The fees charged by personal injury lawyers in California depend on various factors. The most common type of fee arrangement is the contingency fee. In this type of arrangement, the lawyer will get a fee only if they get you a fair settlement for your damages. Typically, the contingency fee is a percentage of the settlement or award. The average percentage is usually between 33 and 40%. Sometimes, however, personal injury lawyers may also charge a flat fee or an hourly fee. Flat fees can range from $2,500 to $10,000, while the hourly rate can range from $150 to $450 or more.