About 24.8 million people have to visit a physician’s office due to unintentional injuries after an accident. Another 97.9 million people need to visit an ER as a result of their injuries. If you were recently in an accident, don’t hesitate to call a Houston injury lawyer.
An experienced injury lawyer in Houston, TX can help you prove someone else’s negligence caused the accident. Then, you can fight to receive compensation for your losses.
Not sure which lawyer to hire? Use these tips to streamline your search.
Find a lawyer you can trust with these tips today.
Gather Referrals
You can simplify the process of finding an injury lawyer in Houston by speaking with friends and family members. Turn to your inner circle and ask if they’ve hired an injury lawyer in the past.
If they have, ask who they hired and about the process of filing a personal injury claim.
Their insights could help you gather information you otherwise won’t find online.
As you speak with friends and family members, consider drafting a list of questions you want to ask about their experiences. For example, you might ask:
- Was the lawyer knowledgeable
- How long have they practiced law
- Did they dedicate time to your case
- Did they hand your case off to another attorney
- Did the accomplish your goals
- Were you satisfied with their services
- How much did it cost
Ask each friend you speak with if they encountered any problems after hiring their attorney. If so, ask how the attorney resolved the problem. Look for a lawyer who strives to offer the best possible services for their clients.
If you can, try to speak with a friend who was in a similar situation to yours. For example, maybe you were in an auto accident. Speak with a friend who also filed a lawsuit after a crash.
Understanding the process can help you manage your expectations moving forward.
If you’re unable to gather referrals, begin your search for a Houston injury lawyer online.
First, check your local bar association website. Confirm that each lawyer on your list is licensed to practice in Texas. Otherwise, you can check the Martindale-Hubbell law firm directory for injury lawyers in the area.
Look for Years of Experience
There are currently over 146,100 personal injury lawyers and attorneys across the US. There are also over 51,400 firms specializing in personal injury cases.
Some lawyers have more experience in the industry than others, though. You can narrow down your options by learning about each lawyer’s professional history.
First, consider how long each lawyer has practiced law. Remove any lawyers who only recently passed the bar.
An experienced attorney is less likely to make mistakes when trying your case. They’ll have more intimate knowledge about the laws, procedures, or recent cases involved, too.
Next, consider how long they’ve practiced locally. Some procedures and laws can differ based on where the case is handled. A Houston injury attorney might have professional, local contacts that can benefit your case, too.
Consider Their Specialty
Consider the details surrounding your case. An injury lawyer in Houston, TX might handle a mix of different cases, including:
- Auto accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Premise liability
- Product liability
- Slip and falls
- Defamation
- Wrongful death
Before choosing a lawyer, determine each attorney’s specialty. Make sure they have experience handling lawsuits like yours.
Ask how many similar lawsuits they handled, as well as the outcome for each case.
You could feel more confident choosing a lawyer who specialized in cases like yours.
Ask About Court Cases
It’s also important to make sure the lawyer has courtroom experience. You can’t determine if your case will go to court. Finding someone with courtroom experience will ensure you cover your bases.
Ask each lawyer how many cases they handled in court, as well as the outcome of those cases.
Otherwise, you might choose a lawyer who would prefer to settle out of court. They might accept a lowball offer without fighting for the full amount of compensation you’re due.
Check Their Success Rate
As you learn more about each Houston injury attorney’s professional history, ask about their success rate.
How many cases, throughout their entire career, have they won or lost? Ask how many cases like yours they’ve won, too. Then, ask about the average payout for each case.
Finding an attorney with a strong success rate can increase their chances of winning your lawsuit.
Read Client Reviews
If you want to find the best injury lawyer in Houston, learn from the clients who have worked with them in the past. Ask each lawyer for three references. Otherwise, look for client reviews online.
If you find a number of complaints, remove that lawyer from your list.
Instead, look for an attorney who already has a strong track record and reputation.
Their reputation can speak to their abilities to win your lawsuit and accomplish your goals.
Schedule a Consultation
Consider scheduling a consultation appointment with one or two lawyers on your list. Talk about the details surrounding your case. Bring any documents relevant to your lawsuit (the police report, medical bills, car repair estimates, etc.).
Ask the lawyer what legal strategy they would recommend for your case. Look for someone who is able to think on their feet.
Pay attention to how the lawyer holds themselves and speaks, too. Are they confident? Do they speak with authority in a way that’s easy to understand?
The lawyer shouldn’t make any guarantees about the outcome of your case. Instead, they should help you remain realistic about your legal options.
Compare Fees
Ask each lawyer about the fee structure they use.
For example, your lawyer might work on a contingency fee basis. They’ll only expect and accept payment if they win your lawsuit.
File Your Claim: Hire a Houston Injury Lawyer Today
Finding a Houston injury lawyer you can depend on shouldn’t feel stressful. Instead, use these simple tips to find the best lawyer for your case. With these tips, you can feel confident in your choice of representation.
They’ll make sure to fight with your best interests in mind.
Want to discuss your case with a determined, national trial lawyer? We’re here to help.
Request a consultation today.