9 Things You Should Know About a Free Lawyer Consultation
Our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers at the Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers offer free consultations for injured victims and their families. We want to ensure you and your loved ones have the information you need to make informed decisions about your case. We also want to protect your best interests from insurance companies and other parties who want to deny your claim or pay you less than your claim is worth.
Knowing what to expect if you have never met with an attorney can help reduce stress. Therefore, we provide this guide explaining nine things you should know about a free lawyer consultation.
1. Meet With an Attorney Who Handles Cases Like Your Case
You will use your time more effectively if you meet with a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer who handles the same types of cases as your case. For example, you should meet with a wrongful death lawyer if you lost a family member in an accident. Likewise, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident, meet with a motorcycle accident attorney.
2. Be Prepared for the Meeting
Understandably, you have questions about the personal injury claims process. Write down your questions, so you do not forget what you want to ask. Also, having a list of questions gives you somewhere to write notes, so you remember the information provided by the lawyer.
Bring documents and information to the free lawyer consultation. Examples of documents that help lawyers assess your case include:
- Accident reports and police reports
- Medical records
- Evidence of missed time from work
- List of financial losses and expenses
- Photographs of your injuries
- Videos or photos of the accident scene
- List of witnesses
- Insurance information
This information helps an attorney provide specific legal advice regarding your case. However, don’t delay meeting with an attorney. It is best to talk with a lawyer as soon as possible after an injury.
3. Ask the Lawyer Questions About Experience
A free consultation with a Fort Worth personal injury attorney is an interview. You can ask the lawyer about their experience and law practices. Questions to ask include:
- How long have you been practicing law?
- What experience do you have handling cases like my case?
- What is your success rate?
- Do you have any special certifications?
- What resources does your law firm have to devote to my case?
- Who will work on my case?
- Do you see any potential problems with my case?
Before the meeting, you can research the lawyer online by reading reviews. The attorney’s website can give you information too.
4. Attorneys’ Fees
The lawyer explains how he charges for representing you. Most personal injury attorneys charge a contingency fee for personal injury cases.
You do not pay any money up front to hire a Fort Worth personal injury lawyer. Instead, your attorney agrees to accept a percentage of your settlement amount as payment for attorneys’ fees.
A contingency fee benefits you because you do not pay any legal fees until the attorney recovers money for your claim. If, in the unlikely event the attorney does not recover any money for your claim, you do not owe attorneys’ fees.
5. Discuss Deadlines
During a free lawyer consultation, an attorney discusses the Texas statute of limitations for your case. A statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a claim or lawsuit. If you do not file your case before the statute of limitation, you cannot hold the party legally liable for your damages.
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Texas is two years from the injury date. However, there are exceptions to the rule.
For example, the deadline to file claims against the government could be as short as a few months. You must file your claim to protect your right to sue.
Exceptions also exist for childhood injuries and the Discovery Rule. Therefore, scheduling a free lawyer consultation in Fort Worth as soon as possible after an injury or accident is best.
6. Review the Claims Process
During your meeting, the attorney explains the personal injury claims process. Each case is unique. However, most personal injury cases begin with the attorney conducting an independent investigation to determine how you were injured. The lawyer gathers evidence proving the other party is responsible for your damages.
When you hire a Fort Worth personal injury attorney, your lawyer handles all aspects of your case. The lawyer prepares and files all claims and documents with the court. He also handles gathering evidence and negotiating a settlement for your claim.
7. What to Expect from the Law Firm
The lawyer discusses what you can expect, including the merits of your case. They also discuss how the office communicates with clients and what you can expect during your case. Effective communication is essential during a personal injury case.
If the attorney does not discuss who will work on your case, ask the lawyer about staff members.
For example, will a paralegal be assigned to your case? If so, will your primary point of contact be the paralegal? Also, how can you reach the attorney if you have concerns or questions?
8. The Length of a Free Lawyer Consultation
The time you spend during a free assessment depends on the lawyer and your case. Most consultations last between 30 minutes to an hour.
Be prepared with questions, so you do not need to waste your time or the attorney’s time thinking about what you want to ask. Also, write down the next steps as the attorney explains them so you can review them when you leave the office.
9. You Are Under No Obligation to Hire the Lawyer
Do not feel pressured to hire a lawyer after a free consultation. You are not obligated to hire a law firm after it provides a free case evaluation.
You might want to take a day or so to consider the information provided by the lawyer. You should feel comfortable with the attorney and trust the attorney will work diligently to protect your best interests.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Fort Worth for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 839-3143
