If you get injured in a Fort Worth car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, it is a good idea to seek legal help. Having an attorney manage your claim means you have someone fighting to protect your best interests and legal rights. The question is, how do you go about finding the right lawyer to manage your claim?
At Anderson & Cummings, our car accident lawyers in Fort Worth advocate for injured crash victims every day, something we have been doing successfully for decades. To pass on some of our knowledge and experience, we have created this comprehensive guide on choosing a car crash attorney that is right for you.
Injured in a Texas car crash? Call: (817) 920-9000 for legal help today.
Understand the Importance of Choosing the Right Lawyer
When it comes to car crash claims, not all lawyers are created equal. The right lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. They know how to navigate the complexities of the legal system. They will also advocate for your best interests and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Look for Experience and Specialization
Trying to find the right lawyer for you can seem overwhelming right after being injured in a crash. Searching for a Fort Worth law firm ahead of time and storing that contact information in your phone can make it a lot easier if you ever need one.
Here are some key factors to consider when searching for a car crash attorney:
Experience Matters
Every lawyer needs to have a “first case,” just maybe not yours. Better to opt for a lawyer who already has experience managing car crash cases. Any personal injury lawyer who has been practicing for a while could theoretically manage your claim and do a good job. However, an attorney who primarily focuses on car crashes like yours, will have more specific experience, insight and knowledge to draw on. This can be a tremendous benefit when developing a strategy to ensure you are fairly compensated for your damages.
In Fort Worth, a car crash attorney with a history of proven success will also have a deeper understanding of relevant Texas statutes, case law and negotiation tactics specific to car accidents.
Ask About Their Track Record
Looking at an attorney’s track record can tell you a lot about the number and type of crash cases he or she has managed. This is also a good way to learn more about their success rate. A lawyer with a proven track record of winning substantial settlements or jury-awarded verdicts is a strong candidate.
Does the Attorney You Are Considering Have a Good Reputation?
Ever have a great doctor with a bad bedside manner? Those individuals, however successful and however brilliant can be difficult to work with. When you hire an attorney, you want someone who will regularly communicate with you about your case and speak to you like you are a human being, not just another number. So how can you find out this type of information?
Check Online Reviews
Websites like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, and Google Reviews offer insights into a lawyer’s reputation. Look for consistent positive feedback and note any recurring issues mentioned by past clients.
See any negative reviews? This is not necessarily a deal breaker. See if the attorney responded, and if so, how they responded. Did they thoughtfully consider and respond to the concerns of the reviewer? Or did they ignore them or try to shift the blame elsewhere? Misunderstandings can occur in even the best of relationships. How an attorney manages a client’s concern about something tells you how they are going to respond to you.
Seek Recommendations From People You Know
Personal referrals are an effective way to get trustworthy information based on firsthand experience. Ask friends, family or colleagues if they have a reputable car crash lawyer in Fort Worth they have used and can recommend. Be sure to ask them some focused questions about their experience. For example, if they got the name of an attorney from someone else but have never actually used their services.
Assess Communication and Availability
A good lawyer will be someone who keeps you informed about your Fort Worth car crash case, without you having to nag them about it. But how can you get that information?
Take Advantage of The Free Initial Consultation
Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations. Use this opportunity to evaluate their communication skills. Are they attentive? Do they answer your questions clearly? Effective communication is essential for a successful attorney-client relationship.
Availability Matters.
Ensure the lawyer you choose is accessible and responsive. You need someone who will keep you informed and involved throughout the legal process. A lawyer who is frequently unavailable or slow to respond can add unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation.
Review Their Approach to Case Management
It is important to understand how a lawyer you are considering manages car crash cases. This is something you can ask them about during your free consultation.
Case Strategy
Ask the lawyer about their approach to managing car crash cases. Do they have a detailed plan for gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies? How do they go about calculating the value of your claim? Are they prepared/willing to go to trial if it becomes necessary? This is key, especially in cases where the insurance company is making it difficult to reach an settlement.
Resources and Support
Find out if the lawyer has the resources to manage your case effectively. This includes having access to medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, investigators and support staff. A well-resourced lawyer is better equipped to build a strong case.
Understand Their Fee Structure
Most crash victims have considerable concerns about the costs of hiring an attorney, including what they will have to pay out of pocket. Any attorney you are considering should be willing to explain their fees to you, including when or if you will need to have to pay anything up front.
Contingency Fees
Taking cases on contingency is common to most personal injury lawyers. What this means, essentially, is that there are no upfront costs or fees. They only get paid if they recover compensation for you through a settlement agreement or jury-awarded verdict. Make sure you understand their fee structure, including the percentage they will take from your settlement or award.
Additional Costs
Inquire about any additional costs you might be responsible for, such as filing fees or expenses for expert witnesses. Clarify how these costs are handled and whether they will be deducted from your settlement.
Examine Their Negotiation and Litigation Skills
Most injury claims settle out of court, but there are times when the insurance company will refuse to settle for an amount that fairly compensates the victim. In that situation, you definitely want to have an attorney who is both a strong negotiator and prepared to represent you in court if it becomes necessary.
Negotiation Skills
Ensure the lawyer you hire has strong negotiation skills to secure a fair settlement from insurance companies.
Litigation Experience
Ask attorneys you are considering about their experience in the courtroom. If they have no courtroom experience, you may want to keep looking. Insurance companies know which attorneys never go to court and push to get the lowest settlement possible.
If attorneys on your candidate list are prepared to go to court, have them explain their approach to handling injury cases in the courtroom.
Consider Their Local Knowledge
Having a local lawyer is a significant advantage. Attorneys who manage cases in the Fort Worth area are more familiar with local regulations. They are also likely to have established relationships in the area that could benefit your case.
Local Connections Could Benefit You
A lawyer who is well-connected in the Fort Worth community may have access to local experts and other key resources that can strengthen your case.
Check Their Professional Affiliations
Like any employer should do for a candidate they are considering hiring, it is smart to learn more about the attorney’s work background.
Memberships
Verify if the lawyer is a member of professional organizations, such as the Texas Trial Lawyers Association or the American Association for Justice.
Membership in these organizations indicate a commitment to ongoing education and adherence to professional standards.
Certifications
Does the attorney have any certifications or specializations in personal injury or car accident law? Certifications from recognized bodies demonstrate additional expertise.
Trust Your Instincts
A final key element of hiring any attorney comes down to gut instinct. Trust it, because you will be working with the attorney you choose for months or longer. You want to have a good relationship and trust in the attorney you choose to manage your case.
Comfort Level
Trust your instincts when choosing a lawyer. You need someone you feel comfortable with and confident in. If you have any reservations or feel pressured, it might be worth exploring other options.
Initial Impressions
Pay attention to your initial impressions during consultations because they matter. Your lawyer should be someone you trust to manage your case with integrity and dedication.
Contact Our Fort Worth Law Firm for Legal Help
Choosing the right car crash lawyer in Fort Worth is a critical step in making sure your injury claim gets managed effectively.
At Anderson and Cummings, we have the experience, reputation, communication and local knowledge. Our clients are not just another number. We are deeply committed to fighting for your best interests. This includes seeking to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Experience Lawyers. Proven Results. (817) 920-9000