Legal Auto Accident Retainer Agreement

LEGAL AUTO ACCIDENT RETAINER AGREEMENT

This Retainer Agreement is made and entered into effective as of by and between Client Name: , Client Address: (hereinafter "Client"), and Attorney/Firm Name: , Attorney Address: (hereinafter "Attorney"). This Agreement sets forth the terms under which Attorney will represent Client with respect to injuries, damages and claims arising from the automobile accident described below.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Client was involved in an automobile accident on or about regarding vehicle(s) described as: ; and

WHEREAS, Client desires to retain Attorney to pursue claims for personal injury, property damage, or other losses arising from the accident, and Attorney is willing to represent Client on the terms set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties intend that Attorney's compensation be governed by the contingency, fee-sharing and cost provisions set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE

In consideration of the mutual promises contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

1. ENGAGEMENT; SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION

1.1 Engagement. Client engages Attorney to represent Client in connection with claims arising from the automobile accident described above, including negotiation, administrative claims, and, if necessary, filing suit and litigation through final judgment and, where applicable, appeals. Attorney's representation does not include legal matters unrelated to the accident unless agreed in writing.

1.2 Authority. Client authorizes Attorney to take all actions reasonably necessary to prosecute or settle the claim, including but not limited to obtaining medical records, signing medical authorizations, communicating with insurers, and executing settlement documents on Client's behalf subject to Section 7 below.

2. ATTORNEY'S FEES

2.1 Contingency Fee. Client agrees to pay Attorney a contingent fee equal to % of the gross recovery (all monies recovered before deduction of costs and liens) obtained by settlement, judgment, or otherwise. If a lawsuit is filed, the contingency fee shall be % of gross recovery after filing, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

2.2 Calculation. "Gross recovery" includes all amounts paid on behalf of any party, including but not limited to settlement proceeds, verdicts, arbitration awards, structured settlements, policy limits, reduced liens or credits, and any lump-sum or periodic payments. The fee is computed prior to deduction of costs advanced by Attorney and prior to payment of liens, but after lawful reductions agreed as part of settlement.

2.3 Alternative Fee. If Attorney and Client agree to an hourly or hybrid fee in writing, the terms of that separate written agreement will control. Please indicate if alternative fee is elected: Yes

3. COSTS AND EXPENSES

3.1 Client authorizes Attorney to incur reasonable costs and expenses necessary to prosecute Client's claim, including but not limited to filing fees, court costs, process service, expert fees, medical record fees, deposition costs, and lien resolution expenses. Such costs may be advanced by Attorney and will be deducted from the recovery as set forth in Section 3.2.

3.2 Allocation of Costs. Costs advanced by Attorney shall be reimbursed from the recovery prior to distribution to Client unless the parties agree otherwise in writing. Client understands that certain costs may be owed even if no recovery is obtained, except as otherwise required by law or by separate arrangement.

4. LIENS, SUBROGATION AND THIRD-PARTY PAYMENTS

4.1 Client acknowledges that medical providers, health insurers, Medicaid/Medicare, automobile insurers, and other third parties may claim liens, subrogation, or reimbursement rights against any recovery. Client authorizes Attorney to attempt to resolve and negotiate such claims and liens on Client's behalf. Client remains responsible for lawful liens not extinguished by settlement.

4.2 Health Insurance/Medicare. Client affirms whether Medicare or other government benefits apply: Yes No

5. CLIENT OBLIGATIONS

5.1 Cooperation. Client shall cooperate fully with Attorney, provide truthful information, attend medical examinations and depositions when reasonably requested, execute documents reasonably required for representation, and promptly notify Attorney of any contact from insurers, opposing counsel, or third parties.

5.2 Medical Authorization. Client authorizes Attorney to obtain Client's medical records and bills relating to the accident and injuries and to provide copies to opposing parties or insurers as required. List known medical providers and facilities:

6. SETTLEMENT AUTHORITY

6.1 Settlement Approval. Attorney will not settle Client's claim without Client's informed consent. Attorney will advise Client of any proposed settlement and the effect of such settlement. Client's signature on a written settlement authorization is required to bind Client.

6.2 Structured Settlements. If the proposed recovery is structured or paid over time, the contingency fee shall be calculated on the actuarial value of the settlement as agreed between the parties or otherwise determined in writing and subject to applicable law.

7. TERMINATION

7.1 Client may terminate Attorney's services at any time upon written notice. If Client terminates without good cause prior to resolution, Attorney shall be entitled to reasonable compensation based upon the contingency fee or quantum meruit as permitted by law for services rendered and costs incurred.

7.2 Attorney may withdraw for good cause, including Client's failure to cooperate, nonpayment of advanced costs when required, or conflicts of interest that cannot be resolved. Attorney will take reasonable steps to avoid foreseeable prejudice to Client's rights in the event of withdrawal.

8. CONFIDENTIALITY AND PRIVACY

8.1 Attorney will maintain the confidentiality of information provided by Client in accordance with applicable rules of professional conduct, except as authorized by Client or required by law.

9. RECORDS, FILES, AND RETENTION

9.1 Client may request copies of file materials. Attorney may retain copies of Client's file for recordkeeping and in accordance with professional obligations. Originals provided by Client will be returned upon request when appropriate.

10. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

10.1 Any dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement, including fee disputes, shall be resolved first by good faith negotiation between the parties. If negotiation fails, the dispute may be submitted to binding arbitration or to a fee arbitration forum as permitted by applicable law. Election of arbitration shall be governed by separate agreement or applicable professional rules.

11. NOTICES

11.1 All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses provided below. Client Contact Phone: Email:

Attorney Contact Phone: Email:

12. GOVERNING LAW; ENTIRE AGREEMENT; SEVERABILITY

12.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state where the Attorney's principal office is located, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

12.2 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Client and Attorney with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements and understandings.

12.3 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; COUNTERPARTS

13.1 Amendments. Any amendment to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.

13.2 Waiver. The waiver by either party of any breach shall not constitute a waiver of any other or subsequent breach.

13.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together constitute one instrument.

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Client acknowledges that Client has read and understands this Agreement, has had the opportunity to ask questions and obtain independent advice if desired, and consents to the terms of representation described herein.

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