There are over 130,000 professionals employed in the personal law industry throughout America. These attorneys handle civil case filings associated with injury through the negligence of another. As of 2019, there were more than 280,000 civil case filings tried through the American civil court system.
The most common cases tried by a personal injury lawyer include car accidents, slip and falls, medical negligence, and nursing home neglect. These aren’t the only types of persona injury cases, however. When you find yourself involved in one of these cases, it’s normal to question whether you require legal representation.
How do you know when it’s time to hire a personal injury lawyer? If you need one, how can you pick the right one for your case? Continue reading below to find out.
When To Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
Not every personal injury case requires legal representation. While each case is unique, there are a few warning flags it’s time to hire a personal injury lawyer in Waco, Texas.
If the accident or injury you’re filing a claim for is serious or lifelong, you’ll generally want to hire an attorney. Becoming permanently disabled or sustaining a significant injury means you need a larger settlement amount. The costs of doctors, prescriptions, other medical expenses, and an inability to work should all be considered during a settlement.
When working with an insurance agent, your claim should move steadily from one phase to the next without any significant issues. If your claim is stalling or has been denied, it’s a good idea to hire an attorney. The same can be said if an insurance company sends you a lowball settlement offer.
If your personal injury case has to be seen in court, you’ll want an experienced lawyer on your side. Court hearings can be confusing if you don’t understand the jargon or the process. An attorney can help you understand what’s going on and best present your case to the judge.
How To Find a Personal Injury Attorney in Waco, TX
There are several reliable ways to find a personal injury attorney in Waco, TX. These methods are discussed in detail below.
Personal References
If you know someone who has needed to use a personal injury lawyer, you can ask them if they’d recommend the professional used. Ask for detailed information as to why they would (or would not) recommend this person. If they recommend them, be sure to get the information and follow up with a call to the attorney.
Online Reviews
There are plenty of sites dedicated to allowing clients to rate professionals or companies they’ve used previously. You can find these sites via a query in your favorite search engine (like Google).
Most review sites allow for one to five-star ratings. The more stars given, the better. Look for attorneys with the highest ratings and avoid those who have an average of only one or two stars.
Remember to take time to at least glance over the written reviews, too. These will give you a better idea of what to expect from your attorney. It can grant you insight into what the lawyer’s strong points are and where they may lack.
Local Companies
You may have seen companies in your area when driving or walking. You could always call their phone numbers, which are usually listed on their signage. It might also be possible to step in and speak to a receptionist about setting up a consultation.
Questions To Ask During Your Consultation
During your initial consultation, it’s essential to get a feel for the attorney. Ask yourself if you feel like he’s listening to what you say and whether you feel comfortable with them. Then, ask them the important questions below.
- How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
- How many cases have you handled like mine? (Example: car accident, slip and fall, negligence, ex?)
- What are your fees?
- If I lose my case, will I still be required to pay anything?
- How much time do you have available to dedicate to my case?
- How long do you expect my case to take to resolve?
- Do you believe my case will go to trial?
- If my case does go to trial, what is your success rate?
- How much of a settlement is my case worth?
- Do you handle cases in Waco, TX specifically?
Also, remember to ask who will be handling your case. Most people assume the lawyer they’ve had a consultation with will be the one handling their case. But this isn’t always how it works.
Sometimes with bigger law firms, you’ll have a consultation with one of the senior attorneys. Then, you’ll find out later that you’ve been assigned to a different lawyer.
You always want to ensure you’ve spoken to the actual person who will be handling your case. Otherwise, the answers to the questions above mean nothing.
More Questions About Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney in Waco, TX?
Hiring a personal injury attorney isn’t always necessary, but there are many situations where you need one. You can find the best one for your case using the information above. Remember to ask all of the necessary questions to determine whether the attorney is the right fit for you.
Do you have more questions about hiring a personal injury attorney in Waco, TX? Or would you like a consultation with one of our reliable, experienced lawyers about your personal injury case?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have. They can also set you up a consultation appointment if desired.