After a wreck involving a self-driving or automated car, the last thing you need is another bill you can’t afford.
You may be facing medical expenses, missed work, or the loss of someone you love. It is natural to wonder how much it costs to hire a lawyer and whether you can afford one at all.
The answer is simple. In Georgia, you can hire a self-driving car accident lawyer without paying anything upfront.
No Upfront Payment
Most personal injury lawyers in Georgia, including those who handle self-driving car cases, work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay a lawyer by the hour or put down a retainer. The lawyer’s payment comes from the recovery at the end of the case.
If there is no recovery, you owe nothing for attorney’s fees. This structure allows people and families to fight major corporations and insurance carriers without worrying about how to pay for legal representation.
How Contingency Fees Work
A contingency fee is usually a percentage of the total recovery. In Georgia, that percentage often falls between 33 and 40 percent, depending on how complex the case is and whether it goes to trial.
That fee covers everything involved in fighting and winning your case, such as:
- Investigating the crash and collecting evidence
- Reviewing vehicle data from the self-driving system
- Consulting with engineers and technology experts
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Preparing and presenting the case in court
You only pay if your lawyer wins compensation for you.
The Difference Between Fees and Case Costs
It is important to understand what is included in that fee and what is not.
Attorney’s fees are what your lawyer earns for winning your case.
Case costs are the out-of-pocket expenses needed to fight it, such as court filings, expert witnesses, and medical records.
A trustworthy lawyer will explain both clearly before the case begins. You will know exactly what percentage applies, what expenses might arise, and how everything is handled if the case wins or loses.
The Real Cost of Doing Nothing
After a serious crash, many people hesitate to call a lawyer because they think it will be too expensive. In reality, waiting can cost you more. Evidence disappears. Companies hide behind complex contracts and confidential settlements. Insurance carriers move fast to limit what they pay.
Calling a lawyer early protects your rights and gives you the best chance at a full recovery. It costs nothing to have that first conversation, but it can make all the difference in your future.
Talk to Our Team at Cheeley Law Group
You don’t need to face this alone. Our team has spent decades holding powerful companies accountable when their products or drivers cause harm. We prepare every case for trial because that is how we get results.
If you were injured in a self-driving car crash anywhere in Georgia, call us. We will explain your options, break down the costs, and tell you the truth about your case. The consultation is free, and there is never an upfront charge to get started.
When you call Cheeley Law Group, you are not hiring just a lawyer. You are hiring a team that fights like family and never backs down.
If you want to see how these cases actually work behind the scenes — including what evidence we pursue, how liability is assigned, and why self-driving crashes require a specialized legal strategy — explore our Self Driving Vehicle Accidents page.
