Personal injuries aren’t just physical — they can disrupt every aspect of your life. After a car crash, you’re likely facing severe pain, lost income because you’re unable to work, all while dealing with mounting medical and vehicle repair costs.
That’s why many car crash victims enlist the help of a car crash attorney to recover the full value of their injury and get their lives back to normal. A qualified Austin, Texas personal injury attorney can assist in managing your overwhelming bills and handle insurance bullies on your behalf while you focus on healing.
Despite the invaluable support attorneys can provide, finding a skilled personal injury attorney in Austin, Texas can be challenging. Which law firm will effectively fight for you and your unique story?
Here’s 16 questions you should ask any potential lawyer to help you select the best legal representation for your needs.
How do you get started choosing an Austin car crash attorney?
You need an experienced attorney who can skillfully represent you during settlement negotiations with insurance companies. To find a qualified Austin, Texas personal injury lawyer, start by arranging face-to-face consultations with potential law firms.
Your attorney will be a vital part of your legal journey, so building a trusting and close relationship with them is important. That’s why we recommend interviewing several car crash attorneys before hiring one.
What kinds of questions should I ask a personal injury attorney?
During your first meetings with potential law firms, you have the chance to ask questions to see if they are a good match for you. While the attorney will mainly assess your unique story, it’s important to inquire about how they plan to handle your case.
Ask specific questions that give you an idea of what working with them will be like. Their answers should either build trust in their abilities or prompt you to look elsewhere. By asking these questions, you can determine if the attorney is qualified, experienced, and dedicated to handling your case well. It also helps you see if your personalities click and if your best interests are their priority.
Here’s a list of questions to help steer your conversation during an initial meeting:
1. How much will it cost to hire you?
In Texas, many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay a fee only if you win money damages in your lawsuit. The typical percentage taken ranges between 25% and 40%. Ensure you understand this percentage and inquire about any additional costs.
2. Do you think I have a strong case?
Request a few reasons why the attorney believes there is a strong chance of obtaining the full value of your injury for you.
3. Does my case have any weaknesses?
Understanding the potential challenges early on is crucial. Every personal injury claim has its unique issues, and a skilled lawyer should be able to identify and address them transparently. Be cautious if a lawyer downplays or overlooks the complexities of your case.
4. How many cases like mine has your firm handled?
Explore the attorney’s experience and areas of specialty to gauge their familiarity in handling cases like yours. It’s vital to work with a lawyer who has relevant experience to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
5. How many successful verdicts have you won in court?
Inquire about the attorney’s track record of successful verdicts in court or their success rate. Understand how they define success, especially regarding settlements versus trials, and ensure they are prepared to fight for the full value of your injury under Texas law.
6. How long have you practiced personal injury law?
Knowing an attorney’s experience level in personal injury law, whether they are fresh out of law school or seasoned professionals, can impact their suitability for your case.
7. How do you communicate with your clients?
Learn about the attorney’s communication practices, including how they will keep you informed about your case’s progress. Clarify who will be your contact person, how updates will be provided, and the level of involvement you prefer in the case proceedings.
8. How many cases do you handle at a time?
Determine the attorney’s current caseload and how much attention they can dedicate to your case. Ensure they can prioritize your lawsuit promptly and efficiently to avoid delays in filing.
9. Which attorneys are handling my case?
Understand the firm’s structure and who will manage your case. Inquire about who will handle different aspects and ensure transparency in the delegation of responsibilities to junior attorneys or associates.
10. Can you give me examples of your recent client wins?
Request details about recent successful cases to gauge the attorney’s experience and achievements, even if specific details are limited by confidentiality.
Additionally, make sure to seek client testimonials to assess the attorney’s reputation and client satisfaction. Understanding others’ experiences can provide valuable insights into the attorney’s approach and client relationships.
11. What is the full value of my injury?
While an exact monetary amount may not be possible at first, the attorney should be able to outline the potential compensation categories you may be entitled to based on your unique situation. Be cautious of overly optimistic estimates and rely on the attorney’s expertise for a realistic assessment.
12. Do you think the insurance company will settle?
Discuss the likelihood of an insurance company settling your case and the negotiation process. Experienced personal injury attorneys can provide insights into how to handle insurance company offers and advocate for fair compensation.
13. If insurance bullies don’t settle, will you take my case to trial?
Inquire about the attorney’s trial experience and their willingness to take your case to court if needed. It’s important to know their approach to trial preparation and their success rate in trial cases.
14. What strategies will you use to recover full value?
Explore the attorney’s strategies for achieving a successful outcome in your case. Inquire about potential case weaknesses, how they plan to address them, and their communication protocols for keeping you informed throughout the legal process.
15. What will my role be during my lawsuit?
Ask about your expected involvement in the lawsuit and tell a personal injury lawyer about your preferences. Discuss whether you can attend meetings or depositions and ensure alignment on the level of client participation throughout the legal process.
16. How long will it take to resolve my case?
While the precise timeline varies based on multiple factors, such as case complexity and settlement negotiations, seek a general estimation from the attorney. Although an exact resolution date is challenging to predict, an experienced attorney should provide insights based on their expertise and past cases. Be prepared for potential delays due to court calendars, opposing party behavior, and more.
By addressing these questions during your initial meeting, you can gain valuable insights into an attorney’s approach, establish clear expectations, and feel confident in the Austin, Texas personal injury attorney you ultimately choose to hire.
