How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in El Paso, Texas?
In El Paso, most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay $0 upfront and no attorney fees unless you win your case. Typical contingency fees range from 33% to 40% of the final settlement, depending on whether the case resolves before or after filing a lawsuit. Consultations are usually free, and you do not pay hourly rates in car accident cases. Below is a clear explanation of how personal injury lawyer fees work in Texas and what you should expect before hiring an attorney.
What Is a Contingency Fee?
A contingency fee means the attorney’s payment is contingent upon winning your case.
This means:
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No upfront retainer
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No hourly billing
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No attorney fee if there is no recovery
If your case does not result in compensation, you typically do not owe attorney fees.
This structure allows injured victims to pursue justice without financial risk.
What Percentage Do Personal Injury Lawyers Charge in Texas?
In most Texas personal injury cases:
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33% is common if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed
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40% may apply if litigation becomes necessary
Every fee agreement should clearly state:
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The percentage being charged
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When the percentage increases (if applicable)
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How case expenses are handled
Always review the written agreement carefully before signing.
Simple Fee Example
Here is how contingency fees work in practice:
If your case settles for $30,000 and the attorney fee is 33%, the attorney fee would be:
$30,000 × 33% = $9,900
The remaining amount would go toward:
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Reimbursing case expenses (if applicable)
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Medical liens
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Your final compensation
If the fee were 40% on the same $30,000 settlement:
$30,000 × 40% = $12,000
Clear math helps you understand what to expect.
Are There Any Hidden Costs?
Most reputable personal injury attorneys are transparent about fees.
However, cases may involve additional expenses such as:
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Court filing fees
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Medical record retrieval costs
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Expert evaluations
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Investigation expenses
Many firms advance these costs and are reimbursed from the settlement.
Ask clearly:
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Who pays expenses if the case does not result in recovery?
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Are costs deducted before or after the attorney percentage?
Transparency is important.
What Happens If I Lose My Case?
If your case does not result in compensation:
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You typically do not owe attorney fees
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You should clarify how case expenses are handled
This is why contingency fee arrangements reduce financial risk for injury victims.
Is Hiring a Lawyer Worth It for Smaller Cases?
You may consider hiring an attorney if:
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Your medical bills exceed $3,000
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You missed more than 3 days of work
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The insurance company disputes fault
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You receive a settlement offer that seems too low
Insurance companies often make early offers that are 20% to 50% lower than what a documented claim may justify.
Before accepting any offer, understand the full value of your case.
Why Choose a Local, Spanish-Speaking El Paso Personal Injury Attorney?
After an accident on I-10, Loop 375, US-54, Montana Avenue, Mesa Street, or Zaragoza Road, local experience matters.
Jaime Alvarado Law has:
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Over 25 years serving the El Paso community
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Experience handling local car accident claims
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Full bilingual representation (Spanish and English)
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Free consultations
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No fee unless we win
Clear communication is critical when discussing legal fees and settlement options. Working with a bilingual attorney ensures you fully understand your agreement before moving forward.
Schedule a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a car accident in El Paso and have questions about legal fees, you can schedule a free consultation to discuss:
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How contingency fees work
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What percentage may apply in your case
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Whether hiring a lawyer makes sense
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What your case may be worth
There are no upfront costs and no obligation to move forward.
Contact Jaime Alvarado & Associates at 915.852.0500 today to get clear answers about your options.