Personal Injury Lawyer Cost: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been injured in an accident—whether it's a car crash, slip and fall, or any other incident caused by someone else’s negligence—you may be considering legal help. But one of the most common questions we hear at Montanez Yu is, “How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?”
It’s a fair question. You’re already facing unexpected medical bills, missed time from work, and a whole lot of uncertainty. The last thing you need is another expense, right?
Let us clear the air. In this post, we’ll break down exactly how personal injury lawyers get paid, what “contingency fees” actually mean, and what you should watch out for before signing a contract with any law firm.
You Don’t Pay Anything Upfront
This is the part that surprises a lot of people: Most personal injury lawyers—including our team at Montanez Yu—don’t charge anything upfront.
That means:
No hourly billing
No flat-rate fees
No retainers
Instead, we work on a contingency fee basis. In plain terms, that means we only get paid if you get paid.
If your case results in a settlement or court verdict in your favor, our fee comes out of that recovery. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered in your case. It’s called a “contingency” because our payment is contingent on winning—we don’t collect unless we’re successful. We always explain the process, costs and our fees clearly before you sign anything.
Why Contingency Fees Help Injury Victims
The contingency fee structure isn’t just convenient—it’s actually a critical part of ensuring justice is available to everyone. Think about it: after an injury, many people are unable to work and already dealing with bills piling up. Hiring a lawyer should be the last thing adding financial pressure. The contingency model solves that.
It allows anyone, regardless of financial background, to have access to high-quality legal representation without the fear of going into debt.
What Should You Watch Out For?
Not all law firms are the same, and not all fee agreements are created equal. Before signing with any personal injury attorney, be sure to ask the following:
1. What is your contingency fee percentage?
2. Do you charge more if the case goes to trial?
3. Who pays for case expenses—and when?
4. Do you provide a written agreement?
At Montanez Yu, we answer every one of these questions in detail during our free consultations—and we encourage clients to take the time to understand the process.
Final Thoughts: We Would Love To Talk
If you’ve been injured and are worried about whether you can afford a lawyer, know this:
You can.
The consultation is free. There are no upfront costs. And if we don’t win, you owe nothing. It really is that simple.
Trying to handle a personal injury claim on your own might feel like you’re saving money, but it can cost you far more in the long run. Insurance companies love dealing with unrepresented victims because they know they can settle cheap. A personal injury lawyer helps level the playing field and makes sure you’re not being shortchanged.
If you’ve been hurt and want to know your options, give us a call. We’ll review your case, explain the process, and answer all your questions—no strings attached.