What Does “No Recovery No Fee” Mean In My Houston 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Case? Am I Really Off The Hook For Lawyer Fees And Costs
When a person is seriously injured in an 18-wheeler truck accident in Houston, due to drunk or distracted driving or for any other reason that is not their own fault, they may wonder what their rights and options are under Texas personal injury laws. An 18-wheeler truck accident can be extremely dangerous, due the size and weight of the truck in comparison to most motor vehicles on the road, and an 18-wheeler truck accident victim may suffer losses such as wages due to being temporarily or permanently disabled from working, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life with family members. Fortunately, under Texas personal injury laws, Houston 18-wheeler truck accident victims have rights, and may be entitled to compensation. However, in order to bring a claim for an 18-wheeler truck accident case in Houston, an injured person (or certain family members, in the case of a wrongful death claim) must file a case in court in order to initiate the claim process. The Houston personal injury claim process can be extremely complex, and many, if not most, 18-wheeler truck accident victims in Houston opt to work with legal counsel representing them on their claim before the court.
Most lawyers who represent 18-wheeler truck accident victims and other personal injury victims charge what is called a “contingency fee.” In this type of fee arrangement, the personal injury lawyer agrees with their client (the victim of the 18-wheeler truck accident) that the lawyer will take their case on without any out-of-pocket up front for legal fees or costs. If the lawyer is able to settle the case or win it for the 18-wheeler truck accident victim, then the lawyer recovers a percentage of the settlement as legal fees. In other words, the only way that the lawyer gets paid is if the lawyer is able to settle or win the client’s case, and, if they are not successful, the client is not on the hook for any lawyer fees. It may sound too good to be true, but contingency fee arrangements are no joke, and may be a great option for those who cannot afford a lawyer who charges an hourly rate and costs up front.
How Can I Be Certain I Won’t Be on the Hook for Out-of-Pocket Fees and Costs in My Houston 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Case?
18-wheeler truck accident victims seeking legal help should be encouraged that contingency fee agreements are made by written agreement, called a “retainer”. This means that the terms of the contingency fee arrangement will be spelled out in writing, signed by both parties (the lawyer and client), and operate as a formal contract. The agreement will not only include the percentage that the lawyer is entitled to recover if the case is successful and there is a monetary recovery, but also how costs are recovered. Most contingency fee agreements entitle lawyers to collect legal costs off the top of any award or settlement amount, in addition to the fee percentage.
Legal Help in Houston for 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Victims
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler truck accident in Houston, contact the experienced Houston personal injury lawyers at the Gilde Law Firm. The lawyers at the Gilde Law Firm work on a “no recovery, no fee” arrangement, and offer a free and confidential consultation to listen to your story and to see if they can help. Contact the Gilde Law Firm today and speak to a lawyer about your case for free.
