Hiring a Lawyer? Ask These Questions Before You Sign Anything

Lynn Martelli
Lynn Martelli

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, and you’re facing resistance from the insurance company along with mounting medical bills, legal support becomes essential. However, choosing the right personal injury lawyer matters just as much as taking action. Not all attorneys offer the same level of service or commitment. While some firms prioritise volume and quick settlements, others take a more strategic and determined approach—fighting for the full compensation you rightfully deserve based on your injuries, losses, and long-term needs.

So, how do you tell the difference? It all comes down to asking the right questions before you sign anything. The attorney you hire should be experienced, dedicated, and ready to take on the insurance company, not just eager to close your case. Speaking to someone like personal injury attorney Brandon Kinard of KGS Law PLLC can help get the ball rolling.

This article will walk you through what to ask, what to look out for, and how to make sure you hire a lawyer who will fight for you.

Why Choosing the Right Lawyer Matters

You need a personal injury lawyer with proven experience in cases like yours, a history of winning, and the willingness to fight if necessary.

It’s easy to assume that a lawyer with the biggest billboard, flashiest website, or most radio ads is the best choice. But advertising is not the same as experience. Some attorneys take on hundreds of cases at a time, treating them like numbers in a system rather than real people with real losses. Others avoid trials at all costs, pushing clients to accept quick, low settlements.

Before hiring anyone, ask these questions to ensure they are the right fit for the job.

Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in Texas

Have You Handled Cases Like Mine Before?

A lawyer who primarily handles minor car accident claims may not be the best fit for a high-stakes truck crash, an oilfield injury, or a wrongful death lawsuit. Texas has complex liability laws, and the industry involved in your case matters. A trucking accident, for example, may involve federal regulations, multiple at-fault parties, and insurance companies that are often ready to deny responsibility at all costs.

What’s Your Success Rate in Cases Like Mine?

A lawyer could have handled hundreds of cases, but if they consistently settle for low amounts or lose in court, that experience won’t matter much to your case. That’s why asking if they’ve worked on cases like yours is not enough. You need to know if they won them. Ask for past verdicts and settlements, especially for cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or powerful corporate defendants.

How Will You Handle My Case?

You’ve seen the billboards—the big-name law firms. The attorneys with the flashy commercials claim they win significant cases. But here’s what they don’t tell you: you might never actually work with that lawyer. Senior attorneys may attract clients but rarely handle cases themselves—they are typically assigned to junior associates or paralegals, who may lack the experience to take on insurance adjusters or large corporate defendants effectively. Don’t assume a lawyer’s reputation means they’ll personally handle your case. Ask.

Do You Take Cases to Trial, or Do You Always Settle?

Even cases that don’t go to trial benefit from a trial-ready lawyer. Why? Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will take them to court. If your attorney never fights in front of a judge, insurers have zero incentive to play fair. So ask: Are you prepared to take my case to trial if necessary?

How Do You Charge for Your Services?

You’ve probably heard the phrase “no win, no fee” for personal injury lawyers. And while that’s true, it doesn’t mean that there are no costs at all. Some firms charge for court filings, case investigations, and expert witness fees, expenses that can quickly add up. And depending on the firm, these costs might come out of your pocket even if you lose. So before you sign anything, ask: How do you charge for your services?

Conclusion

The lawyer you choose will determine how much you can recover, how smoothly your case goes, and whether you get the justice you deserve. Don’t settle for less than the best. Ask the right questions, get clear answers, and hire someone ready to fight for you.

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