If you have been hurt in an accident in Houston, a free consultation with a Houston personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and if you have a case. This consultation is an opportunity to get legal advice about the best course of action and what you can expect. It also helps you decide if the lawyer is a good fit for your case.
Here are nine things you should know before your consultation with a Houston personal injury lawyer to make the most of the opportunity.
1. Your Consultation Is Covered By Confidentiality
Everything you discuss with the attorney regarding your case is considered confidential. This means that your attorney cannot disclose any information about your case to anyone without your permission. This remains true, even if they decide not to work with you. This principle encourages you to share all details relevant to your case openly.
You should not be worried about sharing details that may not be in your favor. An accurate representation of what happened is important for the lawyer to give you an honest and informed legal assessment.
2. You Should Bring Documents and Records About Your Accident
It’s imperative to gather relevant documents, records, and evidence before your consultation. This documentation supports the attorney’s ability to understand your case and makes the consultation more productive.
Documents you should bring include:
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Accident reports
- Tickets or citations
- Witness information
- Receipts or statements for expenses
- Photographs of property damage and injuries
- Insurance information
- Communications from the insurance company or other parties
The more thorough the information you can provide, the more specific the lawyer can be with legal advice.
3. Put Together Notes and a Summary of Your Accident Before Your Consultation
A concise narrative of your accident alongside bullet points or a chronological list of events leading up to it can be incredibly beneficial. Bringing this summary to your consultation gives the attorney a clear understanding of your case from your perspective. Having a structured summary prepared beforehand ensures that you don’t overlook any crucial details during your consultation.
If you don’t already, keep a journal to keep track of appointments, daily pain and limitations, and other details of your accident and recovery. Remember, details matter, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Daily journaling ensures these details aren’t forgotten later and can be used as evidence of your damages.
4. Injury Lawyers Usually Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
During your free consultation, your attorney will likely explain that they operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any attorneys’ fees unless and until they win your case. You can benefit from legal representation without the burden of a high upfront cost.
If you decide to hire a lawyer, you should understand how the contingency fee agreement works. The contingency fee may depend on whether your case settles or goes to court.
It’s also important to ask about additional costs such as court fees, investigation expenses, document fees, and expert witness fees. Some personal injury lawyers cover these expenses during your case and reimburse their law firm from the proceeds. Others require you to pay them as they’re incurred or put down a deposit to pay for expenses. You should know if you will be responsible for these expenses even if your case is not successful.
5. There Is a Deadline to Pursue Compensation on Your Case
In Texas, you have just two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, with some exceptions. This may sound like a long time, but delays can actually harm your case by making it harder to gather evidence. In some cases, the date of injury or when you should have known you were hurt is not clear.
If you wait too long, you will lose your legal right to recover compensation for your injuries.
During the consultation, the lawyer can go over the statute of limitations that applies in your case and any other deadlines you need to be aware of.
6. The Lawyer Will Review the Strengths and Weaknesses of Your Case
An experienced personal injury attorney will spend time during the consultation evaluating the merits of your case. They will discuss the strengths, such as clear liability on the part of the defendant or supporting evidence, and the weaknesses. These might include lack of witnesses or pre-existing medical conditions. Be prepared for a candid discussion about the potential hurdles in your case and whether it’s worth pursuing.
7. Personal Injury Lawyers Do Not Take Every Case
It’s a misconception that personal injury lawyers will take on any case that comes their way.
The truth is a lawyer may not accept your case for many reasons, including:
- A high caseload
- Insufficient value
- Conflict of interest
- Inadequate evidence
Lawyers evaluate cases during consultations according to their expertise, resource availability, and the likelihood of a favorable outcome. If they believe that another attorney might serve you better, they may refer you elsewhere rather than taking on a case they don’t specialize in. Otherwise, they may simply decline to accept the case.
Even if the lawyer declines your case, you may still have a case worth pursuing.
8. You Are Not Required to Hire the Law Firm
You are under no obligation to hire a law firm or attorney after a consultation. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot during your consultation. A good attorney understands the gravity of your situation and the importance of taking the time to make an informed decision. Take notes and consider the lawyer’s advice and approach to decide if they are the right choice to represent you.
Remember, just as you are evaluating them, they are also evaluating your case and whether they are the best fit for you.
9. You Should Ask Any Questions You Have
Lastly, the consultation is not just for the attorney to evaluate your case; it’s an opportunity for you to understand your legal options better. Don’t be shy about asking as many questions as you have. This is your chance to clarify any doubts, inquire about the process, understand the timeline, and discuss potential outcomes.
You may want to ask about the damages available in your claim, how you will pay your bills, the expected timeline, or what to expect when working with the lawyer.
The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make decisions about your case.
Contact the Undefeated Houston Personal Injury Law Firm of Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact our Undefeated personal injury attorneys in Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
(888) 603-3636
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Midland
306 W Wall St Suite 701, Midland, TX 79701
(432) 220-0000