Most motorcycle accident lawyers in Missouri don’t charge anything upfront. Instead, they handle these cases on a contingency basis. That means when you hire a Missouri motorcycle accident lawyer from a firm like ours for example, our fee comes out of the money we recover for you. If we don’t recover anything, you don’t pay us.
This setup works well for people dealing with the aftermath of a motorcycle crash. You’re likely already handling medical bills, missed wages from work, or motorcycle repairs. The last thing you need is another expense.
We take the financial risk so you can focus on getting better. You’ll have someone in your corner without worrying about paying legal fees out of pocket.
How Legal Fees Are Handled By Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Missouri
In Missouri, most personal injury lawyers who specialize in motorcycle accident claims don’t ask for payment up front. But there are a couple of ways fees can be handled:
Hourly Billing
A few lawyers still charge by the hour, though that’s rare in injury cases. You’d pay for every bit of time they spend on your case, no matter the outcome. That kind of setup can get expensive fast, especially if the case drags out or goes to trial.
Contingency Fees
As we mentioned, most lawyers use what’s called a contingency fee. That just means they only get paid if they recover money for you. The fee is a percentage of your settlement. If you hire Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers and we don’t win anything, you don’t owe us anything. This setup gives people access to legal help without having to worry about upfront costs or hourly rates.
How Contingency Fees Work in Motorcycle Accident Claims
If the lawyer takes your case and wins, their fee comes out of the money they recover for you. You’ll agree on a percentage ahead of time—usually somewhere between 33% and 40%. That way, you know what to expect and won’t be hit with any surprise charges later.
What’s Included
● Free consultation to talk through your case
● No hourly billing or out-of-pocket fees
● No retainer required to get started
What’s Not Covered
Even though you’re not paying for your lawyer upfront, there could still be other case-related costs. These might include court filing fees, expert witness costs, or fees for pulling certain records. Some lawyers cover these for you and then take them out of your settlement. Others may require you to pay separately.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we walk through all of this with you before you commit, so you’re clear on what’s involved and how fees will be handled if your case goes to court.
Potential Additional Costs Depending On Your Claim
Even with a contingency fee setup, there may still be other expenses tied to your motorcycle accident claim. These costs usually come out of your final settlement, not your pocket up front. Still, it’s important to know what might come up along the way.
An experienced lawyer should explain these as your case moves forward, but here’s a breakdown of common additional costs:
- Copy fees for printing and duplicating documents.
- Fees for medical records, crash reports, and other required documentation.
- Expert witness costs, if someone is brought in to help prove your case.
- Independent investigation fees, if your lawyer needs more detail than the police report provides.
- Deposition costs, which can include transcription and videography.
- Postage and shipping costs for legal correspondence.
- Travel expenses, if you or a witness needs to attend meetings, hearings, or trial.
- Trial costs, like filing fees or courtroom presentation tools, if your case doesn’t settle.
Not all of these will apply to every case, and some attorneys cover certain costs up front. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we make sure you understand where every dollar is going so there are no surprises down the line.
What Does a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Do?
A motorcycle accident lawyer takes on the legal work so you can focus on your recovery. If you’re dealing with serious injuries, missed work, and mounting bills, having someone who understands the process can make a big difference. Here’s how they help:
Take Over the Legal Process While You Heal
Healing from a motorcycle crash takes time. You may be in pain, undergoing treatment, or figuring out how to get back to work. A lawyer handles the insurance claim, legal paperwork, and deadlines so you don’t have to. They keep the case moving forward while you focus on what matters most—your health.
Investigate the Crash and Build a Case
Your lawyer will gather the details needed to prove your case. That could include accident reports, body cam or dash cam footage, photos from the scene, and statements from eyewitnesses. They might also bring in experts to show what happened or explain how your injuries affect your life and ability to work.
Protect Your Rights and Deal With the Insurance Company
Insurance companies may try to get you to settle for less than you deserve. Your lawyer steps in to manage all communication, protect your rights, and make sure you don’t miss key deadlines under Missouri law. They’ll also make sure the insurer doesn’t twist your words or use what you say against you.
Calculate and Prove Your Losses
A good motorcycle lawyer knows how to document both the obvious and hidden costs. This includes medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket losses. They’ll work to show how your injury has affected your daily life and what it might cost you in the long run.
Take Your Case to Trial If Needed
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can take your case to court and fight for the compensation you deserve. Not all cases go to trial, but it helps to have someone ready if it comes to that.
What If I Can’t Afford an Attorney?
After a serious car accident, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by financial pressure. Medical bills, missed paychecks, and everyday expenses don’t pause because you’re hurt. If you’re unable to work, the idea of hiring a lawyer—or waiting months for a case to settle—might seem out of reach. That’s where a lawsuit loan can make a real difference.
What Is a Lawsuit Loan?
A lawsuit loan, also called pre-settlement funding, is a cash advance based on the value of your injury claim. It’s not like a typical loan from a bank. You don’t need good credit, and you’re not making monthly payments. You only repay the money if you win your case. If your case doesn’t result in a settlement, you usually owe nothing.
How Does It Help?
These loans are designed to keep you afloat while your case moves forward. The funds can be used to:
- Pay rent or mortgage
- Cover hospital and doctor bills
- Replace lost wages
- Handle everyday costs like groceries or childcare
- Pay for car repairs or transportation
What Should I Watch Out For?
While lawsuit loans offer real relief, they aren’t risk-free. Many carry high interest rates, especially if your case takes a long time to settle. The final repayment could be much more than what you borrowed, so it’s critical to review the terms carefully.
How We Can Support You
We don’t issue loans, but we work with reputable companies that do. If you need help staying afloat while your case is pending, we can connect you with trustworthy options to explore.
Missouri Motorcycle Accident Law Firm
Motorcycle accidents in Missouri often lead to severe injuries, long recoveries, and complicated insurance disputes. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you deserve a lawyer who understands what you’re going through and knows how to hold the other side accountable.
Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers focuses on Missouri auto accident cases—including motorcycle accidents—so we know how to handle the legal and insurance issues that come with them.
We take a hands-on approach to every case, so we don’t pass your file off to someone else. From the first conversation, we’re here to guide you through the process and protect your rights every step of the way.
We also know how insurance companies work—and how often they try to place blame on the motorcyclist. We push back against that tactic and fight for the full amount you’re owed. Whether you’re dealing with broken bones, a head injury, or a wrecked motorcycle and lost time from work, we can help.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation. We’re ready to listen and help you move forward.
Related Posts
