Are you unsure about Los Justicieros’ no win, no fee arrangement?
If you’re reading this, chances are you – or someone you care about – has been involved in an accident. Securing fair compensation is a priority. But with so many law firms out there, it’s completely normal to feel wary about hidden fees, unclear terms or high costs if your case doesn’t succeed.
We understand that apprehension.
That’s why our no win, no fee model means exactly what it says: If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a cent.
In California, these types of agreements aren’t just common – they’re also regulated by law to protect your rights as a client. There are strict legal requirements about what must be included in your agreement, how fees are calculated, and what happens if your case doesn’t succeed.
Below, we’ll break it all down.
We hope the information helps you feel confident about booking your free consultation.
Los Justicieros are dedicated trucking accident lawyers in California. We use trucking accident data and statistics to win compensation for our clients injured in trucking accidents — if this is you, contact us today for a free consultation.
1. What Is a No Win, No Fee Agreement?
A “no win, no fee” agreement means that your lawyer only gets paid if you win your case.
In legal talk, it’s known as a “contingency fee” agreement.
It’s different from other fee structures, where attorneys may charge by the hour or ask for a large retainer upfront. In those models, you pay the lawyer regardless of the outcome. That can be a major burden if you’re already dealing with the physical, emotional and financial toll of an accident.
Contingency fees move the risk away off of you and onto the attorney. The key benefits are:
- You don’t pay anything out of pocket to start your case.
- If there’s no settlement or court award, you owe nothing for legal fees.
If the case is successful, your attorney receives an agreed-upon percentage of the final recovery. That percentage is always discussed with you in advance and clearly stated in the contract.
At Los Justicieros, we believe this model allows victims to pursue justice without the fear of financial strain. To learn more about how our contingency fee model works, book a free consultation with our team today.
2. Is It Legal in California?
Yes, a contingency fes is legal in California.
Not only is it legal, it’s also highly regulated to protect you as the client.
In California, contingency fee agreements are governed by state law (specifically, California Business and Professions Code § 6147). That means attorneys are legally required to follow strict rules when offering a no win, no fee arrangement.
These agreements are enforceable in court.
So when you sign a no win, no fee agreement with Los Justicieros, you’re not just relying on a promise – you’re backed by California law.
We believe that’s the way it should be.
3. What Must Be Included in the Agreement?
When you enter into a no win, no fee agreement with an attorney, the law requires that:
- The agreement is in writing
- Both you and the attorney sign it
- You receive a signed copy for your records
But that’s just the beginning. The law also requires the contract to clearly state:
- The agreed-upon contingency fee rate
- How costs and expenses will be handled – such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, or investigation costs
- Whether any costs or expenses will be deducted before or after the fee is calculated
- Whether there are any additional fees for related matters that aren’t covered by the main agreement
- A statement that the fee is negotiable – unless the case falls under specific laws like medical malpractice, where limits may apply
These rules are designed to protect you from hidden charges and unclear terms. In fact, if the attorney fails to meet these legal requirements, the agreement may be considered voidable, meaning you can walk away from it.
4. What Happens If the Lawyer Doesn’t Follow the Rules?
California takes contingency fee agreements seriously.
If a lawyer fails to include any of the legally required elements in the agreement, or doesn’t abide by itm the consequences are clear: the contract becomes voidable at your option. That means you can cancel the agreement, and the lawyer loses the right to collect the full agreed-upon fee.
No shortcuts. No gray areas. Just transparency from day one.
5. Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes, there can be important exceptions to a contingency fee agreement.
For example, workers’ compensation claims are excluded from these rules and follow a separate legal process. Also, in certain cases – like medical malpractice lawsuits – California law sets limits on how much an attorney can charge.
These caps are outlined in a different section of the law (BPC § 6146) and must be clearly disclosed if they apply.
For other kinds of personal injury cases, the fee is not set by law and is negotiable between you and your attorney.
6. Will I Owe Anything If I Lose My Case?
This is one of the most common concerns, and the answer is simple:
If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
That’s the core of a no win, no fee agreement. You won’t owe us anything for legal fees unless we recover money for you. This means you can fight for justice without any financial risk.
That said, the agreement will also explain how certain case-related expenses, like court filing fees or expert witness costs, are handled. At Los Justicieros, we make sure everything is clearly spelled out in advance so there are no surprises down the line.
If you have questions about costs or what happens in different scenarios, our team is happy to walk you through it in a free consultation.
Book Your Free Consultation Today
At Los Justicieros, we specialize in trucking accident cases across California. But our parent firm, Sunset West Legal Group, handles all types of personal injury claims, from slip and falls to serious car accidents.
If you’ve been injured and want to understand your legal options, book a free consultation today. You can call us 24/7 at 424-955-3754 to speak directly with an attorney or a member of our team.
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