After suffering a personal injury, you might be looking for compensation. Your favorite search engine can help you locate attorneys in your area when you search “injury lawyers near me.” But how do you know which one is best suited to handle your case?
Injuries come with unplanned expenses and inconveniences, including lost wages. Some injuries can have a permanent impact on the victim’s body. If this has happened to you, you need a seasoned injury attorney to help you pursue compensation.
What to Look for When Choosing an Injury Lawyer
Here are a few factors to consider on your hunt for a dependable personal injury lawyer:
Experience
You want a lawyer with ample experience in the field you need representation in. A lawyer who mostly handles divorces, for example, won’t be ideal for a car accident case. Instead, you want someone who dedicates all their efforts to fighting insurance companies and winning injury cases.
Different types of injuries have their own unique qualities and challenges — a slip and fall case is vastly different from a medical malpractice suit. As such, you’ll want to make sure your lawyer has extensive experience with your specific type of case.
Location
The venue where a case is heard can significantly impact its outcome. When picking an injury attorney, choose one with an intimate knowledge of the location of your suit. Some areas in Texas have a reputation for favoring the plaintiff, while others frequently rule in favor of the defendant.
It’s difficult to predict the outcome of personal injury cases. To improve your odds, you need to work with an injury lawyer who understands how juries, judges, and opposing counsel in certain areas generally think and make decisions.
Proven Track Record
Past performance doesn't guarantee future results, but it's still the best indicator you have. A lawyer with a strong track record is probably doing something right. They've learned what works and what doesn't, and they know how to value a case, when to settle, and when to fight.
Ask for hard numbers, like the percentage of the cases they’ve helped settle. Also, inquire about their average settlement amount, how often they go to trial, and their win rate.
Good Communication With Clients
The laws governing personal injury cases are complex. You’ve already undergone physical, mental, and financial distress — the last thing you want is a lawyer who doesn’t tell you what’s happening with your case.
Your attorney should explain the proceedings and let you know what to anticipate, answering your questions and easing your concerns whenever needed. You can gauge their communication during your initial consultation and from client reviews.
Availability
Your attorney must be able to give the required attention to your case. They also need to be accessible when you need them. You’ll have more peace of mind when you know that your lawyer is using all the resources and time at their disposal to fight for you.
Clear Fee Structure
You’ve probably already incurred significant financial losses from your injury, so you shouldn’t suffer more anxiety over finances when pursuing compensation. A good injury lawyer will explain their charges up front.
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they take their cut from the awarded compensation after winning a case.
Other Factors to Consider
Here are a few more important attributes to keep in mind:
- Resources: Your lawyer should have the staff and financial backing to take on cases of all types
- Reputation: Read online reviews, but look for patterns rather than fixating on any single review
- Personal Connection: Make sure you’re comfortable with your personal injury lawyer and trust your gut
- Trial Experience: While most cases settle, you want a lawyer who's ready and willing to go to trial if needed
Your personal injury lawyer of choice could make or break your case, so give this decision the weight it deserves.
FAQs
Why Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
It’s not a legal requirement to have a lawyer for a personal injury case, but getting compensation after suffering an injury can be an uphill battle. Insurance companies often try to lowball injury victims.
A good personal injury lawyer will bring to the table experience, knowledge of the law, and an ability to craft strong cases. Their involvement dramatically increases the chances of fair compensation.
How Do I Know Who Are the Best Injury Lawyers Near Me?
Good lawyers have built a reputation through past successes and solid client relationships. Browse reviews from past clients to get a better idea of the lawyer you’re considering. A free consultation will also allow you to learn more about them.
How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?
The compensation you’re entitled to depends on many factors. While a personal injury lawyer can estimate how much you can get, the actual figure will depend on the severity of your injuries, the losses you’ve suffered, and the responsible party’s financial circumstances.
In addition, other factors, such as an attorney’s negotiating skills and the trial venue, can affect the outcome of your case.
When Should I File a Personal Injury Claim in Texas?
Texas law requires you to file a claim for a personal injury within two years from the date of the accident.
Contact a Reliable Personal Injury Attorney Today
The Ramsey Law Group has been helping injury victims secure rightful compensation for many years. With our capable team on your side, you can rest assured, knowing you have a strong champion fighting for your rights.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in Texas, contact us today for a free consultation. You deserve a chance to rebuild your life after suffering the setbacks of an injury. We’ll leverage the full extent of our resources to seek maximum compensation for you and hold the liable parties accountable.