Can an AI receptionist answer questions about contingency fees for a personal injury attorney?

Yes, an AI receptionist can absolutely answer basic questions about contingency fees for a personal injury attorney, as long as the firm has provided that information during setup. Most personal injury firms operate on a standard contingency structure — typically 33% if the case settles before trial, rising to 40% if it goes to court — and an AI receptionist can relay these figures clearly when a caller asks. It can also explain what contingency means in plain terms: the client pays nothing upfront, and the attorney only gets paid if they win.

Where AI receptionists have real limits is in giving specific legal advice or discussing how fees might apply to an individual's unique situation. A caller asking "how much will I actually take home after your fees and medical liens?" is asking for case-specific analysis that only an attorney should handle. A well-configured AI receptionist knows this boundary and will answer the general question, then offer to connect the caller with someone on the firm's team for a free consultation. That handoff is exactly what good legal intake looks like — capturing the lead without overstepping.

The quality of those answers depends heavily on how well the firm has briefed the AI. Firms that take time to document their fee structure, common intake questions, and preferred language will see far better results than those who deploy the tool with minimal setup. This isn't a shortcoming of the technology — it's just good practice for any staff member handling intake, human or AI.

For law firms where every missed call is a missed client, Smith.ai offers AI and live agent hybrid coverage purpose-built for legal intake. Their system handles after-hours calls, qualifies leads, and escalates appropriately — so potential clients get real answers even when your staff isn't available. Details at smith.ai.