When injured in a mishap in Richardson due to someone’s fault, you should check whether you have the scope to file a personal injury claim. You can file such a claim to recover financial compensation, which will help cover losses related to your injuries, including medical bills and lost income. As someone who doesn’t understand the legal process, you may want to hire the services of a Richardson personal injury attorney. Below, we are discussing more about the role of your lawyer.

Determining fault, claim’s value, and more

Following an accident, you may have to deal with physical and financial hardships, and all that can take a toll on mental health, too. If someone was reckless or acted negligently to cause the accident, you have the option to seek a settlement, for which your injury lawyer will help. 

The first step is to establish that your injuries are related to the other party’s action. They have contacts and often work closely with experts, including those specializing in accident reconstruction, to find evidence and prove fault beyond doubt. Based on your injuries, your lawyer will also determine the amount you can recover, for which they will also check whether you can ask for non-economic damages.

The statute of limitations in Texas 

When it comes to personal injury lawsuits in Richardson or anywhere in Texas, you have to keep an eye on the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations determines the limit to file a lawsuit against the other party, and according to Texas rules, you have two years to pursue your case. Once you hire an attorney, they will educate you on these aspects and ensure you don’t miss out the initial paperwork. The process may start with filing an insurance claim, and the statute of limitations is not applicable to that aspect. Your lawyer will ensure you have enough time to pursue the case further if insurance payment is unlikely to cover your losses. 

Negotiating the settlement

In many situations, the other party’s insurer pays compensation for the victim, and in such times, you can expect the lawyer to negotiate on your behalf with the claims adjuster. They will ensure the insurance team doesn’t pressure you into accepting an offer or giving a statement that could be used against you. Because lawyers have worked on similar cases all through their careers, they can spot issues and act accordingly. If the negotiation is outside of court, your lawyer will be there to represent your interests.

Going for a trial

Whether it is a car accident claim or a case of a dog bite, personal injury laws are almost the same. If the insurance offer is on the lower side, or when the case has more merit, the case must be presented in court. Trials for personal injury lawsuits are complex, and unless you have an attorney, tasks like presenting evidence and verifying witnesses can become inherent struggles. Hiring an attorney gives you the scope to focus on your life, as they are in charge of the trial. Injury lawyers have worked on trials and know what is likely to be admissible in court. 

Finding the right lawyer

An injury lawyer is the backbone of your fight against the other party. Here are some tips for finding a reliable attorney – 

• Ask around: If you know people who have filed personal injury lawsuits in Texas, you can check with them to find potential lawyers. Alternatively, you can also consider choosing an attorney based on online listings. 
• Schedule a meeting: Most law firms in Richardson will not ask for a fee when you schedule a meeting. The first appointment allows you to judge the profile of the lawyer and ask relevant questions. You should also check whether you like their attitude and their ways of communication. 
• Discuss the fee: Unlike family or criminal lawyers, injury attorneys work on contingency, which means the lawyer doesn’t get a fixed hourly rate but a part of your settlement. The amount is only payable when you settle the case or get an award from the court. However, it is critical to ask about the percentage, which shouldn’t usually exceed 50%. 
• Check online ratings: Users usually post reviews and ratings on various legal websites. You can also find independent feedback on Google. The information will come in handy when you are comparing two or more lawyers. You can also contact respective law firms for client references. 
• Ask about trial experience: Not all law firms take personal injury cases that are likely to go to trial. It makes sense to ask an attorney if they can represent you in court. Ask them about the cases they have handled and the success rate at trials. 

A competent injury lawyer will answer your questions and offer you a fair evaluation without asking for a commitment right away.