If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s carelessness, you may be able to get compensation through a personal injury claim. The most important step you can make towards getting all the money you’re owed is to hire the right personal injury lawyer.
If you make the wrong selection for your legal representation, you may not be as successful in court.
How Do I Find the Right Personal Injury Attorney for My Case?
Rather than making a hurried choice based on which lawyer’s commercial you’ve seen on television, take the time to interview several so you can make an informed decision about the process ahead.
Although you shouldn’t rush, remember that here in Texas you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim.
Here are a few things to look for when making your decision about your Texas personal injury lawyer.
Narrow your selection to attorneys who focus on personal injury cases. The legal landscape is just like any other industry: it’s filled with professionals who focus on a specific specialty. Some lawyers focus on criminal defense, bankruptcy, divorce, etc. For your case, you need an attorney specializing in personal injury law.
Make sure they understand the nature of your injuries. While your attorney doesn’t necessarily need a medical background, they should be able to understand the extent of your injuries and base your compensation on that.
Your attorney should have contacts for expert witnesses. In most personal injury cases, the views and opinion of a general practitioner aren’t strong enough to win a case. A good personal injury attorney will know the right medical experts to call for assistance with your case.
Look for an attorney not afraid to go to court. It’s true that most personal injury cases are settled rather than being decided in court. Unfortunately, there are some attorneys all too willing to take the easy route and recommend you settle your case. Keep in mind that the insurance provider of the person who caused your injuries is most likely a professional negotiator. Their only goal is to convince you to settle for as little as possible as quickly as possible. That’s why it’s vital to have an attorney who can handle the settlement negotiations but is unafraid to take matters to court if a fair settlement isn’t possible.
You should be able to speak with your attorney as the case goes on. While it seems only logical that you should be able to speak with your attorney when you want, some attorneys struggle with basic communication. If your injuries make it difficult for you to travel, you should have an attorney who is willing to speak with you over the phone or visit you to meet face-to-face.
Most people need a lawyer only a few times in their lives. Taking the steps to ensure you select the right personal injury attorney for your case is a process that can affect you for the rest of your life. Take the time to speak with several attorneys and base your decision on what you learn and how you feel.
