Hiring a lawyer who can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve is crucial. However, how do you know which attorney will be the best attorney for your case? Before you hire a Dallas car accident lawyer, it helps to do your due diligence. You can ask friends and family members for recommendations, but you should also research the attorney yourself instead of accepting what someone says without verification. Things to consider when choosing a car accident lawyer include:
1. Level of Experience
An attorney’s experience is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a car accident lawyer in Dallas, TX. Generally, you want to choose a car accident lawyer with substantial experience handling the type of situation involved in your case.
Experienced car accident lawyers understand the law, the value of damages, and how to negotiate a fair settlement. They also have the resources and expertise to pursue complex car accident cases, including those involving trucking companies, multiple vehicles, rideshare companies, and government entities.
2. Reputation
Check online reviews from prior clients before choosing an attorney. You can also check for peer reviews. You want to choose an attorney with a winning track record and a reputation for providing exceptional customer service.
Most state bar associations offer free online searches to verify that an attorney is in good standing. For example, you can search attorneys through the State Bar of Texas to obtain information about their practice areas, education, and public disciplinary history.
3. Attorney’s Fees
Always discuss attorney’s fees and costs during your free consultation. Most Dallas car accident lawyers accept cases on a contingency basis. That means that the attorney does not get paid unless they win compensation for your case.
A contingency fee agreement specifies the percentage of the settlement or jury verdict the attorney receives for their services. A standard contingency fee for car accident cases is 33% of the gross proceeds the attorney recovers for the case.
However, a contingency fee may increase based on the attorney’s expertise, skills, and reputation. Contingency fees may also increase if the attorney has to file a lawsuit and/or take the case to trial.
It is also important to discuss the costs of the case with the lawyer. The costs of the case can include filing fees, copy costs, expert witness fees, deposition costs, and fees to obtain records.
Dallas personal injury law firms often pay the costs of the case as they are incurred. The law firm receives reimbursement for the costs from the amount the attorney recovers for the case. However, you must be clear about who is responsible for the costs should the attorney lose the case.
4. Specialization
An attorney may practice numerous areas of law or focus their law practice on personal injury law. From there, an attorney might focus on car accident cases within the scope of personal injury law. Sometimes, an attorney may be certified in personal injury law, trial law, or other areas related to car accidents.
Specialization means the attorney has substantial experience and knowledge about a particular area of law. This higher level of expertise benefits clients by ensuring they receive qualified legal representation for their cases.
5. Communication
Effective communication is essential for the success of your personal injury case. Therefore, you want to choose a car accident lawyer in Dallas that you feel comfortable talking with. The attorney should listen to your concerns and questions and respond accordingly.
Additionally, you should feel comfortable telling your lawyer all information related to your car accident case. If your attorney does not have all the information, they cannot provide effective legal representation.
Ask the lawyer how they communicate with their clients. How often can you expect updates about your case? What is the time period for responding to your questions or calls?
Learn More During a Free Consultation With a Dallas Car Accident Lawyer
Dallas personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. You can meet with several lawyers to interview them before you decide to hire a car accident attorney. The best way to gauge whether a lawyer is right for your case is to meet with them in person after researching the lawyer.
