In short:
- Ask about case-specific experience, fee structure, and who will actually handle your file before signing anything.
- The right questions protect you from mismatched representation and unexpected costs.
Choosing legal representation after an accident is one of the most consequential decisions you will make. Asking the right questions during a consultation tells you far more than any advertisement can.
If you were hurt in a car or truck crash in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a personal injury lawyer in Carrollton, TX can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But not every firm is the right fit for your case, and a free consultation is your opportunity to find out.
What to Ask About Experience and Case Focus
Personal injury is a large practice area that covers everything from dog bites to wrongful death. Before hiring anyone, confirm that the attorney has handled cases that closely match yours.
Key questions to ask:
- How many car or truck accident cases have you handled in Texas?
- Have you handled cases like mine, and what were the outcomes? Have you taken injury cases to trial?
- What percentage of your active caseload involves motor vehicle accidents?
You likely do not want to choose an attorney who is learning on your case. A lawyer who concentrates on accident claims will know the specific insurance tactics, evidence-gathering timelines, and court procedures that apply in Texas.
How Fees and Costs Actually Work
Fee structure is where many injury victims get surprised. Understand the full picture before you sign a retainer.
| Question | What a Clear Answer Looks Like |
| Do you work on contingency? | Yes — you pay nothing unless the firm recovers money for you |
| What is the contingency percentage? | A specific percentage stated upfront, in writing |
| Are case costs separate from the fee? | Clarify whether filing fees and expert costs come out before or after the attorney’s cut |
| Is there a written fee agreement? | Confirm whether case costs come out before or after the lawyer’s contingency fee is calculated. All contingency fee arrangements must be in writing to be legally valid. |
Some expenses are not covered by a contingency arrangement, and you might need to pay them upfront. These can include court filing fees, expenses for accessing medical records, and fees for expert witnesses. Asking about potential charges can avoid nasty surprises down the line.
Who Will Handle Your Case Day to Day
You should ask the lawyers you interview if they will personally handle your case or if case managers or associates will be handling it. If an associate will handle your case, ask who will supervise them and ask to meet the associate as well. You should also ask who you will contact for information about your claim.
Communication frequency matters just as much as who is assigned. Find out if the lawyer can prioritize your case and if they have a heavy workload. Ask how often you will get updates on your case.
Also ask about access: Can you reach someone after business hours? Will you receive updates by phone, email, or a client portal?
Texas-Specific Questions You Should Not Skip
Texas law imposes deadlines and rules that directly affect your case strategy. Most Texas personal injury lawsuits fall under Tex. Code § 16.003 (2026), which gives you two years, usually starting on the date you are injured, to file your case in court. Ask your prospective attorney how that deadline applies to your specific situation, especially if there is a government entity involved.
You should also ask:
- How does Texas’s modified comparative fault rule affect my claim if I was partly at fault?
- What evidence do you plan to gather, and how quickly?
- Have you handled claims against large commercial carriers or their insurers in Texas?
An important follow-up question is to find out how many personal injury cases the attorney is currently litigating — a lawyer with an unmanageable caseload may not give your file the attention it deserves.
For a reliable reference on Texas civil procedure timelines, the Texas Courts Online resource maintained by the Office of Court Administration provides current procedural guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to a personal injury consultation in Carrollton? Bring any accident reports, photos, medical records or bills, insurance correspondence, and contact information for witnesses. The more documentation you have, the more specific feedback the attorney can give you.
Is a free consultation really free? Reputable personal injury firms offer a no-cost initial review with no obligation. Confirm before you arrive that there is no charge and no commitment required.
What is a red flag during a consultation? An attorney who promises a specific dollar outcome, refuses to discuss weaknesses in your case, or cannot clearly explain the fee structure in plain language is a warning sign worth taking seriously.
How long does a personal injury case in Texas typically take? Timelines vary widely based on injury severity, insurer cooperation, and whether the case goes to trial. Ask the attorney for a realistic range based on cases similar to yours.
If you are ready to ask these questions in person, THE WRECK MAN – The Law Office of Dan Moore offers a free 30-minute consultation, available 24/7, with no obligation and no upfront cost. The firm has attorneys skilled in personal injury, car wrecks, truck wrecks, premises liability, work injuries, and wrongful death. Use the consultation to ask every question on your list — a firm confident in its work will welcome them.
