Being involved in a motorcycle accident in Geneva, IL can leave you facing painful injuries, as well as extensive medical bills and lost income from missed work. Many injured riders worry about whether they can afford an attorney to help them pursue the compensation they deserve.Â
Most motorcycle accident lawyers in Geneva, Illinois make their services affordable through flexible fee arrangements, including contingency fees.Â
Fee Arrangements for Attorneys
Attorneys can charge clients in a variety of ways, depending on the type of case and their practice area. Some common fee structures include:
- Hourly Rate – The client pays the attorney a set hourly fee for the time they spend working on the case.
- Flat Fee – The attorney charges a single, predetermined amount for specific services. This is often used for simple legal matters like drafting a will.
- Retainer – A client pays an upfront sum that the attorney draws from as work is completed.
- Contingency Fee – The attorney only collects a fee if they secure compensation through a settlement or trial verdict.
For motorcycle accident cases, the vast majority of lawyers use contingency fees to keep representation accessible.
Motorcycle Accident Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
A contingency fee means your attorney’s payment is contingent upon on the outcome of your case. You do not pay hourly fees or a retainer. Instead, your lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict they recover for you.Â
If your case is unsuccessful, you do not owe attorney’s fees. In Illinois, contingency fees are commonly around one-third (33–40%) of the recovery and are pre-agreed upon at the start of your case. The exact percentage may vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the claim goes to trial. Your attorney should provide a clear, written fee agreement at the beginning of representation so you fully understand the terms of representation.
Benefits of Contingency Fees
This payment structure offers several advantages for motorcycle accident victims in Geneva:
1. Keeps Representation Affordable During a Difficult Time
After a motorcycle crash, you may be dealing with mounting expenses from hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost wages. The last thing most victims can manage is paying thousands of dollars upfront for legal help. A contingency fee ensures that you can hire an experienced attorney without immediate financial strain.
2. Aligns Your Lawyer’s Interests With Your Own
Your attorney’s payment depends on recovering compensation for you. Therefore, they are highly motivated to maximize the value of your case. Their success is directly tied to your success, which helps build trust in the attorney-client relationship.
3. Reduces Financial Risk
If you lose your case, you won’t owe attorney’s fees. While you may still be responsible for certain case costs (like expert witness fees or filing expenses), many firms will front these costs and deduct them from the settlement or verdict. This structure minimizes your financial risk.
Contact an Experienced Geneva Motorcycle Accident Lawyer to Learn More
Hiring a motorcycle accident attorney in Geneva, IL doesn’t have to be financially out of reach. Thanks to contingency fees, you can get the legal help you need without paying anything up front. This arrangement makes justice accessible and gives you the best chance of securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Most injury lawyers also offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and legal options after a crash. Reach out to Feagans Law Group today to schedule your complimentary case review with one of our trusted attorneys.