Thousands of fatal truck accidents happen every year across the U.S. If you’re lucky enough to walk away from one, you’ll need to consider what legal actions you’ll take against the guilty party.
Most personal injury attorneys offer some kind of free consultation so potential clients can discuss their options and learn what the lawyer can do for them. This initial consultation also helps the lawyer learn more about the case and if it’s worth taking on.
Here’s what to expect during that free consultation and how to best prepare.
Fees and Costs
First of all, it’s important to understand that there are various fees and costs associated with a lawyer’s help. While the first consultation is free, future meetings may have a price tag attached to them.
Lucky for you, many personal injury lawyers bill on a contingency fee basis. That means that they will receive a portion of your award after you’ve sued and won for damages. If they fail to win your case, then you’ll owe them nothing.
Keep in mind that some attorneys may attach operational fees on an hourly basis. It’s important to establish early on how they expect payment.
Learn About the Lawyer’s Background
The initial consultation is a great opportunity to decide whether you’re hiring a lawyer or not. Take the time to ask them about their background knowledge and how long they’ve practiced in the field. You may have a first consultation with multiple offices before hiring an attorney for your case.
Another thing to keep in mind is how easy it is to set up a meeting with their office. You don’t want to hire someone too busy to give your case the attention it needs.
The Legal Plan
Navigating the world of legal terms and how to obtain a settlement can be difficult to face on your own. What’s important is that your attorney lays out a plan for how to approach your case. That means detailing the procedures and the information you’ll need to gather.
Keep in mind that you’re on a timeline. In Texas, you have 10 days to report a car accident for it to get logged in a police report. These reports are essential for determining fault.
How to Keep in Touch
Finally, you should at your free consultation, learn how to best keep in touch with your attorney. Ones with fewer clients may accept direct phone calls, while others require you to go through a secretary. Either way, you’ll want to make sure that they respond to whatever messages you leave in a timely manner.
Prep for Your Free Consultation
Always go into your free consultation prepared. It’s the best chance to get to know your potential attorney and explain your situation to them. You’ll also learn a bit about what to expect moving forward as you pursue your case.
WestLoop Law is one of your best options in the Houston area. We treat every case with equal importance and can help you with car accidents, medical malpractice, and more. Contact us to set up your free consultation.