Morgan & Morgan is a personal injury law firm that handles car accident cases
Morgan & Morgan is a law firm that represents people injured in car accidents. They work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront — they collect a fee only if they recover money for you. The firm operates in multiple states and handles cases ranging from minor injuries to severe or fatal accidents.
The firm's model is straightforward: you contact them, they review your case, and if they take it, they handle communication with insurance companies, gather evidence, and negotiate or litigate on your behalf. You are not required to hire them, and understanding what they do — and what other options exist — helps you make an informed choice about representation.
Key Takeaways
- Morgan & Morgan works on contingency, so you pay their fee only if they recover money; the fee is typically a percentage of what you receive.
- The firm handles the entire process: investigating the accident, communicating with insurers, and pursuing settlement or court action.
- You can also hire a different attorney, negotiate with insurance on your own, or use a smaller local firm depending on your case and comfort level.
- Contingency representation means the firm absorbs the cost of investigation and court fees upfront, which is why they are selective about cases.
- The firm's size and resources allow them to handle complex cases, but you should understand their fee structure and track record before signing an agreement.
How contingency fees work with Morgan & Morgan
When you hire Morgan & Morgan on contingency, you sign an agreement stating their fee as a percentage of your recovery. This percentage typically ranges from one-third to 40 percent, depending on whether the case settles before trial or requires litigation. If the firm does not recover money, you owe them nothing for their legal work.
However, you may still owe costs. The firm advances expenses like medical record requests, court filing fees, and informed witness fees. If you lose or recover nothing, you may be responsible for reimbursing those costs, though this varies by state and by the specific agreement you sign. Always ask about cost responsibility before signing.
The contingency model protects you from upfront legal bills but also means the firm will decline cases they believe are weak or unlikely to result in significant recovery. This is normal — it is how they manage risk.
What Morgan & Morgan does during your case
Once you hire the firm, they take over most communication with the other driver's insurance company. They request the police report, medical records, repair estimates, and other documentation. They may hire investigators to photograph the accident scene or interview witnesses, and they may retain medical experts to review your injuries and treatment.
The firm then sends a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your injuries, damages, and the amount they believe you should receive. Insurance companies often respond with a lower offer. Morgan & Morgan negotiates from there, and if no settlement is reached, they file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.
Throughout this process, you should expect regular updates, though the frequency depends on the stage of your case. Settlement negotiations move faster than litigation; litigation can take months or years.
When Morgan & Morgan might decline your case
Morgan & Morgan receives thousands of inquiries and cannot take every case. They are more likely to decline cases with minor injuries, unclear liability (fault), or low insurance limits. If the other driver has minimal insurance and your damages exceed that coverage, recovery is limited, and the firm may pass.
They also decline cases where liability is difficult to prove — for example, if both drivers share fault or if the accident circumstances are ambiguous. In these situations, a smaller local firm or solo practitioner might still take the case, or you might negotiate directly with insurance.
Other options besides Morgan & Morgan
You are not required to use Morgan & Morgan. Other large contingency firms operate nationally or regionally and handle car accident cases similarly. Local personal injury attorneys often work on contingency too and may take cases larger firms decline. Some specialize in specific injury types or accident scenarios.
You can also negotiate directly with the insurance company without an attorney, though this requires time and knowledge of settlement value. Many people hire an attorney only if initial negotiations stall or if injuries are serious. There is no single right choice — it depends on your comfort level, the complexity of your case, and the severity of your injuries.
What to know before contacting Morgan & Morgan
Before you call, gather basic information: the date and location of the accident, the other driver's insurance details, a description of your injuries, and any medical treatment you have received. Have your medical bills and repair estimates available if you have them. The firm will ask these questions during an initial consultation.
Understand that an initial consultation does not obligate you to hire them. Use it to ask about their fee structure, their experience with cases like yours, and how they communicate with clients. Ask how long similar cases typically take and what they expect from you during the process.
If you decide to hire them, read the fee agreement carefully before signing. Confirm the percentage they will take, what costs you are responsible for, and under what circumstances the agreement can be terminated.
How long a case typically takes with Morgan & Morgan
A straightforward settlement can close in three to six months if liability is clear and injuries are documented. More complex cases — those involving multiple parties, serious injuries, or disputed fault — often take one to three years or longer, especially if litigation goes to trial.
The firm's size means they have resources to move cases along, but court schedules and insurance company responses are not always fast. You should expect periods of waiting, particularly after a demand letter is sent or after a lawsuit is filed. Ask during your consultation what timeline they anticipate for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay Morgan & Morgan upfront?
No. They work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless they recover money for you. However, you may owe costs like court fees and medical record requests, which the firm typically advances and deducts from your recovery. Confirm this in your fee agreement.
What if Morgan & Morgan declines my case?
You can contact other personal injury firms, including smaller local practices that may take cases larger firms pass on. You can also attempt to negotiate with insurance on your own or hire an attorney on an hourly basis if you prefer representation without contingency.
Can I fire Morgan & Morgan and hire a different attorney?
Yes, you can terminate the relationship, though the terms depend on your fee agreement and your state's rules. If you fire them before recovery, you typically owe them nothing for legal work but may still owe costs they advanced. Consult your agreement or ask them directly about termination.
How much will Morgan & Morgan take from my settlement?
Their fee is a percentage of your recovery, typically one-third to 40 percent depending on whether the case settles or goes to trial. The exact percentage is in your fee agreement. Costs are deducted separately, so confirm what you will actually receive before you accept any settlement.
Does Morgan & Morgan handle all types of car accidents?
They handle most car accident cases, but they decline cases with minor injuries, unclear liability, or low recovery potential. If your case involves a commercial vehicle, multiple parties, or a fatality, they may be more likely to take it. Contact them to discuss your specific situation.