The task of hiring a personal injury lawyer is not easy at all. There are many things to consider, including the experience and track record of the attorney, personality fit, and how quickly you can expect your case to move through the legal system.
In Houston, you have two years from the date of injury to file your case and fight for your compensation. Moreover, half of the personal injury cases are due to vehicular accidents. But, if your case is against an employee or a government agency, you will have to go through a different process. There is no limit on compensation for personal injury cases except when they concern medical malpractice.
Hiring an efficient lawyer is necessary if you want to claim compensation for your injury. Make sure you hire the right Houston personal injury lawyer for this sensitive matter by doing your homework and following these tips.
Tips for Hiring Personal Injury Lawyer in Houston
Understand the Laws
First, make sure you understand what injury law in Houston is all about. Here are the basics: people who suffer injuries at the hands of one party may file lawsuits against that party to recover compensation for damage caused by their negligence.
For example, if someone crashed into your car while texting and driving, it might be possible to sue them for damages to your vehicle, medical bills from the accident, and other related costs. In this situation, you would file a lawsuit against them under their liability coverage (if they have it) or by filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim if they don’t.
Seek counsel
You should seek an expert as soon as possible after an accident. A statute of limitations limits the time to file a lawsuit or make an insurance claim. For Texas, that is two years.
Waiting too long can lead to your case being thrown out. Another benefit of seeking counsel as soon as possible is that you’ll find yourself on the road to recovery. You will be dealing with less stress and anxiety than if you try to handle everything independently.
Do Your Research
When looking for an expert lawyer, it’s essential to do your research. Many attorneys claim to specialize in this area of law, but not all have the experience or background to back up their claims.
Ask around and see if your family and friends have had a good experience with a personal injury lawyer in the Houston area. The internet is the ideal place for finding reviews and testimonials.
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few attorneys, it’s time for the next step: interviewing them. Ask questions about the lawyer’s experience and track record. Find out what kind of cases they usually take and whether they have any experience with cases similar to yours.
Know Your Rights
No one knows your case more than you do, so make sure you understand your rights before meeting with your Houston personal injury lawyer. It includes the right to sue, the right to a jury trial, and the right to recover compensatory damages (money to cover medical bills, property damage, and other losses). Depending on your state, you also have the right to seek attorney’s fees and punitive damages (to punish the other party for wrongdoing).
Be Realistic
Be realistic about your expectations. The laws surrounding personal injury lawsuits vary in Texas and can be very complicated, so make sure you prepare for a long and arduous legal battle.
Many cases take months or even years to resolve, so be patient and know that your attorney is doing their best, so you get the best outcome possible.
If you have been injured in an accident, please don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury lawyer in Houston. They will guide you on your best course of action and help you build a case for liability against the party at fault.
