How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Phoenix?

If you’ve been injured in an accident on the I-10 or a busy intersection in Scottsdale, the
last thing you want is another bill. Most people avoid calling a lawyer because they
assume they can’t afford one.
In Arizona, however, the legal system is designed to give everyone access to justice,
regardless of their bank account balance. Here is a transparent breakdown of how
personal injury legal fees work in Phoenix and what you should expect to pay.

1. Do I Have to Pay Anything Upfront?
Short answer: No.
Almost every personal injury firm in Phoenix operates on a contingency fee basis.
This means our payment is "contingent" on us winning your case.
 Zero Upfront Costs: You do not pay a retainer or an hourly rate to get started.
 Free Consultations: Your initial meeting to discuss the merits of your case
should always be free.
 We Take the Risk: The law firm fronts the costs of the investigation, gathering
medical records, and hiring experts. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us for our
time.
2. What is the Standard Percentage? (33% vs. 40%)
You will likely see two main numbers when reviewing fee agreements in Arizona: 33.3%
(one-third) and 40%. Here is why they differ:
 33.3% (Pre-Litigation): This is the industry standard for cases that settle with
the insurance company before a formal lawsuit is filed. Most personal injury
cases fall into this category.
 40% (Litigation/Trial): If the insurance company refuses to be fair and we have
to file a formal complaint in Maricopa County Superior Court, the fee typically

increases. This covers the significantly higher amount of work, staff time, and risk
involved in trial preparation.
Pro Tip: Always ask a firm if their fee "scales." A transparent firm will explain exactly
when that percentage jumps so there are no surprises at the end.
3. Who Pays for Filing Fees and Costs if We Lose?
This is the most important question to ask during your consultation. In a legal case,
there are Attorney Fees (payment for the lawyer's time) and Legal Costs (third-party
expenses).
Common Legal Costs include:
 Court filing fees (usually $200–$400 in AZ).
 Fees for ordering medical records.
 Expert witness fees (which can be thousands of dollars).
 Police report fees.
The "No-Fee Guarantee": Most reputable Phoenix firms offer a "No Win, No Fee"
promise. This means if the case is unsuccessful, the firm absorbs the costs they spent
on your behalf. However, read the fine print. Some firms may still bill you for "out-of-
pocket costs" even if they waive their legal fee. Ensure your agreement states that you
owe $0 if there is no recovery.

Why "Cheap" Lawyers Can Be Expensive
Some firms in the Valley advertise "discount" fees of 25%. While this sounds good,
remember that a lawyer’s job is to increase the total value of your settlement.
$75,000 in your pocket from a $150,000 settlement (after a 33% fee and medical liens)
is much better than $30,000 in your pocket from a $50,000 settlement with a "discount"
lawyer who didn't have the resources to fight for the full value.
Have More Questions About Your Case?
At [Your Firm Name], we believe in total transparency. We handle the heavy lifting and
the financial risk so you can focus on recovering.

Would you like a free, no-obligation review of your accident claim? Call us today
at 1 (844) 844-1444.