Austin is one of the densely populated areas in Texas. The average car ownership in Austin is two cars per household. Hence, the number of car accidents in and around the city is high.
If you have been injured in a car accident, you may consider hiring a car accident lawyer. To find a lawyer best suited to your needs, consider some factors. Here are five of the most important factors to keep in mind while hiring Austin accident lawyers.
Reputation
Accident cases are often complex, so choosing a lawyer with a solid reputation is crucial. Do some research online and look for reviews from past clients. Consider going with a specialized catastrophic injury lawyer that has more experience in dealing with multiple parties.
It would be best if you also asked the lawyers for references. It will give you a better idea of what it is like to work with them.
Some ways to check the experience and reputation of potential Austin accident lawyers are to look at the following information places.
- Website
- Professional achievements
- Media appearances
If the lawyer you consider does not have much experience, it may not be worth hiring them. You need a person who knows the legal system and how to win cases.
Check Their License
License plays a vital role in the field of law. All lawyers must have a license to practice. When you check their license, you can confirm that they are qualified to help you with your case.
You should ensure that the lawyer you are considering is in good standing with the State Bar of Texas. You can check the online directory.
In addition, you can check if the lawyer has any disciplinary actions against them. It is a red flag if they do, and you should look elsewhere for legal assistance. A licensed lawyer has the following powers:
- To represent their clients in all legal proceedings.
- To file lawsuits on their client’s behalf.
- To draft legal documents.
- To advise their clients about their legal rights and obligations.
Thus, it is essential to make sure that the lawyer you hire is licensed and at a reasonable rate by the State Bar of Texas.
Fees
The average salary is $18,194 per month in Austin. However, what you will pay your lawyer depends on their experience, the type of case, and the number of hours worked. Therefore, before hiring a car accident lawyer in Austin, ask about fees.
Some expert attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Contingency fees are a part of the settlement or verdict. For example, if you receive a $100,000 compensation, your lawyer may take home $30,000.
Other lawyers work on an hourly basis. You will be charged for every hour the attorney works on your case. Hourly rates can range from $100 to $400 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience.
You will also be responsible for paying case expenses, even if you lose your case. Case expenses could include court filing fees, expert witness fees, and the cost of copying documents. Be sure to ask your lawyer about case expenses to avoid surprises later.
Check Their Strategy
It would help if you questioned your lawyer about their strategy for winning your case. A good car accident lawyer will have a solid game plan and can explain it to you in a manner that makes sense. For example, a well-planned procedure will include:
- Investigating the accident and collecting evidence.
- Identifying all liable parties.
- Calculating your damages.
- Drafting and filing your demand letter.
- Negotiating a settlement with the insurance company.
Check Their Communication Skills
It would be best to have an attorney who effectively communicates with you. It means they should be able to return your calls, update you on the status of your case, and answer any questions you have. If you feel like your lawyer is ignoring you or not keeping you in the loop, it may be time to rethink the decision.
They should communicate effectively with the other side and insurance companies. Insurance firms are notorious for lowballing accident victims and getting them to accept a settlement that’s far less than what they deserve.
If your lawyer cannot stand up to the insurance companies and fight for what you deserve, you could have much less than you need to cover your damages. For example, if you have high medical bills and need long-term care, a low settlement offer from the insurance company will not be enough.
Conclusion
Car accidents can be a very stressful experience if you are seriously injured. Hiring a car accident lawyer in Austin can help relieve some of that stress and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
