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After a car accident, most of us worry about the physical pain, lost wages, and mounting bills.
On top of that, the thought of hiring a Utah accident lawyer – and how much it might cost – can feel overwhelming.
This is exactly why “no-win-no-fee” agreements have become a game-changer for people in Utah who need legal help but aren’t sure if they can afford it.
At Craig Swapp & Associates, we understand how important it is to remove those financial barriers, so you can focus on your recovery, not the costs. If you’re searching for a car accident lawyer in Utah who will fight for you without upfront fees, here’s everything you need to know about how no-win-no-fee arrangements work.
When you reach out to accident lawyers in Utah, you’ll find several ways they charge for their services. Knowing the difference helps you make an informed decision and sets realistic expectations about legal fees.
This is where no-win-no-fee lawyers step in. With a no-win-no-fee arrangement, your attorney only gets paid if you win your case or receive a settlement. Instead of hourly rates or upfront costs, the attorney receives a percentage of the compensation you recover.
A no-win-no-fee agreement, also called a contingency fee arrangement, is pretty straightforward: you don’t pay for legal representation unless your attorney secures compensation for you. If there’s no settlement or court victory, you owe nothing for attorney’s fees.
Legal guidelines in Utah and across the U.S. set boundaries on which cases can be handled this way. According to the American Bar Association (ABA), lawyers cannot use contingency fee agreements for certain matters, such as criminal defense, most family law cases, and divorces. However, personal injury cases, including car accidents, are generally eligible for no-win-no-fee agreements.
For those who have been hurt in an accident and are unsure about how to pay for a Utah accident lawyer, this arrangement offers both financial peace of mind and access to experienced representation.
So, how much does a no-win-no-fee attorney in Utah charge if your case is successful?
Generally, accident lawyers in Utah set their contingency fees between 33% and 40% of the final settlement or court award.
For example, if your case settles for $90,000 and your contingency agreement is for 33%, the lawyer’s fee would be $29,700, leaving you with the rest (after any expenses are also deducted).
The fee may increase to 40% if your case requires filing a lawsuit, extensive litigation, or goes all the way to trial. The higher percentage reflects the additional time, resources, and risk involved for no-win-no-fee accident lawyers.
The percentage often depends on factors such as:
It’s important for you to remember that these fees are only paid if you win. You’ll know the exact percentage before you sign anything – a reputable no-win-no-fee lawyer will always put the terms in writing and explain them upfront. If you have questions about how our contingency fee works, we’re always happy to provide clear, honest answers before you sign anything.
Contingency fee agreements in Utah must follow specific rules. According to the Utah Rules of Professional Conduct (Rule 1.5), these agreements must be in writing and signed by both us and the attorney. The agreement should clearly outline the percentage the lawyer will receive and how expenses are handled.
Typically, a no-win-no-fee arrangement covers:
The main feature of a no win no fee agreement is the lawyer’s compensation, which is only collected if we recover money through a settlement or court award. This fee is a percentage of our total recovery, agreed upon before we move forward with the case. There are no hidden charges or surprise legal bills – everything is clearly spelled out in writing.
Building a winning car accident case often involves a range of expenses, including:
Every no-win-no-fee arrangement should be clear about how costs are paid. In many cases, expenses are only reimbursed if you win the case; the total amount is subtracted from the settlement or award, alongside the attorney’s fee. In some instances, you may be responsible for certain costs even if the claim is unsuccessful, so it’s essential to discuss these details before signing the agreement.
Choosing a no-win-no-fee attorney isn’t just about convenience – it can be the difference between fighting for your rights or feeling forced to settle for less after a car accident.
One of the biggest advantages of a no-win-no-fee arrangement is that it completely removes the barrier of upfront payments. Most people don’t plan for an accident, and we rarely have the funds set aside for hefty legal retainers or by-the-hour legal bills.
With a no-win-no-fee car accident lawyer, there’s no need to scramble for cash or put off legal action out of fear of what it might cost. Instead, you can move forward right away, knowing you’re not risking your family’s finances just to protect your rights.
