Picture this: You’re driving near Interstate 35E and West Belt Line Road minding your own business, when suddenly— a careless driver runs a red light, causing your normal world to flip upside down. Your car’s a mess, your neck’s killing you, and now you’re facing a mountain of medical bills. To top it all off, you’re missing work and the paychecks that come with it. Sound familiar?
If you’re in this situation, you might be wondering, “Can I even afford a lawyer to help me sort this out?” Let’s explore why hiring a personal injury lawyer in Carrollton might be more accessible than you think.
What If I Can't Afford a Lawyer For My Personal Injury Case in Carrollton?
Many accident victims worry about the cost of legal representation. However, it’s important to understand that most personal injury lawyers in Dallas, including The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare, work on a contingency fee basis. This type of financial arrangement ensures that people of all economic backgrounds can achieve justice and recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries.
What is a Contingency Fee?
How Do Contingency Fees Work in Texas?
This question is often brought up when we receive inquiries from potential clients in the North Texas region. Under Texas law, contingency fee agreements must be in writing and signed by the attorney and client [See Tex. Gov’t Code § 82.065]. This ensures transparency and protects both parties involved. To help you understand the process better, we broke it down into phases. Typically, you can expect:
An Initial free case consultation: Most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case.
No upfront costs: If you decide to hire the personal injury lawyer, you won’t need to pay any upfront fees or retainers.
Case expenses: The law firm usually covers all case-related expenses, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and investigation costs.
Percentage-based fee: If your case is successful, the lawyer’s fee is typically a percentage of the total recovery amount. In Texas, this percentage typically ranges from 33% to 40%, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.
Reimbursement of expenses: The law firm will also be reimbursed for any case-related expenses they incurred, paid from the settlement or judgment amount.
It’s important to note that the specific terms of a contingency fee agreement can vary between law firms. The Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct require that contingency fees be reasonable and not violate any statute or court rule.
Contingency Fees and Personal Injury Claims
Contingency fee arrangements provide several benefits for clients:
Access to justice: This system allows individuals to pursue legal action regardless of their financial status.
Aligned interests: Personal injury lawyers are motivated to secure the best possible outcome for their clients, as their payment depends on the case’s success.
Risk reduction: Clients don’t bear the financial risk of pursuing a case that may or may not be successful.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Carrollton
At The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare, we have been helping people injured by the negligent acts of others for 25 years. Our experienced Carrollton personal injury lawyers handle a wide range of cases. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases we see in the Dallas-Fort Worth area include:
Trucking/Commercial Vehicle Collisions
There is little more unnerving than driving next to 18-wheelers or large commercial vehicles like dump trucks, cement mixers, and delivery vehicles. With Texas hosting major national and international transportation corridors coupled with the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, the likelihood of catastrophic injuries is more likely when a collision occurs.
Having a personal injury law firm with vast experience like The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare protecting your best interest is of paramount importance.
Car Accidents
Dallas-Fort Worth roads can be dangerous, with incidents ranging from minor fender-benders to severe multi-vehicle collisions. Common types of traffic violations our Carrollton car wreck attorneys see include:
- Rear-end collisions, often resulting in whiplash injuries
- T-bone accidents at intersections and failure to yield accidents, which can cause severe side-impact injuries
- Drunk driving incidents, potentially leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities
- Distracted driving accidents, increasingly common due to cell phone use
Injuries from car accidents can vary widely, from minor bruises and cuts to life-altering conditions such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage.
Slip and Falls
We wrote about the common defenses we often hear in slip-and-fall cases. These accidents fall under premises liability law. Property owners in Texas have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions for visitors. Common slip and fall scenarios include:
- Wet floors in grocery stores or restaurants
- Icy sidewalks during winter months
- Uneven pavement or potholes in parking lots
- Poor lighting in stairwells or corridors
Injuries from slip and fall accidents can range from minor sprains to severe fractures or head injuries, especially in older adults.
Workplace Injuries
While many workplace injuries are covered by workers’ compensation, some cases may require additional legal action, particularly if a third party is involved. We wrote about it in an earlier article, but always advise our clients to immediately report any work-related injury, even minor. Common workplace injuries in Dallas include:
- Construction site accidents
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Falls from heights
- Injuries on improperly maintained premises
- Injuries from improperly maintained or operated equipment
Dog Bites
Texas has specific laws regarding dog owner liability. Under the “one bite rule,” owners can be held liable if they knew or should have known their dog had aggressive tendencies. Injuries from dog bites can be severe, often resulting in:
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Infections
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, especially in children
Dog bites are a specific type of personal injury case. Learn more about Texas Dog Bite Laws and how they might apply to your situation in our previous article.
Why is a Lawyer Important in These Types of Personal Injury Cases?
Contact the Law Offices of Tim O'Hare Today
Don’t let concerns about legal fees prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. At the Law Offices of Tim O’Hare, we’re committed to fighting for your rights, and we only get paid if you do. We’re here to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options and get on the road toward recovery. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Dallas, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation.
