 October 2026
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Eric was a great lawyer very helpful and answered every question and got me paid quick and kept me updated.
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mike keogh
13 October 2026
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Dear Gordon, had a great experience with both Brandon and Jenna on my recent case and extremely happy with their empathy and understanding of my needs in my case. Found them both very professional and informative on explaining my case along with referral doctors who were also very beneficial. Thank you again for providing a great service and will continue to refer other clients to your firm. Sincerely- Mike Keogh
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Reg
11 October 2026
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I don’t know about other law firms but Gordon was good and my personal lawyer Devin perfect,,, he always answered,,always answered questions to full extent,, I drive a tow truck now and every wreck I go to I tell people go to Gordon and specifically ask for Devin,, I don’t know if you read these Mr Gordon but Devin at Lafayette office needs a raise and employee of the year he’s a good guy
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God First
9 October 2026
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"I can't say enough good things about Annabelle at Gordon McKernan. She took on my workers' comp case and fought for me every step of the way. She kept me updated, answered my questions, and made a stressful situation a lot easier to handle. Thanks to her hard work, we won my case. If you've been hurt on the job, I highly recommend her. Thank you, Annabelle!"
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sibell diaz
9 October 2026
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I had am awesome experience. Mrs.Claire Callier always kept me inform and fought for what I deserved . Thank you again