Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Picking the right lawyer after getting hurt can make a huge difference in your case. But how do you know who to trust? This guide walks you through the key questions to ask when meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Houston.

Experience and Track Record

Start by asking about their background handling cases like yours:

• How many years have you worked on personal injury cases?
• What percentage of your practice focuses on injury cases?
• Have you handled cases similar to mine before?
• What was the outcome of those cases?
• Do you have trial experience if we need to go to court?

Case Assessment Questions

Get their honest take on your situation:

• What do you think about the strength of my case?
• What challenges do you see with my claim?
• What is a realistic outcome I can expect?
• How long might my case take?
• What is the time limit for filing my type of case?

Case Management Approach

Learn how they'll handle your case day-to-day:

• Will you personally handle my case or pass it to other lawyers?
• How often will you update me on progress?
• What's the best way to reach you with questions?
• Who else will work on my case?
• How quickly do you respond to calls and emails?

Fees and Costs

Understand the financial side upfront:

• Do you work on contingency (no fee unless you win)?
• What percentage do you charge if we win?
• Who pays for case costs like expert witnesses?
• Are there any fees I must pay even if we lose?
• Can you explain your fee agreement in detail?

Case Strategy Questions

Get specifics on how they'll handle your case:

• What evidence do we need to prove my case?
• Will you hire expert witnesses if needed?
• How do you plan to prove the other party was at fault?
• What role will I play in building the case?
• How will you calculate my damages?

Settlement vs Trial

Know their approach to resolving cases:

• Do you prefer to settle or go to trial?
• What factors help you decide whether to settle?
• How many cases have you taken to trial?
• What's your success rate at trial?
• Will you involve me in settlement decisions?

Special Case Types

Ask about experience with your specific injury:

For Car Accidents:

• Experience with car accident cases in Houston
• Knowledge of insurance company tactics
• Success getting fair settlements

For Work Injuries:

• Experience with workplace injury cases
• Understanding of workers' comp laws
• Handling non-subscriber cases

For Truck Accidents:

• Experience with 18-wheeler accident cases
• Knowledge of trucking regulations
• Success with commercial insurance claims

Red Flags to Watch For

Be careful if a lawyer:

• Makes big promises about outcomes
• Pressures you to sign right away
• Won't explain their fee structure
• Seems too busy to answer questions
• Has no experience with your type of case

Questions About Their Team

Learn about who else will help with your case:

• Will paralegals handle parts of my case?
• Do you have in-house investigators?
• Who handles client communication?
• What experts do you work with?
• How many people will work on my case?

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I hire a lawyer after an injury? As soon as possible. Evidence can disappear quickly, and there are time limits for filing claims.

Should I talk to the insurance company first? No. Let your lawyer handle all insurance company communication to protect your rights.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer? Most work on contingency - they only get paid if you win. The fee is usually 33-40% of your settlement.

How long will my case take? It varies. Simple cases might settle in months. Complex cases can take 1-2 years.

What if I can't afford a lawyer? Most injury lawyers offer free consultations and work on contingency, so you pay nothing upfront.

Get Help With Your Injury Case

Ready to talk to an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer? Our team is here to answer all your questions and fight for the money you deserve. Call 713-280-3204 now or schedule your free consultation to learn how we can help.