How to Fund a Car Accident Lawsuit When Your Income is From Lyrics

Car accidents can be life-changing, and if you're a lyricist or songwriter living off your royalty income, finding the funds to fight a legal battle adds even more stress. Unlike folks with a steady paycheck, creatives with unpredictable earnings from lyrics and music streams often struggle to figure out how to pay a car accident attorney or cover case-related costs. In this guide, we'll break down smart ways you can fund a car accident lawsuit without putting your creative career—or your royalties—at risk.

Why Car Accident Lawsuits Are Costly for Lyricists

Most car accident lawsuits require upfront payments or agreements with lawyers for their time, resources, and filing fees. While some attorneys work on contingency (they get paid only if you win), you still might face:

• Medical records costs
• Expert witness fees
• Court filing charges
• Lost income during the case

When your income comes from lyrics royalties, which may come in quarterly or irregular payments, these costs can hit hard at the wrong time.

Option 1: Use Pre-Settlement Funding (Lawsuit Loans)

Pre-settlement funding lets you borrow against your expected settlement. If you win, you pay the lender back from the payout. If you lose? In most cases, you owe nothing.

But be careful: These loans often come with high fees. Always read the contract and compare options before signing anything.

Check out Legal Funding Central for lenders that work with creatives or freelancers.

Option 2: Tap Into Royalty Advances

If you’ve got a steady stream of royalties, consider asking your publisher or distributor for an advance against future earnings. Some companies, like Songtrust or CD Baby Pro, offer such services.

Tip: Be sure to calculate whether the advance will cover your lawsuit costs without harming your ability to pay regular bills.

Read our earlier post on How to Turn Old Songs Into Monthly Income Without Writing a New Line for ideas on boosting royalty cash flow.

Option 3: Hire a Car Accident Attorney on Contingency

This is often the best route if you have limited cash on hand. Many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis—meaning they only get paid when you do.

Ask these questions before you agree:

• What percentage of the settlement will you take?
• Are there hidden fees (admin costs, expert fees)?
• What happens if we lose the case?

Read our post on Car Accident Attorney Fees: What Lyricists & Artists Should Know for more on choosing the right lawyer.

Option 4: Crowdfunding from Fans & Supporters

Your fans love your work—why not ask for their help during tough times? Platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter can help you raise money for your legal battle.

Tip: Make sure to be honest about how funds will be used and provide updates to backers.

GoFundMe Legal Fundraising Guide

Option 5: Use Savings or Emergency Funds Smartly

If you’ve set aside some of your royalty income into savings (and if not, now’s a good time to start), you might be able to fund some of the lawsuit costs directly.

Important: Don’t drain your entire emergency fund—you’ll need it for medical or personal expenses down the road.

What Not to Do When Funding a Car Accident Lawsuit

• Don’t borrow from payday lenders or use high-interest credit cards if you can avoid it—the debt can pile up fast.
• Don’t sign away your rights to your lyrics or music catalog for quick cash—your creative assets are your future income.

Protecting Your Royalties While Seeking Justice

A car accident lawsuit can feel overwhelming, but with careful planning, you don’t have to risk your music royalties or career. Always consult with both a financial advisor (who understands creative income) and an experienced car accident attorney before making funding decisions.

Explore more strategies on From Royalties to Retirement: Financial Planning for Lyricists.