If you get injured in an automobile accident in Austin, you may need to hire an Austin car accident attorney during the insurance claims process. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations, where you have the chance to ask questions that will help you make an informed decision.
The purpose of the consultation is to allow you to gain information and legal advice about your case as well as determine whether the attorney is the right fit for you. Knowing what questions to ask can allow you to make the most of your time during a consultation.
Do I Have a Case?
First, give the attorney a description of the events that caused your injuries so he or she can determine whether you have a case. You may or may not need to hire an Austin personal injury lawyer, depending on the circumstances. If you only suffered minor injuries, for example, it may not be worth the lawyer’s time (or the expense) to take your case.
After listening to your accident story and asking you questions to clarify the details, the attorney can give you his or her professional opinion as to whether you need to hire a law firm for the claims process. You can also receive advice about what to do next, such as how to deal with a car insurance company that has been contacting you.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
A car accident can be a serious disaster that leaves you with severe injuries and expensive bills. Unfortunately, it may not be easy to recover the financial compensation that you deserve from a car insurance company. A car accident attorney’s level of experience will determine his or her ability to go up against an insurer and secure the results that you need.
The lawyer you choose should have years of experience handling cases in your practice area. This will ensure that your lawyer understands Texas’s car accident laws and how to navigate them to your advantage. Real experience negotiating with insurance companies and taking cases to court can be an invaluable asset during your claim.
What Is the Cost of Your Legal Representation?
As a car accident victim, you have enough to worry about without the added stress of trying to afford a personal injury lawyer. This is why you should find a car accident attorney who operates on a contingency fee basis. This payment arrangement does not require you to pay the attorney anything upfront. You will only be charged attorney’s fees if your car accident case results in financial compensation. Do not be afraid to ask about the law firm’s payment practices during the initial consultation.
What Is Your Case Success Rate?
While past success does not guarantee that a car accident attorney will win your case, it can give you peace of mind about the attorney’s ability to secure fair financial compensation on your behalf. Ask about the law firm’s case success rate and past case results.
There should be notable settlements and jury verdicts achieved by the law firm for motor vehicle accident clients. You should also look for client testimonials and law firm reviews to give you an idea of what to expect as a client.
Who Will Be Handling My Case?
Some law firms are mill-type organizations that want to churn through as many cases as possible. They do so by handing cases off to paralegals and assistants. These law firms prioritize quantity over quality, and are not what you should look for in your attorney. You can avoid this problem by asking who the attorney handling your case will be during your consultation.
If it is not the lawyer you are speaking to, ask if you can consult with that attorney, instead. It is important to meet the attorney who will be handling your case so that you can ensure it is the right fit. Ask about the lawyer’s preferred methods of communication, as well. Make sure they match up with your needs so that you do not end up being left in the dark about your case.
How Long Do You Think My Case Will Take
If you are curious how long it might take for your car accident case to result in a monetary recovery, ask this question during your consultation. The attorney should give you an honest idea of your case’s timeline based on the facts, such as the severity of your injuries and the complexity of the case.
If the lawyer does not have time to get to your case right away, find out how long it will take to start the case, and what the attorney can do to help you in the meantime – such as connecting you to top doctors in Texas.
Do You Think My Case Will Have to Go to Court?
For the most part, car accident claims in Texas are resolved with insurance settlements. An automobile insurance company will offer a settlement if it accepts a claim brought against its policyholder. In some circumstances, however, the accident victim may need to take the case to court.
If the car insurance company refuses to make a reasonable settlement offer, for example, the attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to pursue fair financial compensation. Discuss whether your case may have to go to court during your initial consultation so that you can be prepared for what’s ahead.
What Can I Do to Help My Case?
Before you conclude your consultation, ask for advice regarding what you can do to strengthen your car accident claim. If you retain the attorney, he or she can handle many aspects of the legal process for you for optimal results. However, there may be things you can do to improve your case’s outcome, such as:
- Do not admit fault for the car accident.
- Always report your car accident to the police.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Avoid posting on social media about your accident and injuries.
- Don’t give a car insurance company a recorded statement.
- Document everything, including the crash scene and your medical care.
- Do not give an insurance claims adjuster too much detail when answering questions.
- Don’t rush into a fast settlement that undervalues the worth of your claim.
If you are ready to consult with a car accident attorney in Austin at no cost or obligation, contact FVF Law Firm to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined legal experience. We know how to represent clients and achieve the best possible results every time. Speak to us today by calling (512) 982-9328.
