If you have been injured in a car accident, truck accident, slip and fall, or other accident in which you suffered an injury due to someone else’s careless acts, you have probably discovered that hiring an injury lawyer is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and interests.
Having an experienced Texas personal injury attorney can ensure you have the resources, knowledge, and expertise needed to bring the at-fault party to justice.
But, with dozens of personal injury lawyers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, injured victims may often wonder how to choose a personal injury lawyer. For first-timers in civil litigation, finding the right personal injury lawyer in Dallas can be daunting, but it doesn't need to be.
There are several key factors to look out for when hiring a Dallas personal injury lawyer to represent you. Most personal injury attorneys in Dallas-Fort Worth offer a free consultation so that you can learn about their services and firm.
During your free initial consultation, here are some factors you should consider:
Choosing the Right Personal Injury Lawyer
1. First Impression Matters
You can learn a lot about a personal injury attorney in Dallas and their firm from your free initial consultation. For example, were you welcomed after walking in the door? Did a paralegal handle your meeting at the firm, or was your meeting handled by one of the firm's partners?
First impressions are very important because they can give you a quick idea of how professional, trustworthy, and knowledgeable the lawyer is.
Remember, a lawyer's first impression can impact their ability to advocate for you effectively. Suppose a lawyer comes across as disorganized, unprofessional, untrustworthy, or unreliable. In that case, it may be difficult for them to build credibility with a judge or jury, which could impact the outcome of your case.
A lawyer's first impression can affect your confidence in their ability to handle your personal injury case in Dallas, TX. If you feel uneasy or unsure about a lawyer after your first meeting, it may be hard to trust that they will be able to represent you effectively.
2. Availability
If you want the right personal injury attorney, you should be able to speak with them when signing up. Many personal injury clients become understandably frustrated when they cannot arrange an appointment to talk with their lawyer. If that's the case, your attorney may not have enough time for your claim.
As a client, you should be part of the process from start to finish. If you cannot set up an appointment with your lawyer or get frequent updates on the status of your case, it is not a good sign. You should not be kept in the dark.
Ideally, you want a personal injury attorney in Dallas who gives you the attention you deserve. You should feel confident that your worries and questions will be answered on time and that you will get regular updates about your case, possible outcomes, and what you can do next.
3. Experience
Experience is essential when it comes to personal injury cases. An attorney's experience can demonstrate their expertise in handling your accident case. Personal injury lawyers who have been in business for a long time may know more about the legal issues in your case, like the statute of limitations in Texas, and be better able to help you navigate the Texas legal system.
4. Personality, Compassion, and Legal Advice Offered
Does your lawyer have the desire to achieve the best outcome for your case? Or are they only motivated by the attorney fees they can get from your case? The right personal injury lawyer for your case should be able to combine their legal services with compassionate care and top-notch legal advice.
While you certainly don't need to be best friends with your lawyer, you must feel comfortable discussing your case with them. Besides, hiring a compassionate attorney means you can have peace of mind knowing they are doing everything in their power to help you find the right doctors to help you with your recovery process.
5. Past Results
When speaking with a personal injury lawyer, whom you may hire after an accident, it's always a good idea to inquire about past results. Have they handled similar cases in the past? How long did it take them to settle? Do they have courtroom experience? What types of verdicts has the attorney or firm obtained in the past?
While most personal injury cases do not go to trial, courtroom experience is crucial when searching for the right personal injury lawyer.
Past results are an important clue about the firm's skills and effectiveness and how they can advocate for you in and out of the courtroom.
Other things you may consider when hiring a lawyer include:
- Testimonials and online reviews
- Fee structure
- Credentials. e.g., certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
- Convenience
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers Today
After getting hurt in an accident that was someone else's fault, the injuries themselves are enough to be traumatic. You don’t have to get stuck wondering how to choose a personal injury attorney during such a time.
The Francis Firm invites you to schedule a free consultation so that you can learn more about our legal services and what we can do for you in your Texas personal injury case. We have relationships with the best medical providers in Texas and will ensure you get the medical care you need without any upfront costs. Call The Francis Firm today at 817-329-9001 to set up your free and private consultation.