How Much do Lawyers Charge for Boat/ Jet Ski Accident Claims?

After a boat or jet ski accident, you might wonder if you need a lawyer or whether you can afford one. It’s normal to worry about a lawyer being expensive to hire, but we have good news. Lawyers charge for boat/jet ski accident claims in a way that is risk-free for you.

Most accident lawyers work on contingency, which means if they get you a settlement or court award, they receive a percentage of those winnings. The average fee falls between 33% and 40% of the final settlement amount but can vary depending on the specifics of your case. 

With this arrangement, there is no upfront cost, and partnering with an experienced lawyer can make a huge difference in your case’s outcome. At John Foy & Associates, our Atlanta boat accident lawyers are completely transparent about what to expect when working with us.

How does a Boat/Jet Ski Accident Lawyer Contingency Fee Work?

During your initial consultation, you and your Atlanta personal injury lawyer will agree to a fixed percentage of the contingency fee, which, as we mentioned, is typically at least 33% of the amount you win. The exact percentage will be discussed during your initial consultation.

Again, you won’t pay this fee out-of-pocket. It comes straight from your settlement or award. If you don’t receive any money, you don’t owe your lawyer anything.

Sometimes, a contingency fee will be higher than average. For example, if you file a personal injury lawsuit or go to trial, the price could be closer to 40% of what you win. The cost is higher because a court case requires a lot more time and work from your lawyer. Plus, you’re likely to recover more compensation if you win at trial.

Contingency Fees vs. Hourly Costs

Although it’s rare, some boat/jet ski accident lawyers work by the hour. The attorney will have a set hourly rate, and there might be a deposit.

Hourly rates usually only happen in other types of cases, such as criminal defense. Personal injury attorneys do not usually charge that way. However, if you’re concerned, ask your lawyer for a breakdown of their fee structure.

At John Foy & Associates, we never charge you upfront for our services. We are proud to work on a contingency fee basis, so a win for you is a win for us. We require nothing upfront and only get our percentage if we prevail in your case. Also, your initial consultation is completely free, even if you choose not to sign up with us.

Risk-Free Arrangement

When you hire a lawyer on contingency, the process is risk-free for you. Plus, there are no upfront or out-of-pocket expenses. If you recover financial compensation, your lawyer gets paid out of that money. Once the lawyer takes care of any additional expenses and takes their cut, you get to keep the rest of your settlement.

Factors that Affect the Lawyer’s Percentage

A lawyer’s contingency fee can vary based on:

• Their experience and track record
• Their familiarity with boating rules and regulations
• Their practice location
• The complexity of your case
• Your personal injury damages
• The law firm’s size
• The expected amount of your settlement

Don’t be afraid to ask a lawyer about their fee. They can explain why they charge the amount they do. Experienced law firms will be confident in their costs and how they can help you.

What If Your Case Goes to Trial?

If you need to take your case to trial, the lawyer’s fee could be higher. Be sure to ask your boating accident attorney about how they will handle this.

Lawsuits take time and money. Your lawyer will only take the case to trial if they are confident they can win. The lawyer’s fee is higher when going to trial because there is a lot more involved.

They will need to:

• Investigate and obtain evidence during the discovery.
• Prepare for negotiation during the mediation.
• Build a strong case to present at trial.

There are also specific costs involved with going to trial. They might need trial exhibits, have deposition fees, and more. An experienced lawyer will do everything possible to increase your chances of winning at trial. If they are successful, you will win the compensation you deserve.

Are There Any Other Costs a Lawyer Charges for Boat/ Jet Ski Accident Claims?

Besides the contingency fee, there will be additional costs associated with your case. As your lawyer works for you, they will keep track of extra expenses. Most of the time, your lawyer will pay for these costs as they come up. It’s rare for an attorney to request repayment right away.

Expenses that your lawyer might have include:

• Court filing fees
• Investigator costs
• Medical record copies
• Copying or printing expenses
• Postage

If your case goes to trial, the additional costs will be higher. Your lawyer could have expenses for things like expert witness fees and trial exhibits. If you’re concerned about these costs, discuss them with your lawyer during the consultation.

