How Much Does a Maine Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

Our attorneys explain how legal fees and compensation work after a crash

After a serious car accident in Maine, injury victims often face mounting medical bills, lost wages and pain that can change their lives for months or years. When this happens, one of the first questions many people ask is, “How much does a car accident lawyer cost?” It’s a fair question, especially when you’re already dealing with financial stress after a crash caused by another driver.

The good news is that many Maine car accident lawyers, including Romanow Law Group, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything upfront. Your lawyer only gets paid if they recover money for you through a settlement or verdict. Below, we explain how contingency fees work, other financial matters related to car accidents and why hiring a lawyer often results in a better financial outcome for accident victims.

What is a contingency fee?

A contingency fee means your attorney’s payment depends on winning your case. Instead of paying an hourly rate or a flat fee, you agree that your lawyer will receive a portion of the compensation recovered on your behalf. If your case is unsuccessful and you do not receive any money, you owe no attorney’s fee.

This fee structure allows anyone – regardless of income – to hire a lawyer after a car accident. It shifts the financial risk from you to your attorney, who only gets paid if they achieve a positive result. Contingency fees are standard in Maine car accident cases because they align your lawyer’s goals with your own best interests – securing the maximum compensation available.

Contingency fees are typically discussed and agreed upon before legal representation begins. Your lawyer will outline the percentage, explain how expenses are handled, and provide everything in writing so you know exactly what to expect.

What expenses are included in a car accident case?

Even though you won’t pay upfront attorney’s fees, car accident cases involve costs that support your claim. Your lawyer typically advances these costs during the case and recovers them from the settlement or verdict at the end.

Common case expenses include:

Court filing fees for lawsuits filed in Maine Superior Court
Fees for expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists or medical specialists
Medical record retrieval and certified documentation of treatment
Deposition and transcript costs if witnesses or experts are questioned under oath
Investigative costs, such as photos, video evidence, and police report copies

These expenses are necessary to prove fault, document financial losses and build a strong legal case. At Romanow Law Group, clients receive a full accounting of all case-related costs so they understand how each dollar contributes to the outcome.

How do lawyers calculate compensation in Maine car accident cases?

Compensation, also called “damages,” is based on the total losses caused by the crash. The goal is to restore what you’ve lost – financially, physically and emotionally.

Lawyers consider several categories when calculating the value of your case:

Medical expenses – Emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and ongoing treatment.
Lost income – Wages missed during recovery and reduced earning potential if you cannot return to your previous job.
Property damage – Vehicle repair or replacement and damaged personal items.
Pain and suffering – Physical pain, anxiety, and diminished quality of life.
Future costs – Long-term care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices for permanent injuries.

In Maine, injury victims can seek compensation through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance and, when necessary, through their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. A lawyer’s role is to identify every available source of recovery and demand the full value supported by evidence.

How do contingency fees benefit accident victims?

Contingency fees create a fair, results-driven system. You don’t have to worry about paying for each phone call or court filing. Instead, your lawyer invests their time and resources, knowing they only get paid if they succeed.

The benefits include:

No financial risk to you – You never pay out-of-pocket costs during your case.
Aligned incentives – Your lawyer has every reason to fight for the highest recovery possible.
Equal access to justice – Even if you don’t have savings or income, you can hire experienced legal representation.
Peace of mind – You can focus on recovery while your lawyer handles the legal process.

This model is especially important in serious injury cases, where the cost of litigation can reach thousands of dollars. A contingency fee ensures victims can pursue full compensation without worrying about affordability.

Can I negotiate the contingency fee percentage?

In some cases, yes. Lawyers may adjust their percentage based on the case’s complexity, expected value or stage of resolution. For example, if fault is clear and the insurance company agrees to settle early, a lower percentage may be reasonable.

However, remember that experienced trial lawyers often justify higher fees because they bring skill, reputation, and proven results that can dramatically increase your compensation. A lawyer with a strong record of success in Maine courts and negotiations often recovers far more than someone with limited experience, even after fees are deducted.

