How Much Does a Lemon Lawyer Cost in Texas?

Most people don't know this, but hiring a Lemon lawyer costs $0 upfront. Lemon lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you don't have to pay unless your case wins.

There's no catch. Once you win your Texas Lemon Law case, that's the only time you'll need to pay your lawyer. Typically, attorney's fees are around 20% to 40% of the final settlement. It can be deducted from the settlement or paid by the car manufacturer under the fee-shifting provision.

Dealing with a defective car is already frustrating enough. So, it's great that you can hire a Lemon lawyer with little to no out-of-pocket expenses. Plus, you'll increase your chance of winning your case.

Do Lemon Lawyers Charge Anything Upfront?

No. Reputable Lemon lawyers don't charge upfront fees. You can hire an attorney to help with your Lemon Law complaint without any worries because there'll be:

• No retainer fees and hourly billing

• No payment (unless you win the case or settle)

Since your lawyer will only get paid once they help you win your Lemon Law case, you can get legal representation for your complaint without paying out of pocket.

Warning: If a lawyer asks you to pay just to start your Lemon Law claim, look for another attorney.

What Percentage do Lemon Lawyers Take from the Settlement?

Typical range: 20% to 40% of the final settlement or cash award

The cost of hiring a lemon lawyer in Texas is initially free. And once you win the case, there won't be any flat fee. Instead, the lawyer will take a percentage of the final settlement or cash recovery, which is usually around 20% to 40%.

Your attorney should clearly explain this to you before representation begins. The percentage of Lemon lawyer fees will vary, depending on:

• The complexity of your Lemon Law case

• Whether it settles early or requires a hearing

• How aggressively the manufacturer disputes your claim

Pro Tip: Ask your attorney whether fee-shifting provisions apply to your case. If so, the manufacturer will be the one required to pay the lawyer's fees instead. And with the attorney fees covered separately, you can keep your full refund or cash award.

Are Case Costs Included in the Lemon Lawyer Cost?

Although you typically won't pay your Lemon lawyer upfront fees, they generally don't cover other expenses related to the case. So, you'll be responsible for costs such as filing fees, inspection costs, and administrative expenses.

For example, you'll have to pay the $35 filing fee once you file your written complaint to the TxDMV, which handles Lemon Law complaints.

How Much Money Do Clients Actually Get After Fees?

Let's say you won your Lemon Law case in Texas, and the settlement or buyback value is $35,000. If your lawyer charges 30% of the settlement, then the computation will be:

Lawyer's fees: $35,000 x 30% = $10,500 You'll get: $35,000 - $10,500 = $24,500

Some people worry about the legal fees involved when hiring an attorney. But what they don't know is that they may end up with more cash settlement or a better case result if they get help from a lawyer — especially a good one.

A reputable Lemon lawyer can help you negotiate a much higher settlement than if you deal with the manufacturer on your own.

And if the manufacturer pays the lawyer's fees, you'll get the full settlement amount. In the case of the above example:

You'll get: $35,000 - $0 = $35,000

Note: If the manufacturer agrees to repurchase your car, the refund will not be equal to the purchase amount. That's because they will deduct a reasonable amount for the mileage used on the vehicle.

See Related: How Long Does the Lemon Law Process Take

Should You Hire a Lemon Lawyer or Handle the Case Yourself?

Still can't decide whether to hire a Lemon lawyer or handle the case yourself? Here's a quick comparison to help you understand the pros and cons of each:

For most people, the deciding factor is leverage. Remember, car manufacturers negotiate claims daily, while individual consumers don’t.

Plus, getting help from a lawyer often leads to a faster case resolution and better outcome.

See Related: Dealership Sold Me a Bad Used Car — What Can I Do?

FAQ About Lemon Lawyer Costs

Q: Do I have to pay my Lemon lawyer if I lose the case?

A: In most cases, no. You'll only have to pay your lawyer once you win the case.

Q: Is hiring a lemon lawyer worth the cost?

A: Often, yes. Many clients recover more money even if they have to pay legal fees.

Q: What is the fee-shifting provision in Texas Lemon Law cases?

A: In successful Texas Lemon Law cases with fee-shifting provisions, the manufacturer may be required to pay the consumer's attorney fees. This provision allows consumers to enforce their warranty rights while reducing the financial risk often involved in legal cases.

Get Help Without the Financial Risk

If your car has been repaired several times for the same issue, and you believe it qualifies as a lemon, the best course of action is to consult a lawyer.

A free case review with a Texas Lemon Law attorney can help you understand whether your claim is valid and what compensation you can get.

Getting clear answers early can help you avoid submitting incomplete paperwork and missing deadlines. And since Lemon lawyers work on a contingency basis, there's little to no financial risk on your end.