Generally, there are two ways to employ a lawyer: (1) through retainer with hourly fees; and (2) through a percentage of the judgment if you win (contingency fee). Generally, if you are suing someone for an accident they caused or an insurance company, the lawyer you hire will be fitting all the costs up front. This means you aren’t charged at all. They’ll have taken your case because they believe in your cause and hope to win. The risk is theirs.