When comparing firms, don’t focus solely on the percentage. Ask about past results, trial experience, and how they communicate with clients. The right lawyer will always explain the terms clearly and help you make an informed choice.

How does hiring a lawyer affect dealing with insurance companies?

Hiring a lawyer can change the dynamic dramatically. Once you have legal representation, insurance companies must communicate through your attorney. This prevents insurance adjusters from pressuring you to settle early or accept less than your claim is worth.

Your lawyer can handle all correspondence, gather evidence and negotiate directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They’ll also ensure that all medical documentation, wage loss records, and expert opinions are submitted properly. If the insurer refuses to offer a fair amount, your lawyer can file a car accident lawsuit and take your case to court.

Most car accident cases settle without trial, but preparing your case for trial often leads to stronger settlements. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to fight for their clients and which ones aren’t. Choosing a firm with a strong reputation in Maine sends a message that you expect full and fair compensation.

What if the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough?

Maine requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, but in serious crashes, those limits may not cover all your financial losses. The minimum required insurance coverage includes $50,000 for bodily injury per person and $100,000 per accident. Medical expenses alone can easily exceed that amount.

If the at-fault driver’s policy runs out, your lawyer can look for additional sources of recovery, such as:

Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) – This coverage steps in when the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
Umbrella or excess policies – The at-fault driver or their employer may carry additional insurance.
Third-party liability – A bar or restaurant that overserved an intoxicated driver can be held liable under Maine’s dram shop laws.

An experienced attorney understands how to identify and pursue these sources, making sure you are not left with unpaid bills or future costs that should be covered by the other driver’s insurance company.

Is hiring a car accident lawyer worth the cost?

For most accident victims, yes. Studies have shown that people represented by lawyers after a car accident generally receive significantly higher settlements than those who handle claims on their own. Insurance companies have adjusters and defense lawyers focused on paying as little as possible. Without legal representation, it’s easy to underestimate your claim’s value or overlook future expenses.

Your lawyer’s experience in Maine law, settlement negotiations and trial strategy can often make a meaningful difference in your financial recovery. They understand how to calculate long-term financial losses, interpret insurance policies, and present evidence that proves negligence.

When you hire a Maine car accident lawyer on a contingency fee basis, you are not risking your own money. You are investing in experience and advocacy that often leads to a better outcome.

When should I contact a Maine car accident attorney?

The sooner, the better. Evidence fades quickly after a crash. Skid marks disappear, vehicles are repaired, and witnesses move on. Early legal representation helps preserve critical proof and ensures you meet Maine’s statute of limitations, which generally allows six years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (14 M.R.S. § 752).

Six years might seem like a long time. However, waiting even a few weeks can make a difference in the strength of your legal case. Your lawyer can contact witnesses and request surveillance footage before it’s destroyed. Your attorney can also prevent insurers from using early statements against you. Prompt legal action protects your rights and strengthens your position from the start.

How can I find the right Maine car accident lawyer?

Look for a lawyer who has extensive experience handling car accident cases in Maine. They should have a record of success with settlements and verdicts, strong client reviews and clear communication. During your consultation, ask:

How many Maine car accident cases have you handled?
What is your success rate in settlements and trials?
How are your fees structured, and what costs might arise?
How often will I receive updates about my case?

A good lawyer will answer every question openly and provide written terms of representation. At Romanow Law Group, clients receive direct communication with their attorney – not just assistants or paralegals – and clear updates throughout the legal process.

Get help from a Maine car accident lawyer you can trust

If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by another driver in Maine, you shouldn’t have to worry about how to afford legal help. With a contingency fee agreement, you can get experienced legal representation without paying anything upfront. Your lawyer only gets paid when you do.

At Romanow Law Group, we help car accident victims across Maine recover the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Our legal team investigates thoroughly, negotiates firmly and, when necessary, takes cases to court to secure justice.

To learn more about your legal options and how contingency fees work, contact our Maine law firm and schedule your free consultation. There’s no cost to talk with an attorney, and no obligation to move forward unless you choose to. Let our experience work for you while you focus on healing.

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