What Accident Victims Should Know Before Hiring An Attorney

Car accident victims often wonder if they can save time and money by handling their personal injury claim or lawsuit themselves. While it may be possible for you to handle a personal injury claim against an insurance company, it's not always advisable. In addition, if your claim requires the action of a personal injury lawsuit to help you seek full compensation for injuries, an experienced attorney who knows the ins and outs of personal injury law is an important asset.

In this article, we discuss when it's appropriate to handle a claim yourself and when it's best to involve a legal professional, as well as how to find the right attorney for your case and what to expect after hiring one.

When to Hire an Attorney

Simple and straightforward personal injury claims can often be resolved without involving an attorney. However, there are some instances where having a skilled attorney at your side is absolutely essential to your success. Consider hiring an attorney to represent you in your case if fault is disputed, or if you've suffered serious injuries and are faced with expensive medical bills and a significant loss of wages or earning potential.

You may also want to hire an attorney if you find the case is too time consuming or complex, or if you've reached a stalemate with the insurance company. A skilled attorney can also help level the playing field when going up against an insurance company's team of corporate lawyers.

How to Choose the Right Attorney for Your Case

When choosing an attorney to represent you in a personal injury case, you want someone who is reputable, trustworthy, and seasoned, and also experienced with handling cases that are similar to yours. Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations; consider any personal injury attorneys in your social circle; or consult a lawyer directory or referral service. It's important to find someone who you feel comfortable with and whose abilities you have confidence in—and also someone who treats you like a valued client, rather than just a number.

What to Expect After Hiring an Attorney

Once you've hired a personal injury attorney to represent you, the attorney will send representation letters to everyone involved in the case, alerting them that you have legal counsel. From that point on, the insurance company can no longer contact you directly and must contact your attorney instead. Should an insurance adjuster or investigator contact you, you can simply refer them to your attorney without giving them any other information.

Besides serving as a very skilled buffer between you and the insurance company, a personal injury attorney also investigates the accident and any related property damage.

Cost of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

Concern over the cost of hiring an attorney is often a major factor in an accident victim's decision to handle a personal injury claim or lawsuit on his own. Fortunately, when it comes to securing the legal representation you need and deserve, cost doesn't have to be a stumbling block. Many personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis; this means you aren't charged any legal fees until and unless the attorney wins your case. If the case is resolved in your favor and you receive a settlement, the attorney will receive a percentage of that financial award.

Were You Injured in an Accident?

If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by negligence on the part of another driver, you may be struggling with serious injuries, shockingly expensive medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning potential, and more. Fortunately, you don't have to bear these burdens without recourse. Texas injury law allows you to pursue compensation for these and other accident-related injuries.

Call McGartland Law Firm's Fort Worth office today at 1-866-832-9300, or complete our online contact form to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your car accident case. Our firm has 30 years' experience handling injury cases and is ready to use our know-how to help you obtain whatever settlement you deserve.