What Should I Look for When Hiring an Auto Collision Attorney in Houston?
If you have been involved in a car accident in the state of Texas, and you are considering hiring an auto collision attorney, you may not know what to do first. And it’s tough to go at it alone. For one thing, your insurance company is not going to be putting your interests above their own, no matter how “friendly” they may sound.
A car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for you when your insurance company just won’t budge. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about hiring an accident lawyer.
Experience
Not all personal injury claims are the same. The facts and circumstances of your accident will impact the amount of money you can receive, and no two accidents are alike. Because every case is unique, there are many variables that your lawyer will have to account for.
For instance, did your accident involve a bus or a taxi? The laws for accidents in the state of Texas change based on the vehicles involved in the collision. It is important for you to select a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the different laws surrounding traffic accidents.
Competency
When you hire a traffic lawyer, you want to be sure that your case is in the best possible hands. In other words, you want to feel confident that you are hiring someone you can trust. One thing you can look at is the lawyer’s educational experience, which is typically listed on his profile on the firm’s website.
Something else you’ll want to check is how your lawyer performed in other cases. The best way to do this is through reviews left on the firm’s website – or other websites, for that matter – from past clients. If you’re not satisfied with what you find, you can also reach out to the firm where the lawyer is based for a list of his or her case results.
Remember, how often a lawyer “wins” does not necessarily mean he’s a great lawyer. Similarly, just because a disgruntled former client did not get his way in an impossible case and leaves a nasty review for the lawyer does not mean he’s terrible at his job.
The best way to determine whether you and your lawyer are a good fit is to make an appointment and sit down and talk to each other. Our team of Houston car accident lawyers will meet with you free of charge and with no obligation to retain. So, if you meet with us, and you don’t like what we have to say, you are free to move on to another firm.
Fees
Of course, if you’re going to hire a lawyer to handle your case, you need to be prepared to pay the fees associated with that process. While there are some common practices among firms, not every firm handles accident cases in the same way. It is therefore important for you to establish up front what you’ll be paying for, and when you’ll be expected to pay.
With most car accident cases, the good news is that most lawyers will only collect a fee once they’ve won your case. This is known as working “on contingency.” Lawyers tend to charge, on average, between 30 and 40% of your settlement, but you should read your fee agreement carefully to make sure you understand how much of a fee the firm you hire collects, and when.
Some lawyers, however, expect you to pay for certain expenses up front, such as costs associated with filing documents with the court, or serving paperwork on any interested parties. Other lawyers may just charge you a flat fee, regardless of the outcome of your case.
In certain situations, a lawyer may also agree to a fee schedule with you, wherein you pay a portion of the fee every week or every month. If you’re concerned about how to pay the fees associated with your case, a Houston car accident lawyer can discuss those concerns with you and discuss a payment schedule that works for you and your budget.
Hiring an Auto Collision Attorney in Houston, Texas
In the state of Texas, you have plenty of options when you are considering hiring an attorney to help you with your accident claim. There are a number of factors to consider, such as the attorney’s experience and education, as well as what exactly you want the attorney to handle. Do you just want the attorney to file the necessary paperwork? Or do you want him or her to pursue litigation? And what is your budget for the services you require?
Our Houston car accident lawyers have everything you’re looking for: education, experience, and the willingness to work with clients on a budget. Your initial consultation with one of our knowledgeable lawyers comes with no cost to you and with no obligation to retain our services. Call us at 713-677-2179, or use our contact form and be connected today with the right lawyer for your case!
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