How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in South Carolina?

Posted by Michael Melonakos on June 8, 2023 in Personal Injury

Most South Carolina car accident attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. They get paid nothing in attorney’s fees if you do not recover compensation on your claim. If your claim is successfully settled, most car accident lawyers in the state will withhold between 33 and 35 percent of the settlement as their attorney’s fee. The percentage usually increases if the firm must file a lawsuit in court.

In addition to attorney’s fees, car accident claimants usually must pay for certain expenses related to preparing and filing the case. For example, obtaining medical records, filing fees, and depositions are usually separate from the attorney’s fee.

If you need a car accident attorney, you may be concerned about the potential cost. However, understanding the costs and the value a lawyer brings to a car accident case can alleviate your concerns. Let’s explore how much a car accident lawyer may cost you and why the right representation could significantly affect the outcome of your case.

Contingency Fees for Car Accident Lawyers

Most personal injury lawyers, including car accident attorneys, typically work on a contingency fee basis. That means their compensation hinges on the outcome of your case. In other words, if you don’t get paid, neither do we.

So, what does this mean for how much your car accident lawyer will cost? If the case is unsuccessful, you won’t pay any attorney’s fees to your car accident lawyer. If the lawyer succeeds in securing compensation for you, a percentage of your award will be withheld as the attorney’s compensation.

The percentage will be agreed upon in advance. It will depend on various factors like the complexity of your case, the amount of compensation sought, and the point at which the case resolves. Most personal injury attorneys charge between 33 and 35 percent for a car accident case that results in a pretrial settlement. The percentage typically increases by a few percentage points if the law firm must file a lawsuit in court.

This fee arrangement ensures that your attorney has a vested interest in winning your case. You won’t have to pay upfront costs, making legal representation possible regardless of your financial situation. In fact, you will never pay the attorney directly from your pocket. Instead, your final award will be reduced by the amount of the agreed-upon fee.

Other Costs Lawyers May Charge in a Car Accident Claim

It is essential to understand that other costs may surface in a car accident claim. While the types and dollar amounts of these expenses vary, they often include:

• Filing fees: The South Carolina Circuit Court charges a $150 filing fee for new cases, according to the South Carolina Judicial Branch website. Motions made during the legal process typically carry a $25 motion fee.
• Costs for obtaining medical records: The South Carolina Department of Public Health annually adjusts the statutory cap on what health care providers can charge for copies of medical records. It was $200 for paper medical records and $150 for digital medical records as of 2026. Providers may charge a maximum clerical fee of $25.
• Expenses related to expert witnesses: Expert witness fees can vary widely depending on factors such as the area of expertise and the complexity of the issue. On average, expert witnesses in South Carolina charge $304 per hour for initial case review, $367 per hour for deposition appearances, and $405 per hour for trial testimony, according to data from the Expert Institute.
• Deposition costs: In addition to experts’ fees, depositions frequently require payments to court reporters and videographers. Typical deposition costs range from $400 to $1,500 for simple transcripts, and from $1,500 to $5,000 for more complex depositions that include video and expedited transcripts, according to data from Magna Legal Services.
• Other out-of-pocket expenses necessary for building a solid case

Discussing these potential expenses with your attorney at the beginning of your case is crucial to avoid surprises later.

Is a Car Accident Lawyer Worth the Cost?

The question of how much a car accident lawyer costs often goes hand in hand with “Is the cost worth it?” While legal representation may seem like a significant expense, the help of a knowledgeable attorney often pays for itself.

An experienced attorney like Michael Melonakos, who has 18 years of legal experience and over 50 trials under his belt, can leverage their experience to provide the effective counsel you need. Having also worked as an insurance defense lawyer, Michael Melonakos can anticipate the opposing side’s strategy and fight back to pursue a successful outcome. The cost of representation is often offset by the higher compensation you could receive with a dedicated attorney on your side.

Talk to Our Experienced South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys Today

Car accident attorney’s fees should not deter you from seeking professional advice. At The Melonakos Law Firm, we prioritize our clients’ needs and fight for their recovery against insurance companies and other responsible parties. We believe in giving every case personalized attention, whether we settle your claim or fight for your interests in court.

Choosing the right lawyer for serious injury cases can make all the difference. Do not let concerns over how much lawyers charge for accident cases prevent you from pursuing the compensation available to you. Our experienced South Carolina car accident attorney is ready to discuss your case and provide transparent information about its value and the potential costs of representation.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss what your claim may be worth.

Author: Michael Melonakos, Esq.

Attorney Michael Melonakos is the founder of The Melonakos Law Firm, where he concentrates his practice on personal injury matters, including motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice, premises liability, nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, and more. The law firm’s efforts have secured more than $50 million for injured people.

Before founding his own law firm focused on representing plaintiffs in personal injury claims, Michael worked for a decade at two of Atlanta’s leading insurance defense law firms. He is licensed to practice law in both South Carolina and Georgia.

Michael earned his law degree from the University of Georgia and his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. He is an active volunteer with the Greenville Bar Association.

Admitted to South Carolina Bar: 2012
Admitted to Georgia Bar: 2008
Years of Legal Experience: 18
Listed as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers: 2019-2023