As often as car accidents happen, no one expects to get into one. However, a collision could occur at any time. When it does, it’s in your best interest to reach out to a car accidents lawyer.
There are so many things that could go wrong in your life after an auto accident, such as severe injuries, pain and suffering, and an increase in car insurance rates. If you’re at fault for the accident, you could see an increase of up to 34%.
Hiring an attorney will give you the upper hand and provide you with a settlement that’ll get your life back on track. If you’ve never had a consultation with a car accident law firm, you may not know what to expect. Continue reading below to learn what will happen during a law firm consultation in Houston, Texas.
Meet to Discuss Your Case
First, you’ll meet with a lawyer or team of lawyers who specialize in car accident law. During the initial consultation, they’ll review your case and evaluate the details. The lawyer will listen to what happened in the accident and assess possible violations that could have played a role.
This discussion is important because it helps the lawyer identify arguments to use in your favor. The lawyers will then outline their plan for representing your case and explain how you can benefit from their services.
Questions and Answers
Once you’ve discussed your case, the lawyers may ask you questions to gain a better understanding of the circumstances. Remember, it’s important to answer honestly and accurately, so the lawyers can get a full picture of what happened.
Not only that, but you want to be transparent enough for the car accident lawyer to determine if your case has merit. If not, it lowers your chances of winning. Some attorneys won’t accept a case if they don’t feel like they can win it.
So, be honest. You don’t want to waste the lawyer’s time or yours.
Explain Your Goals
At this point, you’ll also need to explain your goals for the case. This could mean financial compensation or an apology from the other party involved. It could also mean a successful claim that goes through with no issues.
No matter what your desired outcome is, make sure to explain it to the lawyer. That way, they’ll have a better idea of how to approach your case and what strategies will work best.
Legal Advice
The car accident lawyers are there to provide pertinent information for your case. This could mean giving legal advice on what steps to take, how to resolve a dispute, or what type of compensation is reasonable.
The lawyers will explain the advantages and disadvantages of each action you take and provide guidance on the best course of action. At the same time, they’ll be honest about what can realistically happen with your case.
Provide the Next Steps After Consultation
In most cases, a car accident law firm knows right away if they want to pick up your case. Other times, they may evaluate further before agreeing to represent you. If they decide to work on your accident claim during the initial consultation, they may discuss the next steps with you.
This information will give you an idea of how the process will unfold and how long it may take. The lawyer will likely explain the type of legal activities that are necessary to win your case and discuss the timeline they expect it to take.
At the end of the consultation, you’ll know what to expect from your auto accident case. With this information, you’ll have the confidence to move forward with the legal process and seek justice after your car accident.
If you have additional questions, you can always reach out to the car accident law firm to ask them. They’ll be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
If you want to find the best car accident lawyer to handle your case, you must gather as much information as possible before choosing an attorney. Here are a few questions to ask:
How Long Have You Been Practicing Car Accident Law?
This is a great first question to ask. Knowing how long a car accident lawyer has been in practice will give you an idea of their experience and expertise. You want a seasoned attorney working on your case.
Chances are, if your car accident lawyer has many years of experience, they know how to handle your case more efficiently. This will increase the chances of a successful outcome.
What Types of Cases Do You Handle?
It’s important to ask what type of cases the attorney typically handles. Some attorneys specialize in specific types of car accident law, while others are more general. Knowing what type of cases they take on can help you determine if they are the right choice to represent your case.
What Is Your Fee Structure?
All attorneys have different fee structures. Make sure to ask about this ahead of time so that you know what to expect should you choose the attorney for your case. Most lawyers work based on contingency fees, which means they only get paid if they win your case.
However, there may be other fees associated with the case that you should be aware of.
What are Your Credentials?
It’s important to make sure your car accident lawyer is qualified and licensed to practice law in your state. Ask about any degrees or certifications they may have.
Also, make sure that they are up-to-date with any changes in the law or regulations. You want to be sure you’re getting the best legal representation for your case.
Can I Speak to Your Past Clients?
It’s a smart idea to ask for references. A good lawyer will have past clients that can vouch for their services. This can help you make an informed decision when selecting a car accident lawyer.
You want to hear firsthand how the lawyer handled their case and how successful they were in helping to reach a successful outcome.
How Will You Communicate With Me?
Communication is key. Ask how the attorney will communicate with you, and what updates they can provide to keep you informed. A wise car accident lawyer should be able to provide timely updates without overloading you with information. This will help you feel confident during the process.
By asking a few questions during the initial consultation, you can confidently choose the best car accident lawyer for your case. With an experienced attorney by your side, you can be sure that justice will prevail.
Should You Hire a Car Accidents Lawyer?
If you’re still on the fence about whether you need legal representation after your car accident, that’s understandable. Below are a few telltale signs that’ll let you know if you need a car accident lawyer:
You Have Significant Injuries
If you’ve sustained major injuries due to a car accident, it’s beneficial to hire an attorney. A lawyer can help you get the medical care and compensation that you deserve. You don’t want to be stuck with unpaid medical bills due to the negligence of another.
You Disagree With The Other Driver’s Insurance Company
Insurance companies are notorious for trying to settle claims quickly and for the least amount of money possible. If you disagree with their settlement offer, then it’s best to hire a car accident lawyer. An attorney can negotiate for a higher settlement and make sure that you get what’s rightfully yours.
The Other Driver Was At Fault
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you’ll need an experienced car accident lawyer to prove it. They can collect evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. They can also stand up to the other driver’s insurance company and protect your rights during the process.
You Had to Take Time From Work
If you’ve had to take time off of work due to the accident, then it’s wise to hire a car accident lawyer. They can help you receive compensation for any lost wages. This way, you won’t have to suffer financially due to the negligence of another.
Contact a Car Accidents Lawyer in Houston, Texas
If you’re looking for a car accidents lawyer in Houston, Texas, look no further. O’Hara Law Firm can assist you after your collision. We specialize in personal injury cases involving car accidents, semi-truck accidents, and more.
Our team of expert attorneys will work hard to ensure that you are well taken care of and your life bounces back after your accident. If you’d like to speak to us, call 281-919-2073 or contact us online. We look forward to assisting you!