Steps to take after you’ve been injured in a car accident and need a lawyer
If you experienced whiplash, a concussion or another serious injury after being involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to a financial award above and beyond what insurance provides. This compensation can make it easier to pay for medical treatment or allow you to make up for lost wages (or future earnings, if your injuries force you into early retirement), not to mention pain and suffering.
But first, you have to establish negligence and prove that the other driver is at-fault for your injuries. And in order to do that, enlisting the help of an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who specializes in cases like yours is essential.
Let’s take a look at how you can find the best attorney to represent you during a personal injury case.
Look for a lawyer who specializes in these cases
Technically speaking, any legal professional who is allowed to practice law in Texas can represent you during a personal injury case. However, we recommend narrowing down your search to lawyers who specialize in your specific type of case. That way, the attorney you choose has a greater understanding of the issues that you are facing and how the law applies in your case.
How to find a good car accident lawyer
If you are looking for the best car accident attorney in Waco, TX, it may be in your best interest to start by researching the State Bar of Texas. The bar association will be able to provide information about attorneys and law firms in your area that may be qualified to take your case. There may also be local legal groups in your town or city that can provide you with a list of attorneys.
Secondly, your friends or family members may also be able to refer to an attorney who has a track record of success. Seek referrals from those in your life who have obtained a favorable outcome in a personal injury case in the past several months or years.
Lastly, utilize your favorite search engine or online legal directory to find law firms in your area. Many personal injury attorneys have social media accounts that you can follow to learn more about their personality and track record.
Narrow down your choices
The process of choosing an attorney is similar in many ways to the process of selecting another personal service such as a roofing company or mechanic. After you obtain a list of qualified attorneys in your area, schedule consultations with at least 2 or 3. In most cases, they will review your case for free and provide some insight into how they would go about obtaining a favorable outcome.
If you have any questions for an attorney after a consultation, it may be possible to schedule a second appointment at a reduced fee or at no charge. It may also be possible to have your questions answered by email or through social media.
How to decide who will best represent your interests
There are several things that you should keep in mind when it comes to deciding who will handle your personal injury case.
- First, determine whether you want an attorney from a large practice or a small firm with only a few attorneys. Larger firms may have more resources but are more likely to hand your cases over to junior associates, while attorneys from smaller practices are more likely to interact with you directly.
- It is also important that you and your attorney have a good rapport. If you sense that an attorney isn’t interested in you or your case, it may be best to talk to other available options. Someone who doesn’t seem to be interested in consulting with you probably isn’t interested in doing whatever it takes to deliver the settlement or jury award that you desire. In some cases, an attorney will inform you that they aren’t the right person for the case and recommend someone who may be better able to help you.
- Finally, it is important to know that your attorney has a legal strategy that you feel comfortable with. For instance, they should be able to explain why it may be best to go to trial or to seek a settlement.
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, you may be in a lot of physical and emotional distress. However, it isn’t uncommon for insurance companies or other parties to take advantage of your vulnerable state in an effort to settle a case for less than what you deserve.