When you need a personal injury attorney’s help after an accident in Texas, you of course want to find someone who is experienced and trustworthy. But how do you really find out if a lawyer is a right fit for you and your car accident case?
Remember one thing: lawyers are just people doing their job, and they do want to help you. When you contact a lawyer, it might help to think of it like a job interview, except you are the boss and the lawyer is the job candidate.
Before hiring this person, you’re entitled to know certain things about him or her. Every good lawyer understands this, and most of them are more than happy to answer your questions to the best of their ability.
Asking a few basic questions can help you get a feel for the lawyer and their approach to handling injury claims. Pay attention to both the answers and the way they answer. And don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions if anything they say isn’t clear to you.
This question opens the door for the attorney to explain their philosophy and approach. They will probably talk about the steps they normally take in auto accident cases. Their answers will give you a better understanding of what you can expect.
As you listen, think about whether this sounds like a person you would like to develop a relationship with. After all, the attorney-client relationship is the foundation for a successful case.
The attorney should be able to help you understand what you should and shouldn’t do in the days and weeks following your injury. A good answer to this question would probably include some talk about how to deal with insurance companies, what to do regarding medical bills and medical records, and various legal deadlines that apply to your situation.
The vast majority of personal injury cases settle before trial. The attorney will be able to explain the pros and cons of accepting settlement offers, including how accepting a settlement affects any other legal rights you may have.
Most Texas personal injury attorneys, including us at Ted B. Lyon & Associates, work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t charge upfront fees. Instead, we receive a percentage of the compensation you may eventually receive.
If you don’t receive compensation, you don’t have to pay any attorney’s fees (but you may still need to pay various court costs). The attorney you’re speaking with should very clearly explain how fees work at their firm.
If you have been injured in a Texas motor vehicle accident, you deserve a lawyer who will fight for all the compensation you deserve. Call Ted B. Lyon & Associates and we’ll explain what we can do for you. Call 877-Ted-Lyon / 877-833-5966 or send us a message to schedule a free consultation with one of our Dallas lawyers.