A no-win-no-fee lawyer stands shoulder-to-shoulder throughout the case, assuming the financial risk themselves. If your claim is unsuccessful, we won’t be saddled with attorney fees or additional debts.
This “shared risk” approach levels the playing field, especially when you’re facing powerful insurance companies with deep pockets and aggressive tactics. The contingency arrangement is about fairness – it ensures that everyone has a chance at justice, not just those with financial resources.
Unlike hourly or flat-fee lawyers, no-win-no-fee attorneys are directly invested in the result. Their pay depends on winning for you, which means their interests are perfectly aligned with yours.
This motivates them to work hard, use every resource available, and pursue the largest settlement or verdict possible. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance adjusters or preparing for trial, they are committed to putting in the work to get the outcome you deserve.
Car accident cases often require expert witnesses, accident reconstruction specialists, and thorough investigations, each with its own costs.
With a no-win-no-fee arrangement, attorneys typically advance these expenses on your behalf. That means we’re not forced to choose between mounting an effective case and staying within a budget.
No-win-no-fee lawyers handle the costs of gathering medical evidence, obtaining police reports, filing court documents, and hiring experts, giving you every advantage in building a strong claim.
Facing a car accident claim in Utah is stressful enough without the added worry of financial uncertainty. By working with no-win-no-fee accident lawyers, you get the peace of mind that comes from knowing your attorney is fully committed to your success.
You don’t have to second-guess every phone call or wonder if we’re “running up the clock.” Instead, you can focus on your recovery, family, and future, confident that your interests are protected every step of the way.
A no-win-no-fee arrangement gives us access to justice, high-quality legal support, and the freedom to pursue our claim without fear of financial setbacks. For car accident victims, it’s a path forward built on fairness and trust.
When you work with no-win-no-fee accident lawyers, what happens if you win – or lose – your case?
If our case is successful – either through a settlement with the insurance company or a court verdict in our favor – the next steps are straightforward. The total compensation awarded to us covers damages like medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses tied to the accident.
From this amount, the lawyer’s contingency fee is deducted, along with any case expenses advanced by the attorney, such as court filing fees, expert witness costs, or charges for obtaining medical records. The exact breakdown and timing will be detailed in our agreement and clearly explained by our attorney before any money changes hands.
Everything is designed to be transparent, so there are no surprises, and you can see exactly where every dollar goes. Your lawyer will usually provide a full accounting so you know what was paid and why.
If your case does not result in a settlement or award, most no-win-no-fee lawyers will not charge you any attorney’s fees. You’re generally not required to reimburse the attorney for any legal work done.
In many situations, you also won’t have to pay for the costs or expenses advanced during the case, such as expert reports or filing fees. However, there are rare exceptions, and the details can vary by car accident law firm and individual agreement. This is why it’s critical to review and discuss the contingency fee contract before signing, so you know exactly what will happen in any scenario.
Note: It’s important to know that some parts of a personal injury settlement can be taxable. In Utah, compensation for physical injuries or sickness is usually not taxed. However, awards for lost wages, emotional distress (not tied to physical injury), punitive damages, interest, and previously deducted medical expenses may be subject to federal or state taxes. Always consult a tax professional for guidance on your unique situation.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident in Utah, it shouldn’t cost you anything to seek help. With a no-win-no-fee agreement, you can focus on healing and moving forward while we take care of the legal process.
At Craig Swapp & Associates, we believe everyone deserves access to justice, no matter their financial situation. Our team is dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve as your trusted accident lawyers in Utah. Our firm serves in Salt Lake City, Millcreek, Orem, Sandy, West Valley City, Logan, Ogden, Provo, St. George, and West Jordan.
Ready to get started? Call us at (866) 936-3806 or fill out our contact form today. Let us stand by your side and help you recover what you’re owed – because with us, it’s “One Call, That’s All.”
Written By: Ryan Swapp Legal Review By: Craig Swapp