Matthew Mincone | April 28, 2025 | Car Accident
You may be hoping a Florida car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation after an accident. However, one of the biggest worries among victims is, “How much do car accident attorneys charge in Florida?”
Fortunately, most Florida personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, which can help you avoid paying for costly legal fees out of pocket.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where the attorney’s fee is contingent upon the case’s outcome. Your lawyer will only get paid if they recover compensation on your behalf through a settlement or trial verdict. This means:
- No upfront costs: You do not need to pay upfront or hourly fees.
- Your lawyer assumes the risk: You do not owe attorney’s fees if your lawyer does not recover compensation for you.
Contingency fees are especially common in personal injury cases because victims are often facing medical bills, lost wages, and other financial burdens. A contingency fee arrangement allows those injured in Tampa car accidents to pursue justice without additional financial stress. It also motivates your attorney to achieve the best possible result because their payment depends on it.
How Much Is the Typical Contingency Fee in Florida?
Most personal injury attorneys charge a contingency fee ranging from 33.33 percent to 40 percent of the amount recovered for you, depending on the stage of the case and the amount recovered. Your lawyer may apply a contingency fee as permitted under Florida Bar guidelines. This includes:
- Up to 33.33 percent of your recovery if your case is settled before the filing of an answer or demand for arbitration.
- Up to 40 percent of your recovery if your case is resolved after an answer has been filed, an arbitration is demanded, or the case proceeds to trial.
In addition, your lawyer may charge up to 30 percent of any additional recovery between $1 million and $2 million or up to 20 percent of any additional recovery above $2 million.
Are There Other Rules on Contingency Fees?
Florida law puts restrictions on contingency fee arrangements to protect clients. Florida personal injury lawyers must provide a written contingency fee agreement detailing the percentage you will be charged and expenses that may be deducted from your final settlement.
A written agreement must include:
- The percentage your lawyer will receive
- An explanation about whether expenses such as filing fees or expert witness fees are deducted before or after the attorney’s percentage is calculated
- An explanation of your right to cancel the agreement within a specified time
These rules help ensure you fully understand the financial terms of a contingency fee case before representation begins.
What Other Costs Might My Car Accident Attorney Charge?
Under a contingency fee, your lawyer’s fee is contingent on the outcome of your case. However, there are case-related expenses that are often incurred regardless of whether your case is successful. These may include:
- Court filing fees
- Costs for obtaining medical records
- Expert witness fees
- Depositions and transcripts
- Costs of investigation
You will likely be responsible for paying these costs. However, many Florida car accident lawyers will advance these costs on your behalf and then deduct them from your settlement or verdict. Your contingency agreement should explain whether these costs are deducted before or after the attorney’s percentage is calculated, which can significantly affect how much you receive.
Contact the Tampa Car Accident Lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in Tampa, FL, do not let concerns about legal costs prevent you from getting help. Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover compensation for you.
For more information, contact our skilled car accident lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 800-0810
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Tampa
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 27.9593512,-82.4369179
About The Author
Attorney Matthew Mincone is the founder of Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers. He earned his law degree while attending night programs in New York and is licensed to practice in Florida. With over 15 years of legal experience, Matthew focuses on personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles. His commitment to personally handling each case ensures clients receive dedicated representation. Click here to view some of the remarkable case results that Matthew has successfully achieved.
Location: Tampa, FL