If you’ve ever suffered an injury as the result of an accident, you’re not alone. By one estimate, there are nearly 40 million personal injury cases per year. In Texas, nearly 250,000 people require medical treatment after an accident each year. These injuries cost Texans between $50,000 and $75,000 per year. For those who’ve been in an accident, it’s no secret that recovery takes up a lot of time and money.
The good news is that, under Texas law, you’re entitled to compensation to cover the costs associated with injuries suffered in an accident caused by someone else. You are also entitled to hire a lawyer to negotiate with the insurance companies to ensure you receive the full amount you deserve.
When hiring a lawyer to represent you during the claims process, consider these five steps to ensure you get the best injury attorney for your case.
Find the Best Injury Attorney for Your Situation
Personal injury law is a large and diverse area of the law. You’ll need an attorney with experience in cases involving your accident and injury to successfully negotiate your injury claim. Many injury law firms, such as Ramsey Law Group, have practice areas staffed with lawyers who specialize in specific types of cases such as car accidents, medical malpractice, and slip and falls.
Research Their Track Record and Results
Many law firms advertise the fact that you only pay if you win your claim. However, you still need to find a lawyer that will actually get you a good settlement. Before hiring any law firm, research how many relevant cases they’ve handled and what their success rate is. Don’t be afraid to ask them this question information during your initial free consultation – they should be willing to easily provide this information before you hire them.
See also:What to Anticipate from a Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer Following an Accident
Read Reviews from Past Clients
Do research on your own to read reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Many firms will include client reviews on their website but don’t rely solely on these testimonials. Thankfully it’s relatively easy to find lawyer reviews with a quick search online. Asking family members and trusted friends for recommendations is also a good source of reviews.
Pay particular attention to how previous clients describe a lawyer’s effectiveness, responsiveness, and communication style.
Ask About Resources Available for Your Case
Large accident injury law firms typically employ teams of lawyers and other legal professionals to investigate accidents, gather evidence, engage expert witnesses, and file legal documents as part of the claims process. Ask prospective attorneys what sort of resources they have available to dedicate to your case. You want someone who can support your claim to the fullest extent.
Choose a Lawyer Who Can Communicate
A legal claim is often a complicated, long, and potentially overwhelming process. Pay careful attention to how a lawyer communicates with you. Are they responsive to your questions and concerns? Are their answers and explanations clear and understandable? Do they treat you with empathy and compassion? Do they take the time to make sure you fully understand your options each step of the way? You’ll be working with this person a lot so choose someone you’re comfortable with.
Hiring a lawyer in theh aftermath of an accident is the most important step you can take to maximize your compensation in the event of an injury. By carefully researching lawyers, reading reviews, and evaluating their communication abililties, you can hire the right attorney to find you the justice you deserve.
