Top Skills You’ll Need in Your Austin Auto Accident Attorney
Austin, Texas, is one of the most car-dependent cities in the country. Even during the pandemic situation in 2020, there were more auto accidents compared to the past five years.
A car crash of any kind can be disorienting and leave you with damages and expenses. In such cases, you need competent legal assistance from an Austin auto accident attorney.
Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in Austin
In Austin, rear-end collisions cause the most severe injuries. Skidding, bad weather, coming to a sudden halt, or taking a wrong turn can lead to such road accidents. Some people use handheld devices while driving or are in a drunken state.
In many incidents, minor drivers or persons whose driving licenses have expired cause fatalities. Pedestrians, bicycle riders, and motorcyclists can also suffer from injuries resulting from a collision. You could be the one driving the vehicle or a bystander.
Also, consider reading: I Was Involved in a Car Accident with a Cyclist. What Should I Do?
Choosing the Right Auto Accident Lawyer
Consider the following five things in a lawyer.
1. Past Track Record
After being in a road collision, get the necessary medical care. Drivers should submit a crash report to the Austin Police Department. Depending on whether you want to file a claim or seek defense, contact a knowledgeable lawyer with a good track record.
Texas is a fault state, and so, Austin also follows a tort liability system. Hence, both parties involved can see compensation for their losses, regardless of whose fault it is.
The attorney you choose has to be locally based so that they understand the nuances of Austin law. Go to their website and find out for how long they have been practicing.
2. Reputation
As the saying goes, you are only as good as your last success. Hence, check online for their credentials and read what users are saying. You could also ask your prospective attorneys about the right steps for your circumstances.
Request them for references, and speak to the past clients about their working relationships. Find out if they had any problems during the trial at an Austin court.
Ask questions like, “Were you satisfied with the outcome? If not, did they appeal at a higher court? Was the lawyer cooperative and accessible at all times? Could they convince the judge and jury?”
3. Research and Analytical Skills
In Austin auto crash cases, insurance companies try to lowball you with a measly offer. They may resort to wasting your time or undervaluing the claim. A good attorney who knows how to assess the damages can prepare a strong legal strategy.
The car collision will bring down a sort of fog onto the victims. For this reason, they may not be in a position to describe what occurred.
In a recent road rage incident on East Riverside Drive, Austin, the people involved could not vouch for what happened. In such cases, a lawyer with good analytical and research skills is crucial to recover your expenses.
4. Negotiation Skills
You can claim compensation for the following reasons.
- Medical expenses
- Repairs
- Lost wages
- Future earning potential
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
But if you are more than 51% at fault, you cannot claim any of these in Austin, TX. To settle out of court, your lawyer has to confidently bring some pressure on the party at fault. So, they have to be persuasive, or you could end up with a smaller amount.
During the first meeting with an Austin car accident lawyer, observe their communication skills. See if they speak clearly and concisely. If they cannot put their point across to a potential client, how can they explain themselves clearly in the trial?
5. Relevant Experience
A reliable Austin auto accident attorney offers free initial consultation appointments, but that shouldn’t be your priority. Understand that personal injury lawyers deal with a vast range of lawsuits. Also, auto accidents have a number of subcategories, such as:
- Truck accidents
- Car crashes
- Bike accidents
- Motorcycle collisions
You can have peace of mind by picking the right lawyer for your situation. Otherwise, you could find someone struggling to fight for your rights. So, select one that specializes in auto accident cases to get the most favorable outcome.
Expertise
