5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Car Accident Lawyer

by Brian Elliott White on Jul. 20, 2022

Accident & Injury Accident & Injury  Car Accident 

Summary: Here are five things to consider when choosing a car accident lawyer. Use these tips to find the right lawyer for you and maximize your compensation.

A car accident can leave you injured and emotionally traumatized. Depending on the severity of the crash, you may have to miss days or even months of work to seek medical treatment and recover. 

 

If another person caused the collision, you might be able to hold them responsible for your damages by filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit

 

Having a car accident attorney representing you is the best way to ensure you get the money you need to cover the full extent of your damages. However, it can be challenging to find the right attorney when there are so many options. Continue reading for five things to consider when choosing a car accident lawyer

1: The Lawyer Regularly Handles Car Accident Claims 

Car accident claims can be complicated. Your attorney must be familiar with local insurance rules and personal injury law. If they typically handle medical malpractice claims, they may be unfamiliar with nuances in the laws that affect your claim – which could result in less money for you.

 

For example, is your state a fault-based state for auto insurance, or does it follow no-fault rules? Texas is a fault-based state for auto insurance, meaning all drivers must carry liability insurance to cover others if they cause an accident. Other states follow no-fault rules, meaning drivers must go through their own insurance provider first, regardless of who was at fault for the crash.

 

Additionally, all states have different deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits. For example, the statute of limitations to file most car accident lawsuits in Texas is two years. If you miss the deadline, you forfeit your right to hold the at-fault party liable for your damages. 

 

When searching for an attorney after a collision, ensure that they regularly handle car accident claims and are familiar with the applicable laws. 

2: The Car Accident Lawyer Has the Resources to Build and Value Your Claim 

You may need to investigate your collision if fault is at issue or if multiple parties were involved. A good attorney will have resources, such as accident reconstructionists and local contacts, to help investigate the accident and build your case. 

 

You may also need a financial expert to help value your claim. For example, if your accident caused injuries that will require ongoing medical treatment, you can seek economic damages to pay for future medical expenses in your claim. You can also seek non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, which can be difficult to value. 

 

Ask the lawyer if they have the resources to build and value your claim for damages.

3: The Car Accident Attorney Has Good Communication and Listening Skills 

When you meet with an attorney, evaluate how they communicate with you. Ask questions and see how they answer. Do you understand what they’re saying? Do they seem confident and knowledgeable? If they seem insecure or unsure of their answers, you may need to keep looking. 

 

Most car accident claims settle out of court, but you want an attorney who can fiercely advocate for you in court if necessary. Communication skills are a good way to gauge how they’ll do in the courtroom and in settlement negotiations. 

 

You also want the lawyer to listen to your story and engage in conversation. If they seem distracted or uninterested, continue searching. Ultimately, you want a passionate legal advocate, but you also want someone who has empathy for your situation.

4: The Lawyer Has a Proven Track Record Handling Car Accident Cases

An attorney may regularly handle car accident cases, but what results have they gotten? That’s an essential question when searching for a car accident lawyer. 

 

Ask the attorney about their past case results, including settlements and verdicts. If they’ve won multiple significant awards for past clients, they likely have the skills and experience to win for you. 

 

Most attorneys list their past case results on their websites, so check out their site before your initial consultation so you’ll be prepared to ask questions about their experience.

5: You Get Along With the Auto Accident Lawyer 

You’ve found a car accident lawyer that seemingly checks all the boxes, but you don’t feel comfortable around them for some reason. 

 

Remember, everyone is different. Some people dislike certain personalities – and that’s okay. 

 

You need to get along with your lawyer and be able to communicate with them throughout your case. If you feel uncomfortable around them, it’s probably not a good match. At the end of the day, you’re hiring them, so you need to be happy with your selection.

Contact a Car Accident Lawyer For a Free Initial Consultation

Now that you have some things to consider when choosing a car accident lawyer, you should reach out to a few attorneys and schedule initial consultations. Most attorneys offer free case evaluations, where you can discuss your situation and ask questions. Speak to a few different lawyers and use these tips to find the right lawyer for you.

 

If you need a car accident lawyer in Houston, TX, contact Attorney Brian White from Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers. With over 45 years of combined experience, Brian and his legal team have handled thousands of car accident cases. Contact one of their three convenient locations in Houston to schedule a free consultation.

 

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers - Houston
3120 Southwest Freeway Suite 350
Houston, Texas 77098
(713) 500-5000

 

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers - East Fwy
11811 East Freeway Suite 630-06
Houston, Texas 77029
(713) 804-7078

 

Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers - South Loop
2600 South Loop West Suite 293
Houston, Texas 77054
(713) 804-6332

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