If you’ve been injured in a crash, one of your first concerns is often:
“What does a car accident lawyer cost?”
The good news is that most NYC personal injury law firms, including Redmond Law Firm PLLC, work on a contingency fee—meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless your lawyer wins your case.
Below is a clear breakdown of how car accident lawyer fees work, what affects the cost, and how the fee structure benefits injured clients in New York.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

In NYC, the standard contingency fee for car accident cases ranges from:
⚖️ 33% to 40% of the compensation recovered
This fee is taken only if the lawyer successfully obtains a settlement or verdict.
If the case is not won, you owe $0 in attorney fees.
Why Lawyers Use a Contingency Fee in Personal Injury Cases
A contingency fee structure allows injured victims to:
- Access high-quality legal representation with no upfront costs
- Avoid hourly billing or retainers
- Have their lawyer fully invested in maximizing compensation
- Get legal help immediately, even if money is tight after the accident
Authoritative references:
- American Bar Association – Contingency Fee Overview:
www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_services/flh-home/flh-contingency-fees - New York State Bar Association – Personal Injury Basics:
https://nysba.org
What’s Included in the Lawyer’s Fee?
Your car accident lawyer cost typically includes:
- Case evaluation
- Accident investigation
- Collecting medical records
- Communication with insurance companies
- Settlement negotiations
- Preparing evidence
- Filing legal documents
- Court representation if needed
Trusted medical reference (injury evaluation):
- Mayo Clinic – Whiplash Overview: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whiplash
Are There Other Legal Expenses?

Even though you don’t pay upfront, some cases require additional costs such as:
- Medical expert reports
- Court filing fees
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Investigation expenses
At Redmond Law Firm PLLC, these expenses are advanced on your behalf, and only deducted after a successful recovery.
No surprises. No hidden fees.
Why Choosing the Right NYC Lawyer Matters
The cost of a lawyer matters—but the value you get matters more.
An experienced NYC attorney can:
- Negotiate stronger settlements
- Prevent insurance companies from underpaying
- Correctly calculate long-term medical costs
- Fight aggressively if your injuries worsen over time
Insurance reference:
- Insurance Information Institute – Auto Injury Claims: https://www.iii.org
A skilled lawyer often increases the settlement far beyond what a person could obtain alone.
Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering “What does a car accident lawyer cost?”, the answer is simple:
With contingency fees, you pay nothing upfront, and your attorney is motivated to win the highest possible compensation for your injuries.
For NYC car accident victims, choosing the right attorney can change the entire outcome of your case.
📞 Contact Redmond Law Firm PLLC today for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.