You are involved in a car accident, and you need a lawyer. But which one? How can you find the right attorney to represent you?
The process for finding the best Houston car accident lawyer is different for each individual case. It’s also important to understand that not all car accident lawyers are created equally. You need to look beyond how many Facebook followers the lawyer has, or how many cases he has handled
- look into his experience, and what kind of fees he charges. Here are some things to consider when looking for the best Houston car accident lawyer:
- Experience. Do your homework beforehand – do your own research and ask friends, family members, and colleagues for references. Ask for referrals from previous clients as well as attorneys who currently work with that attorney.
- Look into his past legal battles to get an idea of what type of case he handles, and if he takes contingency fees – Fees.
- Does the attorney take standard retainer or contingent fee arrangements?
- Are they affordable?
- Can you reach out to other attorneys in case you need help?
- Will they work hard on your behalf?
Retainer agreements generally give the attorney a cut of any recovery money you receive from insurance companies as well as any settlements you negotiate with law enforcement agencies or other parties involved in your case.
Be transparent with your lawyer
When you’re selecting a lawyer, it’s important to be transparent with him or her about your case. If you’re unsure about something, mention it to the lawyer and see if he or she can help.
If you have a question about the compensation you’ll receive from a particular party, let that party know and speak with your lawyer about it. You can also share some of your financial information such as your income, debts, assets, and liabilities so your lawyer can make sure he or she is up-to-date on your finances.
Make sure your lawyer has experience working in Houston
As with most professions, getting experience working in a specific niche isn’t just a nice added bonus, it’s completely necessary.
Experience can help you avoid some of the common pitfalls that new lawyers fall into and can even improve your chances of succeeding in a case.
For example, if you’re not comfortable speaking in court, speak with your attorney about ways to improve your courtroom skills so you can take your case to trial confident that you have the knowledge and experience to win.
Get a free consultation
Just because you’ve decided to go with an attorney, that doesn’t mean you have to hire the first lawyer you speak with. Before making any significant decisions related to your case, speak with several lawyers and make sure they’re the right fit for you.
Take your time, do some research, and speak with as many lawyers as possible. Ask questions, get their feedback, and learn from other lawyers’ experiences. Avoid being too busy to speak with your lawyer or feeling rushed to make a decision.
If you need to hire a lawyer, but aren’t sure who to go with, it’s best to speak with several lawyers to get a feel for their personalities and if you feel comfortable with them.
Don’t hire a lawyer you don’t know
Last but not least, don’t just hire anyone you’re acquainted with. Find a lawyer you know is a good fit for you and your circumstances. Ask a few friends and family members who you trust to recommend a good lawyer for you, and don’t be shy about getting their feedback.
Ask them for references, and make sure you get their phone numbers so you can speak with them if needed.
Review Tips for Car Insurance
- Check your rate. Finding a better rate could be challenging if you've had the same insurer for a while. However, it is sensible to verify each year. Think about asking an insurance broker for a quote. Brokers have relationships with numerous insurance companies, so they can automatically look around for you to find the best deal on coverage.
- Examine customer reviews. On the other hand, shopping solely for the lowest price could not end up saving you money. If you need to file a claim, a less-than-stellar insurer could be challenging to work with because they underestimate your loss or unfairly raise premiums.
- if the warranty on your automobile is still valid. Be aware that the greater cost of original equipment replacement parts is typically not covered by ordinary insurance. The warranty on your car could be voided if it is repaired utilizing aftermarket components as opposed to original equipment. Although original-equipment coverage is frequently offered, you must specifically request it and be aware that it will raise the cost of your monthly.
- Look over your deductible. You can save a lot of money by raising your deductible if you have a clean driving record and the financial means to pay for a potential loss. However, it's crucial to prepare in advance: Take into account saving money to pay the larger deductible amount. In this manner, you will be prepared financially if bad luck strikes and an accident occurs.
- Request discounts. Asking your agent about any possible discounts is one of the simplest methods to lower the cost of your auto insurance.
Other important things to consider when hiring a Houston Car Accident lawyer
- Cost – How much does it cost to hire a lawyer? That’s a very important factor to consider because it can help you determine if a particular attorney is right for you or not.
You may be able to negotiate a lesser price because you represent a certain business, or you have agreed to pay upfront before any legal action is taken.
If you’re not sure what to expect because you’ve never hired a lawyer before, we recommend contacting a nearby law school to find out what it costs to start your legal education. You can also visit a county public defender’s office to find out what it costs to represent yourself.
The process for finding the best Houston car accident lawyer is different for every legal case, and it’s important to understand that not all car accident lawyers are created equally.
You need to look behind the number of Facebook followers, the number of cases the lawyer has handled, or the amount of money he’s charged – into consideration when hiring a lawyer. Make sure you’re getting a lawyer with experience working in your area.
You can usually find good lawyers by speaking with other lawyers and getting referrals from past clients. And remember, you don’t need to hire a lawyer right away. When you’re ready, speak with a lawyer near you and get your free consultation.