Finding Personal Injury Lawyers
Finding Personal Injury Lawyers Texas Residents Can Trust
When it comes to locating reputable personal injury lawyers in Texas, residents should know the proper questions to ask. Most personal injury attorneys handle cases on a contingency basis, so it is worth taking the time to find an experienced law professional.
Question #1: What types of cases does the attorney usually accept?
Some attorneys maintain a general practice and work on a variety of cases, including personal injury, bankruptcy, worker’s compensation and immigration. Clients will receive the best advice if they choose an attorney who handles only personal injury lawsuits.
Question #2: How long has the attorney been practicing personal injury law?
Most attorneys, charge a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the damages awarded to the client. This means attorneys do not base their fees on experience and clients will pay the same amount, regardless of how long the attorney has been practicing. However, a more experienced lawyer may be able to negotiate a higher settlement, so the number of years in business is an important factor to consider.
Question #3: Will the attorney be willing to try the lawsuit in court, if necessary?
Some lawyers tend to settle every case out of court and if negotiations fail, they refer the case to another attorney to handle the trial in court. To receive the maximum compensation, the insurance company must believe the lawyer will go to court rather than agree to a lower settlement. So-called clearinghouse attorneys accept large numbers of cases so they can settle quickly or refer the client to another attorney if they cannot negotiate a satisfactory settlement. These attorneys collect a referral fee and are more interested in a quick turnover than fighting for the client’s right to fair compensation.
Question #4: What is the attorney’s track record for negotiating settlements or receiving positive verdicts in case trials?
The client will do better with an attorney who has a long list of successful outcomes. Insurance company representatives are familiar with the personal injury lawyers Texas residents hire and they know who has a good track record for defending personal injury cases and who is less likely to reach a positive verdict for a client. This information allows insurance companies to assess their risk. Most insurance adjusters will research the lawyer representing the plaintiff, so they can anticipate the likely outcome. If the lawyer has a great track record, the insurance company is less likely to want to take the case to court and will negotiate a fair settlement instead. More information