Cellino & Barnes is a personal injury law firm, not a government program
Cellino & Barnes is a private law firm that represents people injured in car accidents, truck crashes, and other incidents. They do not run a government program, issue payments, or determine who gets compensation. Instead, they are one option among many law firms you can hire to pursue a claim against an at-fault driver's insurance company or to file a lawsuit in court.
The firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means they collect payment only if you win your case or reach a settlement. If you do not recover money, you do not pay them. This structure removes the upfront cost barrier, but it also means the firm takes a percentage of whatever you receive — typically 33 percent for settlements and up to 40 percent for cases that go to trial.
Understanding how a personal injury law firm works, and how Cellino & Barnes fits into your options after a car accident, helps you make an informed decision about whether to hire a lawyer and which one to choose.
Key Takeaways
- Cellino & Barnes is a private law firm that works on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your settlement or judgment rather than charging upfront fees.
- You can pursue a car accident claim on your own through your insurance company, or you can hire any licensed personal injury attorney — Cellino & Barnes is one option among many.
- A lawyer's job is to negotiate with the other driver's insurance company, file court documents if needed, and represent you in settlement talks or trial.
- The percentage a firm takes from your recovery varies by firm and by whether the case settles or goes to trial, so comparing fee structures matters before you hire.
How contingency fees work in personal injury cases
When you hire a law firm on contingency, you sign an agreement stating what percentage they will take from your recovery. The firm advances the costs of your case — filing fees, informed witnesses, medical record requests — and you repay those costs from your settlement or judgment. If you lose, you owe nothing, and the firm absorbs the costs.
This arrangement benefits people who cannot afford to pay a lawyer upfront, but it also means the firm has financial incentive to settle quickly rather than pursue a longer, more expensive trial. Before you hire any firm, read the fee agreement carefully. Ask what percentage they take, whether costs are deducted before or after their fee, and what happens if the case does not settle.
Different firms charge different percentages. Some charge 33 percent for settlements and 40 percent for trials. Others use a flat 33 percent regardless of outcome. A few use a sliding scale that increases if the case goes to trial. These differences can mean thousands of dollars in your pocket, so comparing fee structures across firms is worth your time.
What a personal injury lawyer actually does after a car accident
A personal injury attorney's core job is to build a case for why the other driver was at fault and to negotiate compensation from their insurance company. This involves gathering police reports, medical records, repair estimates, and witness statements. The lawyer reviews the other driver's insurance policy limits and your own insurance coverage to understand what money is actually available.
Once the lawyer has assembled the evidence, they send a demand letter to the other driver's insurance company. This letter explains the accident, your injuries, your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and it requests a specific dollar amount. The insurance company then makes a counteroffer, and the lawyer negotiates back and forth until either a settlement is reached or the case stalls.
If settlement talks fail, the lawyer files a lawsuit in court and prepares for trial. This involves writing motions, responding to the other side's requests for documents, and preparing you and witnesses to testify. Most cases settle before trial, but a lawyer must be ready to go to court if necessary.
When you might hire a lawyer versus handling a claim yourself
You have the right to handle your own car accident claim without a lawyer. You can contact the other driver's insurance company directly, provide them with your medical records and repair estimates, and negotiate a settlement on your own. This route saves you the contingency fee and puts you in control of every decision.
However, hiring a lawyer often results in a higher settlement. Insurance companies know that represented claimants are more likely to file a lawsuit if settlement talks stall, so they tend to offer more. A lawyer also knows what your case is actually worth — many people accept the first offer without realizing they could have negotiated higher. The lawyer's fee, even at 33 percent, may leave you with more money than you would have received on your own.
Hire a lawyer if your injuries are serious, your medical bills are high, the accident involved multiple vehicles or unclear fault, or if the insurance company is denying your claim. Handle it yourself if the accident was minor, liability is clear, and your injuries are minor.
How to choose between Cellino & Barnes and other law firms
Cellino & Barnes operates in New York and Florida. If you live in one of those states and were injured in a car accident, you can contact them for a free consultation. However, you should also contact other personal injury firms in your area. Most offer free consultations, and comparing your options takes an hour or two.
When you speak with a firm, ask these questions: What percentage do you charge? Are costs deducted before or after your fee? How long do cases typically take? Will you handle my case personally or assign it to another attorney? What is your settlement-to-trial ratio? How often do you go to trial? A firm that settles 95 percent of cases may be more conservative than one that goes to trial more often, and that affects your strategy.
Check the firm's record with your state bar association. Search for disciplinary actions or complaints. Read online reviews, but remember that people who had bad experiences are more likely to post than people who were satisfied. Ask the firm for references — past clients who are willing to discuss their experience.
What happens after you hire a lawyer
Once you sign a contingency agreement, the lawyer takes over communication with the insurance company. You should not contact the other driver's insurance company directly after hiring a lawyer — let your attorney handle it. Your job is to attend medical appointments, follow your doctor's treatment plan, and provide your lawyer with any new information about your injuries or expenses.
The lawyer will keep you updated on settlement negotiations and will ask your permission before accepting any offer. You have the final say on whether to settle or go to trial. The lawyer advises you based on their experience, but the decision is yours.
The timeline varies widely. straightforward cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in two to four months. Complex cases with serious injuries, multiple parties, or disputed fault can take a year or more. Your lawyer should give you a realistic estimate based on the facts of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cellino & Barnes operate in my state?
Cellino & Barnes has offices in New York and Florida. If you live outside those states, you will need to hire a different personal injury firm. You can search for local personal injury attorneys through your state bar association's website or through referral services like the American Association for Justice.
What if I cannot afford to hire a lawyer?
Contingency fees exist precisely because many people cannot pay upfront. Any personal injury firm that works on contingency will take your case at no cost to you if they believe you have a valid claim. If a firm declines your case, it usually means they do not think the recovery will be large enough to justify the work, not that you cannot afford them.
Can I switch lawyers if I am unhappy with my current attorney?
Yes, but you will need to fire your current attorney in writing and hire a new one. The new attorney will need to file a substitution of counsel with the court if a lawsuit has been filed. Be aware that if you switch firms, the original firm may have a lien on your settlement for the work they already completed, so the money will be divided between both firms.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
A denial does not end your case. Your lawyer can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver personally, which forces the case into court. The insurance company will then defend the lawsuit, and a judge or jury will decide who was at fault. Many cases that start as denials end in settlements once the insurance company realizes the claimant is serious about going to trial.
How much of my settlement will I actually receive after the lawyer's fee?
If your settlement is $30,000 and the lawyer charges 33 percent, you might think you receive $20,100. However, costs are also deducted. If the lawyer spent $2,000 on medical records, informed reports, and filing fees, your net recovery is $30,000 minus $9,900 (the 33 percent fee) minus $2,000 (costs), which equals $18,100. Always ask the firm to explain the math before you sign the agreement.