About 14 car crashes occur each minute within the US, costing the economy $474 billion annually. About 42,915 people died in crashes in 2021 alone. If you were recently in a crash, consider hiring a car accident lawyer in McAllen, Texas.
They can help you fight for compensation.
Make sure to avoid these seven costly mistakes during your search, though. Otherwise, you could choose an attorney who lacks relevant case experience. They might make a mistake when filing your personal injury claim.
Read on before starting your search today!
1. Not Prioritizing Experience
Gather referrals from friends and family members as you begin building a list of car accident attorneys to choose from. To narrow down your list of options for lawyers, determine how long each one has practiced in Texas. Prioritize finding lawyers with years of relevant experience.
Make sure each lawyer on your list is licensed to practice in Texas. Determine how long they’ve specialized in personal injury law. Then, consider how long they’ve specialized in the area.
It’s not enough to find an attorney with personal injury experience. Where they handle cases can make a difference. Certain laws and procedures will vary based on where the case is filed.
An attorney with local experience might have connections in McAllen they can use when building your case. For example, they might hire a private investigator to gather evidence that proves the other driver was at fault for your accident. A medical expert might discuss how you sustained a car accident injury due to the driver’s negligence.
Finding someone with relevant experience can help you feel more confident in their abilities, too.
Once you find an experienced lawyer, look into their case history. Consider how many car accident cases they’ve handled in McAllen, Texas. Determine how many relevant cases they won versus lost.
Try to find an experienced lawyer with a strong track record. Their track record will tell you they’ve learned from that experience over time.
Consider asking how much they were able to win for their clients, too. Learning about cases like yours will help you manage your expectations.
Never Considering Your Case
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is hiring a personal injury attorney who doesn’t specialize in car accident cases. A lawyer’s specialized case experience could strengthen your personal injury claim. They’ll have a better understanding of the laws and procedures involved.
Consider the details surrounding your case. For example, did the car accident involve:
- Cars
- Drinking under the influence
- Trucks
- Motorcyclists
- Speeding
- Pedestrians
- Uber/Lyft drivers
Blood alcohol concentration was reported for 58% of fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers. If someone was driving while under the influence, hire a DUI lawyer. In an instance where someone dies, criminal charges could be filed.
If an Uber or Lyft subcontractor was driving, look for a lawyer with rideshare auto accident case experience.
Prioritize looking for personal injury lawyers who specialize in auto accidents. Ask each lawyer how many cases like yours they won in the past year. If they lack relevant experience, keep searching.
2. Hiring in a Rush
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when hiring a lawyer is choosing the first person you call. Instead, do your due diligence. Learn as much as you can about each attorney on your list.
Take your time to work through these tips. Plan to meet with at least three lawyers before making a final decision.
3. Failing to Confirm Credentials
Don’t believe everything you hear or read. Instead, confirm that each lawyer has the proper credentials. You can confirm they’re licensed to practice in Texas by visiting the state’s bar association website.
Look for lawyers who have professional memberships or additional certifications. For example, perhaps they have board certification in Civil Trial Law from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Maybe they’re certified by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys.
Finding a lawyer with additional certifications can help you feel more confident in their abilities to handle and win your case. These lawyers will have additional training. Some certifications require them to complete comprehensive written exams regarding personal injury law.
4. Neglecting to Read Reviews
To learn more about each lawyer on your list of options, consider reading online reviews. You can find reviews on each law firm’s website, BBB profile, or Google Business listing. Look for reviews of the law firm and attorneys on your list.
Look for a lawyer who already has a positive reputation. Their reputation can speak to their professionalism, knowledge, and capabilities.
If you find numerous complaints repeat between websites, remove that lawyer from your list.
5. Not Meeting in Person
Don’t make the mistake of gathering research and hiring a lawyer based on what you find online. Instead, schedule an in-person consultation meeting. Meeting a lawyer in person can help you find a lawyer you’re comfortable around.
If the car accident lawyer lawyer makes you uncomfortable, interrupts you, or seems unethical, remove them from your list of options.
Pay attention to how the lawyer speaks and acts. Look for someone with strong communication skills. The lawyer will need to speak on your behalf when handling your personal injury lawsuit.
Prepare a list of questions to ask during the meeting to fill in any gaps in the research you gathered.
6. Believing Guarantees
Don’t believe every guarantee you hear in person or read online.
Ask each car accident attorney what outcome they expect from your case. They should review the details surrounding your personal injury claim first. They should ask about your:
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
Your lawyer should give you a ballpark while reminding you to remain realistic about your expectations.
7. Paying Upfront
Your car accident lawyer shouldn’t ask you to pay immediately. Some people might scam you without taking your case.
Look for attorneys who work on a contingency fee basis. A lawyer who only expects payment if they win will fight even harder to maximize your claim.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in McAllen, Texas Today
Don’t make these mistakes while looking for a car accident lawyer in McAllen, Texas. Instead, do your due diligence. Find an experienced, knowledgeable attorney who will fight with your best interests in mind.
Their help could make all the difference in ensuring you receive the full amount of compensation you’re due after an accident.
Want to talk to a personal injury attorney about your case? We can help.
Book your free personal injury case evaluation today.
