Accidents of any kind are stressful. If you are injured, you may wonder what options you have. For example, can you file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation?
At The Burkett Law Firm, we understand how confusing and stressful these situations can be. Here, you can learn more about how our Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer can help with your case and find answers to some of the most common questions we are asked.
1. Can You Handle My Case?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask. Experienced lawyers know their limits. They will not take on more clients if they do not have time to handle the case.
The Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer you want representing your case should not only have time to dedicate to it but also believe in your ability to achieve a successful outcome.
Smaller personal injury law firms are more likely to have problems regarding availability. However, any attorney should be honest about their time and ability to represent your case.
2. What Should You Do or Avoid Moving Forward with Your Personal Injury Claim?
This is another common question personal injury lawyers are asked. While you likely know you need to preserve evidence of your accident, your lawyer can provide more information about what to do and avoid.
Your lawyer will likely advise you to avoid speaking to the insurance company for the at-fault party. It is especially important never to give a recorded statement to the insurer until you have spoken to your attorney.
3. Has the Attorney Handled Cases Like Yours in the Past?
Do not avoid using a lawyer that does not have experience with cases like yours if they have an experienced mentor at the law firm.
However, you also want to avoid hiring a lawyer who has never represented someone filing a personal injury lawsuit. You need someone with the experience and resources to handle your case properly.
Finding a lawyer who has tried and won cases like yours is smart. At The Burkett Law Firm, our attorneys have represented hundreds of personal injury victims and achieved successful outcomes for their situations. Call our office to schedule a free initial consultation if you need help with your case in or around Corpus Christi.
4. What Deadlines Apply to Your Personal Injury Case?
When filing a personal injury claim, there are several deadlines to meet. One of the most important things to understand is that you do not have unlimited time to file your personal injury claim.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years after the date of your injury. If the deadline passes and you have not filed a claim, you have no legal options or recourse. Your lawyer should know this deadline and inform you about the others that apply to your case.
5. What Does the Lawyer Charge for Their Legal Services?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay your lawyer unless they recover monetary damages for your lawsuit.
The biggest benefit of a contingency fee payment agreement is that you do not have out-of-pocket costs upfront. In this arrangement, your lawyer receives a set percentage of the money you receive. You should discuss the percentage with your lawyer, so there are no surprises when your case is concluded. Most Texas personal injury attorneys charge 20% to 40% of your final settlement.
6. What Information Do You Need to Provide to Your Lawyer?
You need to provide your personal injury attorney with all information related to your accident. This includes the following:
- Official police report
- Photos you took at the accident scene
- Medical documentation related to your injuries and treatment
- Witness information
- Bills and costs related to the accident
These are the basic things that your lawyer will need. They can let you know other documents and information needed to help prove your case.
7. What Do You Have to Pay if Your Case Is Unsuccessful?
Personal injury attorneys usually only take cases they feel confident they can win. However, asking your lawyer what you must pay if your case is unsuccessful is smart.
Attorneys will typically cover the legal costs of litigating your case. The out-of-pocket costs include expert witness fees, police reports, medical records retrieval, and filing fees.
Your lawyer will also work with you to help set up medical liens with your doctors. However, you will not have to pay medical bills until you have received a payout for your accident and injuries.
Usually, lawyers will tell you what case-related costs you must cover if your case is unsuccessful. If they do not provide this information, be sure to ask, so you know what you are responsible for paying if you lose your case.
Ensure you read everything with your lawyer and have all your questions related to costs answered. You need to understand what you are signing before you sign.
8. How Long Will Your Personal Injury Case Take to Resolve?
When you ask a lawyer this question, you need an honest answer. Sometimes, personal injury lawsuits take just a few weeks to resolve. However, others can take a year or longer.
Your attorney should be focused on helping you receive the maximum recovery – not getting the lawsuit over as quickly as possible.
Also, the insurance company for the at-fault party will take time to examine all the evidence in your case, which can extend the timeline further.
9. How Will Your Lawyer Communicate with You Throughout the Case?
You want confidence that your Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer will keep you updated throughout the case. If you do not know what is going on with your case, it may cause unnecessary stress.
The law firm you hire should provide information about who is working on your case, including contact information. Ask what method of communication they prefer or which one they respond to most. Some lawyers want to communicate via email to have a detailed record of everything discussed.
Also, let your lawyer and the others working on your case know how you can be reached. For example, if you have a job where you cannot be reached during certain hours of the day, make sure to reveal this information.
Your lawyer should also let you know how often they will give updates about your case. You can schedule an initial consultation to let them know how involved you want to be.
Finding the Right Corpus Christi Personal Injury Lawyer
Not all personal injury lawyers are the same. You need to put time and effort into finding the one best suited to your case. The questions here can help you know what to look for and consider when hiring an attorney.
Read More
How to Choose the Right Truck Accident Attorney for Your Case
Don’t Get Stuck with the Wrong Car Accident Lawyer | What to Look for When Hiring