There are hundreds of lawyers across Texas, many of whom may take cases in the Austin area. When people need legal representation, they may have a hard time evaluating the options available to them. Many different scenarios lead to people hiring lawyers. People need assistance when starting a business or preparing for divorce. Legal representation is also beneficial when negotiating a complex insurance claim or pursuing personal injury litigation.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 5,924 collisions that involved pedestrians in 2023. There were 808 pedestrian deaths caused by those crashes. Another 1,456 sustained serious injuries. After a pedestrian crash, the injured pedestrian may have major expenses that they need to address. An attorney can help them hold the driver who hurt them accountable.
How should an injured pedestrian choose the right lawyer?
Specialization is important
Some lawyers specialize and only take certain types of clients. Other lawyers try to offer a variety of services to their clients. In scenarios where people face complex compensation claims, partnering with an attorney who specializes in injury law can be of the utmost importance.
While general practice attorneys can be helpful, an attorney who specializes in helping injured people secure insurance compensation or take legal action can often provide the best standard of representation for an injured pedestrian. They may already be familiar with laws and judicial precedents that a general-practice lawyer may need to investigate.
Prior success is also important
Not all lawyers who specialize in or practice personal injury law have a track record of success. Some attorneys simply settle every case that they take. Looking at their history of success and the amount of compensation they have obtained for clients can be an important consideration.
Lawyers who have previously helped clients recover the maximum amount possible through an insurance policy or litigation may be a better option than lawyers who often settle their clients’ cases for less than the maximum amount of compensation available. Those with a history of success may be able to help an injured pedestrian maximize their recovery.
Other important considerations include compatibility. Clients and attorneys need to have similar perspectives and communication styles for the best possible working relationship. Finding an attorney who is supportive and down-to-earth in addition to being professionally competent can be helpful for those dealing with a stressful situation. Getting the right legal assistance after a pedestrian crash can help an injured pedestrian optimize their financial recovery.
Injured pedestrians often need support communicating with insurance professionals and gathering evidence to pursue personal injury litigation if necessary. Those who take the time to identify and hire a lawyer who understands crashes may feel more confident about the outcome of their insurance claim or lawsuit.