What Is a Contingency Fee in a Personal Injury Case?

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You Don’t Pay Attorney’s Fees Unless We Recover Compensation

At Tinoco Law, we believe injured people shouldn’t have to worry about paying a lawyer upfront after a serious accident. That’s why we handle personal injury and truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay attorney’s fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. This approach aligns with the firm’s commitment to direct attorney access, clear guidance, and reducing barriers for injured clients.

What Is a Contingency Fee?

A contingency fee is a payment arrangement where your attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation recovered in your case.

That means:

  • No Upfront Attorney Fees
  • No Hourly Billing
  • No Retainer Required
  • Attorney’s Fees Are Paid Only If Your Case Is Successful

If there is no recovery, you generally do not owe attorney’s fees under a contingency fee agreement. Your attorney will explain any potential case costs or expenses before you move forward.

How Does a Contingency Fee Work?

You hire Tinoco Law after a truck accident.

  1. We investigate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue compensation.
  2. If we recover compensation through a settlement or verdict, the agreed-upon contingency fee is deducted from that recovery.
  3. You’ll review and sign a written fee agreement before representation begins so you understand exactly how attorney’s fees are handled.

Why Do Personal Injury Lawyers Use Contingency Fees?

A contingency fee allows injured people to pursue justice without worrying about paying legal fees while they’re dealing with medical bills, lost income, and recovery.

It also means your attorney has a shared interest in obtaining the best possible outcome for your case.

Why It Matters After a Truck Accident

Commercial truck accident cases are often more complex than typical car accidents. They may require:

  • Investigating Multiple Liable Parties
  • Preserving Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data
  • Reviewing Driver Qualification Files
  • Analyzing Maintenance and Inspection Records
  • Working With Accident Reconstruction Experts

Because these cases can require significant time and resources, a contingency fee allows injured victims to access experienced legal representation without paying those costs upfront.

What Makes Tinoco Law Different?

Many personal injury firms route new clients through intake teams or case managers before they ever speak with an attorney.

At Tinoco Law, you’ll speak directly with an attorney who can answer your questions, explain the legal process, and help you understand your options. The firm’s focus is on complex truck accident cases in Phoenix, offering direct attorney involvement and Spanish-speaking support from the start.

FAQs

Do I pay anything upfront?

No. You do not pay attorney’s fees upfront when we accept your case on a contingency fee basis.

How much is a contingency fee?

The percentage varies depending on the circumstances of the case and will be clearly explained in your written fee agreement before representation begins.

What if my case doesn’t settle?

If negotiations are unsuccessful, your attorney can discuss the next steps, including whether filing a lawsuit is appropriate based on your case.

Is a consultation free?

Yes. Tinoco Law offers free consultations so you can discuss your situation, understand your legal options, and decide whether moving forward is right for you.

Picture of Jessica Tinoco

Jessica Tinoco

Jessica Tinoco is a personal injury and wrongful death attorney in Mesa, Arizona, and the founder of Tinoco Law PLLC. With over a decade of courtroom experience, she has recovered millions of dollars for injured Arizonans and wrongful death families in Maricopa County Superior Court and the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Arizona. A graduate of the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University (2012), Jessica is a Super Lawyers Rising Stars honoree (2021, 2022, and 2023) and was named America's Best Top Attorney in 2020 and 2021. She is licensed in Arizona (2013), the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (2013), and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit (2020). Jessica serves as a Judge Pro Tempore for the Maricopa County Superior Court and provides fully bilingual representation in English and Spanish. Her practice covers personal injury, wrongful death, truck accidents, insurance bad faith, medical malpractice, premises liability, and government liability claims. She is a member of the Arizona Trial Lawyers Association, Los Abogados, and the Arizona Women Lawyers Association.