Most injury lawyers wait until your case ends before addressing extra costs. That way, you won’t have to worry about paying for anything out-of-pocket. Also, ask your lawyer about how they handle these costs if you don’t win your case.

When does a Jet Ski/ Boat Injury Attorney Take Their Fee?

If you win a jet ski or boat accident settlement or court award, your lawyer will typically receive the check first. They deduct their contingency fee from the settlement. They’ll also take out money for any additional costs they incur while working on your case.

Your lawyer should create an itemized list of the extra expenses so that there are no surprises. If you have any questions about a fee, ask them.

After deducting the above costs, your lawyer will send the remaining settlement to you. The money will be yours to use as you wish. You can repay your accident-related expenses and whatever else you need.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer After Being Injured on a Boat or Jet Ski?

Hiring a lawyer after a boating accident is highly beneficial. In fact, research has shown you’re more likely to get a fair settlement offer when you have a lawyer. According to a study involving auto accidents, injured victims with a lawyer won 3.5 times more than those handling their own cases.

Although lawyers do take a fee if they win your boat/jet ski accident claim, you’re still likely to go home with more. Even with the contingency fee, you increase your chances of paying for all of your accident costs.

An experienced lawyer will know how to handle each step of the personal injury claim process. For example, your attorney’s legal team will gather evidence against the negligent boat operator or other responsible party, negotiate with the insurance company, and make sure the necessary legal paperwork is filed on time. 

How Will a Lawyer Help My Case?

A lawyer’s goal is to recover your costs as fully as possible. You should not have to pay for expenses that were not your fault. In Georgia, you are entitled to compensation for the damages resulting from your injury, per (Georgia Code Section 51-12-4).

With the above in mind, a boat/jet ski accident lawyer will help your case by:

• Investigating your accident
• Compiling evidence of the at-fault party’s negligence
• Calculating all of your accident damages
• Communicating with the insurance company
• Negotiating a fair settlement
• Taking your case to court if necessary

Most boat/jet ski accident victims have never had to handle the legal process. But boat and jet ski lawyers have years of education for that very reason. They can build a strong case for you while you focus on healing.

How Much Compensation Could I Recover in a Boat/Jet Ski Accident Case?

In a boat/jet ski accident case, victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help alleviate the financial burden caused by the accident.

Potential Damages

While there is no official average settlement amount, victims often recover compensation for the following damages:

• Medical bills: Compensation for all medical costs related to the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery from injuries sustained in the accident
• Property damage: Compensation for any damage to personal property, such as boats, jet skis, or other belongings, caused by the accident
• Pain and suffering: Damages awarded for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from the accident and injuries sustained
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the loss of ability to participate in activities and hobbies previously enjoyed due to the injuries sustained in the accident
  
• Loss of consortium: Damages awarded to compensate for the negative impact the injuries have on the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family members
  
• Punitive damages: Additional compensation awarded to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or egregious behavior that led to the accident
• Wrongful death damages: Money awarded to surviving family members in fatal boating accidents resulting in the wrongful death of a loved one

The damages you could recover will depend on factors like the severity of the accident. For example, someone with a brain or spinal cord injury will typically receive far more than someone who walked away with whiplash or a broken bone in their hand. Whether your injuries are minor or severe, we are here to help you recover the money you deserve.

Talk to a Boat/ Jet Ski Accident Lawyer for Free Today

At John Foy & Associates, we never charge upfront for our services. Our boat accident law firm is proud to work on contingency because it’s the best setup for our clients. Don’t accept a settlement from the insurance company without talking to us first.

Whether you were injured in a recreational boating accident or a maritime incident, we can help you build a strong case to hold the negligent boat operator or other liable party accountable for the harm they caused.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our dedicated team. Our boat and personal watercraft accident lawyer will answer your questions and talk about how we can help you. To schedule your free consultation, call our law offices or contact us online.