Chirs Hammons | July 22, 2025 | Car Accidents
When you’re injured in a car accident, the last thing you want to worry about is how much it will cost to hire a lawyer. Fortunately, most car accident attorneys in Oklahoma work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, your attorney gets paid only if they win your case, usually by taking a percentage of your settlement or court award.
Continue reading to learn more about how contingency fee arrangements work and what it means for your Oklahoma car accident case.
The Contingency Fee Structure Explained
Most personal injury lawyers in Oklahoma, including those handling car accident claims, use a contingency fee agreement. This type of arrangement allows injury victims to pursue compensation without the burden of upfront legal fees.
Here’s how it works:
- The lawyer agrees to handle your case without charging any hourly rates or retainers.
- If the attorney successfully recovers compensation for you, they take a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
- If the attorney does not win your case, you typically owe no legal fees.
This system aligns the interests of the attorney and the client—the more you recover, the more your lawyer earns.
What Is a Typical Contingency Fee Percentage?
In Oklahoma, the standard contingency fee for car accident cases is usually between 33% and 40% of the total recovery amount.
While the exact percentage can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it proceeds to litigation, here are some common scenarios:
- For cases that settle before a lawsuit is filed, the most common contingency fee is 33%.
- If the case goes to trial or involves an appeal, the attorney may charge a higher percentage due to increased time and risk, possibly 40% or more.
Some attorneys also use a tiered fee schedule, in which the percentage increases depending on the progress of the case.
Are Contingency Fees Regulated in Oklahoma?
Yes. While Oklahoma law does not set a fixed limit on contingency fees, it does impose requirements on how these agreements must be structured and disclosed. Under Oklahoma Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 1.5, an attorney’s fee must be reasonable and must be communicated to the client in writing when using a contingency fee agreement.
Additionally, Oklahoma law prohibits attorneys from charging contingency fees in certain types of cases, such as criminal or domestic relations matters. However, most personal injury claims, including car accidents, are fully eligible for contingency-based arrangements.
Additional Costs and Expenses
It’s important to understand that attorney fees and case expenses are separate. Even though your lawyer may only get paid if you win, there are still costs associated with pursuing a car accident case.
These may include:
- Court filing fees
- Expert witness fees
- Medical records retrieval
- Deposition costs
- Travel and investigation expenses
Most attorneys will front these costs on your behalf and then deduct them from your final settlement in addition to the contingency fee. Before you sign a contingency fee agreement, clarify how expenses will be handled.
How to Make Sure You’re Getting a Fair Fee
Before signing any agreement, take the following steps to ensure you understand the terms and feel confident in your legal representation:
- Ask for the agreement in writing: Oklahoma law requires it, and it’s essential for your protection.
- Review the fee structure: Ask whether the percentage changes if the case goes to trial.
- Inquire about expenses: Determine whether you’ll be responsible for costs if the case is unsuccessful.
- Get clarity on communication: A good attorney will take time to explain how they calculate fees and keep you updated throughout the process.
Never be shy to ask questions and clarify anything you are unsure about. This will ensure there are no surprises regarding the outcome and conclusion of your claim.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Understanding how car accident lawyer fees work in Oklahoma is essential to making an informed decision. Most attorneys operate on a contingency fee model, typically taking 33% to 40% of the final recovery. State rules ensure that fee arrangements remain fair and transparent.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t let concerns about legal fees stop you from seeking help. Call the Oklahoma City car accident lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers. You pay nothing upfront and may significantly increase your chance of recovering the compensation you need to cover your losses.
Hiring the right attorney can make all the difference. Knowing what to expect in terms of fees helps ensure there are no surprises and that you can focus on what matters most: healing and getting your life back on track.
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 703-4567