A truck accident lawyer in New York typically costs nothing upfront and is paid only if they win your case. Most personal injury law firms handle truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis, meaning their payment is a percentage of your final settlement or court award.
This structure ensures that legal help is accessible, even for individuals who don’t have the money to pay hourly or retainers. Contingency fees are standard in truck accident cases because these claims often involve serious injuries, large commercial policies, and multiple liable parties.
Hiring a Long Island truck accident lawyer is critical for protecting your rights, and knowing what you’ll pay (and when) is just as important.
What is a Contingency Fee in a Truck Accident Case?
In New York, the typical contingency fee for a personal injury attorney ranges from 33.3% to 40% of the total compensation recovered. That means if your case settles for $300,000, the attorney would receive around $100,000 as their legal fee, depending on the percentage agreed upon.
Some key points about contingency fees:
- No win, no fee: You don’t owe anything if your case isn’t successful.
- No upfront payments: There are no retainers, hourly billing, or hidden legal costs to begin.
- Transparent contracts: New York State law requires clear, written agreements outlining the percentage and what it covers.
At Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers, we only get paid when you do. Our goal is to remove financial barriers so you can focus on healing while we fight for compensation.
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What Costs are Included in the Contingency Fee?
The contingency fee usually covers all legal representation, including:
- Case investigation and evidence gathering
- Filing and managing court paperwork
- Negotiations with insurance companies
- Preparing your case for trial, if necessary
However, litigation expenses—such as court filing fees, expert witness costs, and medical record retrieval—may be separate from the attorney’s percentage. At Chaikin Trial Group Personal Injury Lawyers, we cover these upfront and only recover them if we win your case. You’ll never be asked to pay out of pocket.
Is the Lawyer’s Fee Taken Out Before or After Expenses?
This is an important detail, and it should always be clarified in your agreement. In some cases, the attorney’s fee is calculated after expenses are deducted (which results in a higher net payout for you). In others, it’s calculated before expenses, which can slightly reduce your take-home amount.
We walk every client through this during intake, and you’ll receive a copy of your signed agreement so there are no surprises later on. Transparency is part of our promise.
Are There Caps or Regulations on Fees in New York?
New York doesn’t place a hard cap on attorney fees for truck accident cases, but contingency fee arrangements must comply with Section 691.20 of the Rules of the Appellate Division. This regulation requires attorneys to submit a retainer statement to the court and ensures all fee agreements are properly documented.
When medical malpractice is involved, New York law does impose a sliding scale fee cap, but that does not typically apply to standard truck accident claims.
We strictly follow all legal and ethical guidelines. Your case will be handled in full compliance with New York regulations, and our contract terms are simple and fair.
Why Hiring a Truck Accident Lawyer Is Worth the Cost
Trucking companies and their insurers move fast after a crash, often sending investigators to the scene before you’ve even left the hospital. Without a lawyer, it’s easy to be taken advantage of or pushed into a lowball settlement.
Our firm prepares every case as if it’s going to trial. That’s the only way to make insurers take your claim seriously. And because we work on contingency, we’re just as invested in your outcome as you are.
Hiring a lawyer gives you:
- Leverage: You don’t have to argue with insurance adjusters or defend your own injuries.
- Resources: We bring in accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economic loss specialists when needed.
- Peace of mind: You’ll have access to the attorney handling your case directly, not just a case manager or assistant.
You focus on recovery. We’ll take care of everything else.
How Our Contingency Fee Model Protects You
We believe every injured person deserves legal protection, regardless of insurance status or financial ability. That’s why we offer:
- Free consultations
- No upfront costs
- Bilingual support in English and Spanish
- Home or hospital visits if you can’t travel
- Car service for intake appointments
Everything we do is designed to make the legal process easier and more accessible for you. You’ll never pay us out of pocket, and you’ll never feel like just a number.
Still Unsure if You Can Afford a Truck Accident Lawyer?
If you’re worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer after a truck crash, you’re not alone. Many of our clients come to us unsure if they can afford legal help or even if they have a valid case. That’s why our first step is always a free consultation—so you can get honest answers and see your options with no pressure and no commitment.
At Chaikin Trial Group Injury Lawyers, we’re relentless when standing up to trucking companies and their insurers. You don’t need to fight this battle alone, and you don’t pay anything unless we win. With over $100 million recovered and 50 years of combined legal experience, our team has the trial mindset and courtroom strength needed to hold commercial carriers accountable.
We offer direct attorney access, bilingual support, and the convenience of home visits or car service when needed. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident and have questions about your legal options, reach out to us today. You’ll come in as a client, but you’ll leave as a friend.