No one leaves the house and starts their day expecting to suffer a serious injury in an accident. The shock can leave you overwhelmed, with no idea what to do next. The right personal injury law firm can help you understand how to proceed and provide needed legal guidance and support.
Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, suffered a slip and fall, or experienced other types of personal injury cases, you may struggle to negotiate with an insurance company.
The good news is that you don’t have to when you have a lawyer on your side. How can you choose a lawyer you trust to see you through your claim and help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve? There are several key factors to consider.
Experience With Cases Like Yours
Maybe you’ve suffered broken bones or a traumatic brain injury in a motorcycle, truck, or car accident. Perhaps you’re recovering from a dog bite incident. A workplace injury may have left you unable to work.
Whatever type of personal injury case you’re dealing with, the first thing you should look for is a lawyer who has experience with cases like yours. Ask about the success rate for settling cases, as well as settlement amounts and verdict results.
Trial Experience
A qualified personal injury lawyer will try to settle your case through negotiation to minimize your legal expenses and save you time. However, not all insurance companies are willing to negotiate in good faith, or at all.
This is why experienced attorneys prepare your case for trial, even as they negotiate for a settlement. Sometimes the threat of trial is enough to sway insurance companies toward a settlement, and if not, your lawyer will be ready to continue the fight for compensation should negotiations fail.
Suitable Credentials
Most lawyers operate on the up-and-up, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before hiring legal representation. Do a bit of research on any personal injury attorneys you’re considering working with to verify state licensing and good standing with the state bar association.
Positive Client Reviews
Many people start their search for a personal injury attorney by asking for referrals from trusted family and friends. You can also peruse local directories. Either way, it’s important to get a sense of a lawyer’s reputation before you commit to working with one.
You can start by reading client testimonials on a firm’s website or searching third-party review sites to learn more about the level of service and personal attention an attorney provides. Understanding whether a firm and its lawyers are reputable and reliable is an important part of building trust.
Comprehensive Legal Team
A lawyer does not work in a bubble. It takes a comprehensive team to provide the right support in your battle for justice. A suitable personal injury law firm will not only have experienced attorneys but also a strong support staff of legal professionals and a network of investigators, medical experts, and other resources to tap into when building your case.
Transparent Fee Structure
The last thing you need on your road to recovery is more debt piling up. When you choose a lawyer, look for a firm that offers a free consultation to start, so you can find out whether you have a case before you ever pay a dime.
From there, ask if the firm will work on a contingency. The right legal partner will provide a transparent breakdown of anticipated costs and collect no fees unless you win a settlement or obtain a favorable verdict.
Free Consultation
Discussing your case at a free initial consultation allows you to assess an attorney’s communication style and see if you feel comfortable and confident in the services provided.
This is also a chance to understand their approach to your legal strategy and decide whether it aligns with your preferences. It’s important to choose a personal injury lawyer who’s on the same page and committed to helping you reach your goals.
Knowledge of Local Laws and Other Relevant Factors
Big firms may operate in multiple states, but it’s worth your time to look for local personal injury lawyers. Firms based in Texas have a solid understanding of state laws, local court systems, and insurance providers that could impact the outcome of your case.
FAQ
What’s the Statute of Limitations to File a Claim for Personal Injury?
In Texas, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim if you want to pursue compensation. There may be exceptions in some cases, such as ones involving medical malpractice.
How Long Will I Have to Wait for Compensation?
Every case is different, but it could take anywhere from several months to several years to settle a claim or win your case. Cases that go to trial typically take longer than those that settle through negotiations.
What Type of Compensation Can I Expect in a Personal Injury Case?
When you’re injured in an accident, you can seek economic damages to cover actual losses like medical bills and lost wages, and possibly non-economic damages for intangible losses like pain and suffering. The amount of compensation will depend on your case. An experienced lawyer can help you understand what to expect.
What Can the Right Personal Injury Law Firm Do for You?
You might think hiring a personal injury attorney is a shot in the dark, but you can learn a lot from meeting with lawyers, reading reviews, and conducting research into their experience and credentials. With the right legal representation, you can pursue fair compensation to be made whole after an accident.
If you’ve been injured in an accident and need help fighting for compensation, contact Ramsey Law Group for reliable legal guidance and support.