Many personal injury attorneys advertise via all types of media—the internet, television, billboards, and even radio. With so many attorneys claiming that they can help you, how do you know where to turn after an auto accident?
Many people have no personal connections to an attorney or do not know anyone who was involved in a car accident case in the past. With no specific recommendations, you should learn to select the right law firm to represent you in a personal injury case. Some factors to consider when deciding on an attorney follow. Realize that you can meet with different attorneys for free until you find a good match for your case.
Experience
Since a car accident case seems fairly straightforward, you may think that any attorney offering help can get you favorable results. However, Texas has a complicated legal process for personal injury claims and you should always have an attorney on your side with significant experience in this area of law.
Many car accident victims suffer catastrophic injuries that can derail the rest of their lives. Such injuries can cause past and future losses that rise into the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. To prove these damages, you require an attorney who can present persuasive evidence, one who has handled complex cases involving severe injuries.
Your attorney also needs experience in court. Insurance claims or out-of-court settlement negotiations cannot settle every case, and you may need to go to trial to get the full amount you deserve. Many law firms are known as settlement mills because they convince their clients to accept early settlement offers to avoid trials—even inadequate settlements. You should know that your lawyer is not afraid to take your case all the way into court if necessary to protect your best interests.
Also, make sure that your attorney is in good standing with the Texas State Bar.
Resources
Personal injury cases are generally handled on contingency fee bases. For example, at the Law Office of Stewart J. Guss, you do not pay for an initial consultation and you never pay any fees unless we successfully resolve your case and obtain compensation for you. This means that the law firm will cover any court costs and other expenses up front so you do not pay out of pocket for anything.
Personal injury cases can require many costly resources. Determinations of liability and calculations of future damages may require the use of technical, medical, and economic experts, all of whom require payment for their services. Your law firm needs access to a network of experts who can assist with your case, as well as the funds to properly cover these costs until you receive your settlement or award.
Size of the Firm
Law firms come in all sizes—from a single attorney working alone to firms with thousands of attorneys in multiple locations across the United States, and everything in between. Which is best to handle your personal injury case?
Large firms may have extensive resources—but they also have extensive caseloads. Many of these attorneys do not have the time to get to know their clients, so they may see clients more like cases numbers than people. Paralegals and law students may handle most of the casework, and you may have trouble reaching and talking directly with your attorney. This can leave you in the dark about the status of your case, cause unnecessary stress, and make you feel like your attorney does not actually care about your rights.
On the other hand, a solo or small law firm may present problems as well. Small firms can take on too many cases and easily overwork themselves. They may claim that they give clients personal attention, though they may lack the time to update you regarding your case. Their lack of time or resources may draw your claim out for a long time.
Mid-size firms with a number of attorneys—but not too many—and a strong support staff often provide the best of both worlds. They have both the resources to handle your case and the ability to offer personalized representation.
First Meeting
The most telling factor regarding your choice of an attorney is how you feel during your free initial consultation. Do not hesitate to ask questions, including about the firm’s experience handling similar cases, philosophy on settlements, availability for status updates and questions, among anything else that may concern you.
Always select an attorney you can trust and who truly has your best interests in mind. You should receive the attention you deserve, and your attorney should always make a favorable resolution to your case a top priority. You may meet with several law firms until you get the feeling that you have found the right one.
Learn More About Our Houston Car Accident Law Firm Today
Never take the choice of an attorney lightly. Do not base it on advertisements alone. At the Law Office of Stewart J. Guss, you can schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys so that you can ask questions and learn your legal options. We always want you to feel comfortable with your decision and will address any concerns that you may have. Our attorneys understand that this is a difficult time and you may suffer from serious injuries, so we aim to make the process as easy for you as possible. Please call our office at 800-898-4877 or contact us online for more information today.
