CHOOSING THE RIGHT PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

In the state of Texas, you have the right to pursue compensation when your injuries result from someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions.

Regrettably, securing compensation through an insurance company or the legal system can be a challenging endeavor.

As you grapple with the aftermath of painful injuries and mounting medical bills, insurance companies may exert pressure on you to accept a meager settlement or even attempt to shift blame onto you.

In such situations, the best personal injury attorney in Houston can provide essential assistance in advocating for the compensation you rightfully deserve, guiding you through the claims process.

However, it’s crucial to understand that not all personal injury lawyers are the same.

When choosing an attorney who will best represent your interests and negotiate on your behalf, take into account the following factors.

DO YOU NEED A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY?

While it’s not legally mandated to have legal representation in Texas, it is generally advisable for most injury cases, except for the most straightforward ones.

This recommendation stems from the fact that insurance companies have dedicated legal teams and claims adjusters whose primary role is to minimize and deny claims.

These insurers employ various tactics to contest your claim and lay as much blame as possible on you.

Personal injury cases that can greatly benefit from the experience and legal expertise of an attorney include:

• Child injury claims
• Premises liability cases
• Product liability cases
• Cases involving disability or catastrophic injuries
• Cases against government entities
• Cases with multiple parties at fault, such as accidents involving bicyclists or pedestrians
• Medical malpractice cases

Personal injury cases can be intricate for several reasons, including unclear liability, uncertain damages in child injury cases, or intricate legal statutes and guidelines.

When facing a well-funded insurance company, it’s vital to have competent legal representation to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.

PREPARING FOR YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION

Before discussing your case with a houston personal injury attorney, it’s wise to start with a complimentary consultation. This consultation serves multiple purposes, such as evaluating whether you have a valid case and exploring potential legal strategies.

Additionally, it offers an opportunity to become better acquainted with the attorney and their approach to determine if you feel at ease with their representation.

For this consultation, it’s essential to arrive prepared with as much information as possible.

You can take preliminary notes describing the accident in detail, the impact of your injuries, and the medical treatment you’ve received.

This documentation can be valuable not only during the consultation but also throughout the case.

You should also bring along relevant documents, including:

• Correspondence from the defendant, the insurance provider, or the defendant’s attorneys
• Medical records
• Police or accident reports
• Forms of Explanation of Benefits and receipts for medical expenses from your insurance provider
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Witness statements or contact information

During this initial meeting, the attorney will want to hear your account of the accident and its aftermath.

They will then assess the strength of your case, outline the expected course of action, estimate the potential value of your claim, and discuss their strategy if you choose to hire them.

FOUR CRITICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR SELECTING A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY

Approach your initial consultation with a personal injury attorney as if you were conducting an interview to determine if they are the right fit for your case.

Ask yourself whether this attorney possesses the necessary time, resources, and experience to handle your case effectively.

Are you confident in their ability to negotiate with the insurance company and represent your interests in court, if necessary?

Here are four key factors to look for when selecting a personal injury attorney you can trust:

• REPUTATION & SUCCESS RECORD

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, it’s generally wise to choose a personal injury attorney with a solid track record and a high success rate.

Most cases do settle outside of court, but complex cases can linger in the legal system for years.

Therefore, an attorney with courtroom experience can be advantageous.

Not all personal injury lawyers have extensive experience in court, and this lack of experience may lead to a premature settlement that isn’t in your best interest.

Inquire about their settlement-to-trial ratio and how closely their settlements align with initial claim valuations.

• RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

Personal injury law comprises various specialties, so during your consultation, ask about the attorney’s experience handling cases similar to yours.

Do they focus on one aspect of personal injury law in particular, such as medical malpractice? 

It’s vital to ensure that the attorney possesses the specialized knowledge and experience needed to handle your claim, anticipate potential defenses, and collect the essential evidence for a successful outcome.

• RESOURCES

What happens if your case becomes protracted or highly complex? If your case holds significant value or involves intricate legal issues, your attorney should have sufficient resources to gather the necessary evidence.

Many personal injury cases benefit from expert testimony to establish liability, substantiate the severity of your injuries, and bolster your case.

Verify that the law firm under consideration possesses the resources required to build your case effectively.

• COMPASSION, COMMITMENT & LISTENING SKILLS

While there is a misconception that a personal injury attorney must be aggressive above all else, it’s equally important for them to possess effective listening and empathetic skills.

Your attorney should genuinely care about your situation and understand your story.

You should feel confident that they are dedicated to fighting for your rights. Since most personal injury cases settle outside of court, much of your attorney’s efforts will be directed toward negotiating with the insurance company.

Therefore, a lawyer who makes extravagant promises but lacks strong communication skills may be more focused on a sales pitch than on effective legal representation.

If you have suffered injuries due to another party’s actions, you may have a valid personal injury case.

Contact Attorney Roxell Richards Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Houston-based injury attorneys.

We will help you explore your legal options and discuss our strategy for securing the maximum compensation you deserve.