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Don’t Get Stuck with the Wrong Car Accident Lawyer | What to Look for When Hiring

Don't Get Stuck with the Wrong Car Accident Lawyer | What to Look for When Hiring

In 2021, there were 4,489 motor vehicle traffic fatalities in Texas. This means one person was killed every hour and 57 minutes somewhere in the state. These statistics do not even account for the thousands of injuries on Texas roadways daily.

If you are involved in an accident on Texas roadways, protecting your rights and ability to recover compensation for your injuries and losses is imperative. Finding and hiring an experienced auto accident attorney is one of the most important steps.

At The Burkett Law Firm, we want to ensure you are fully aware of what to look for when hiring legal representation. Learn more about what to consider when finding legal representation here.

Ask for Referrals

When you search for an experienced car accident attorney, it is smart to turn to people you know for referrals or recommendations. Someone in your family, a friend, or even a co-worker may be able to recommend someone to help with your claim.

You can also get a recommendation from an attorney who practices in a different area of law.

Another option is to contact the Texas Bar Association. Here you can access records of the licensed attorneys near you. Searching online may also be helpful.

Consider the Attorney’s Experience

If you want compensation from the at-fault driver involved in your motor vehicle accident, you need an experienced auto accident attorney representing your interests. This is not the time to hire someone who just finished law school and has little or no practical experience.

At The Burkett Law Firm, our attorneys have decades of experience representing Corpus Christi car accident victims. We understand what it takes to file a successful claim and will work to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Find an Attorney Who Shows Compassion

You will have to deal with many things after being injured in a car accident. The last thing you want is an attorney who does not have compassion or empathy for your situation.

Our law firm works to help injured people receive fair compensation for the injuries they sustained. We will never tell you to lie or do “underhanded” things to increase your claim. We listen to what happened, take your side, and fight for your rights.

See How They Answer Important Case-Related Questions

It is often intimidating to visit a law office. However, you need to remember everyone in the office will support you. When you talk to the attorney you are considering hiring for the first time, you should ask plenty of questions.

See how they respond to some of these questions to determine if they are a good fit for your situation:

  • Will you be representing my case personally?
  • How do you charge for your legal services?
  • How long will it take to settle?
  • How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
  • Can you take my case to trial, if necessary?
  • How much time do you have to devote to my case?
  • How will you update me about my case and what is going on?
  • What do you think my car accident case is worth?
  • Have you handled cases like mine before?

Finding a personal injury attorney who can answer all these questions and others is important. While not all questions will have a definitive answer (such as the value of your case), they should be able to give you a rough estimate.

Avoid Hiring a General Practice Attorney

No two car accident cases are the same. The attorney you hire will know this.

Some people search for a general practice attorney, thinking they can handle the legal process. While these lawyers can take on many legal matters, they may not have the focused knowledge of the law that a personal injury attorney would.

It is always best to find and hire an attorney who focuses on this area of law. It means they will be more prepared to give you the best possible representation for your situation.

Avoid Personal Injury Attorneys Who Request Payment Upfront

Most personal injury attorneys are paid after the case is over if it is successful. This is called a contingency fee.

The attorney should not request payment upfront. If you find someone who demands an upfront payment, it is a red flag and an indication that you should search for legal representation elsewhere.

Finding the Right Attorney for Your Car Accident Case

After a Corpus Christi car accident, you may be confused and unsure where to turn. At this point, hiring a car accident attorney is recommended. The legal representation you hire can help you file a claim and negotiate with the insurance company to help you secure fair compensation.

We have worked in the personal injury area of law for decades and know the law. We also know how to help our clients navigate the often complex and confusing legal process.

The first step is to contact our office to schedule a free consultation. There is no obligation when attending this meeting, and we can help you understand your rights and amount of compensation you may receive.

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