Following a serious accident in Houston, the single most important decision you can make for your financial future is choosing the right personal injury lawyer. This choice is a high-stakes business transaction that will directly impact your ability to pay medical bills, recover lost wages, and secure your family’s well-being.
The airwaves and billboards are crowded with firms making bold promises. But in the aftermath of a truck wreck on the 610 Loop, an offshore injury in the Gulf, or a devastating collision on I-45, how do you separate a true legal champion from a firm that is, as we say in Texas, "all hat and no cattle"?
The answer is to conduct a thorough interview. The power is in your hands, and it starts by asking the right questions. A consultation is not just a chance for a lawyer to hear your story; it's your opportunity to vet their experience, test their transparency, and understand their strategy. A skilled, transparent attorney will welcome your questions and provide straightforward answers.
Why Asking Questions is So Important
You may have heard horror stories about personal injury lawyers—the ones who never return calls, push for a quick, lowball settlement, or seem to care more about their fee than your recovery. Frankly, we’ve heard them too. It’s why we started this firm. We believe you deserve a partner who is transparent, compassionate, and relentlessly focused on your well-being.
Asking detailed questions during your initial meeting accomplishes several critical things:
- It Reveals Their Experience: You wouldn’t hire a plumber to fix your car. Likewise, you need a lawyer who lives and breathes personal injury law, specifically in Texas.
- It Tests Their Transparency: An honest lawyer will give you straightforward answers, even if the news isn't what you want to hear. Vague promises are a major red flag.
- It Establishes Communication Expectations: Understanding how a firm communicates from day one can save you a world of frustration later.
- It Helps You Find a True Partner: This is more than a business transaction. You are entrusting someone with your financial future and your family’s security. You need to feel comfortable, heard, and respected.
Let’s dive into the essential questions you should have ready for any personal injury lawyer you meet with.
Category 1: Questions About the Lawyer’s Experience and Focus
Your case is unique. A car accident on the 610 Loop involves different laws and evidence than a Jones Act claim for an injury offshore in the Gulf or an accident at a Houston-area refinery. You need a lawyer with relevant, hands-on experience.
1. What percentage of your practice is dedicated to personal injury law?
Many lawyers are general practitioners, handling everything from divorce to criminal defense to personal injury. While they may be competent, they don't have the deep, focused knowledge of a dedicated personal injury attorney.
A lawyer who dedicates 100% of their practice to personal injury understands the specific tactics insurance companies use, has relationships with top medical and accident reconstruction experts, and is up-to-date on the latest changes in Texas law.
2. Have you handled cases like mine before? What were the outcomes?
This is a crucial follow-up. If you were injured by a drunk driver, ask about their experience with drunk driving accident cases. If you were hurt on a vessel, ask about their experience with the Jones Act and maritime law. If a loved one was tragically lost in a truck accident, ask about their experience with complex wrongful death claims involving commercial carriers.
While no lawyer can ethically guarantee a specific result, they should be able to speak confidently about their experience with similar situations. They can discuss the types of challenges they faced and the strategies they used to achieve successful verdicts or settlements for their clients.
3. Who will I be working with? Will you be the lawyer handling my case?
This is a big one. At some large firms, you might meet with a senior partner for the initial consultation, only to have your case handed off to a junior associate or a paralegal you’ve never met. You have the right to know who will be your primary point of contact, who will be developing the strategy for your case, and who will be standing beside you in court if it comes to that.
4. What is your track record of success at trial?
Over 95% of personal injury cases settle out of court. So why does trial experience matter? Because insurance companies keep detailed records on law firms. They know which lawyers are willing to fight all the way to a jury verdict and which ones will always take a quick, easy settlement to avoid a trial.
A lawyer’s proven willingness to go to court is their most powerful negotiating tool. It tells the insurance company that they can’t get away with a lowball offer. They must come to the table with a fair and just number, or they will have to answer to a Texas jury. A firm that isn’t afraid of the courtroom is a firm that is prepared to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Category 2: Questions About Your Specific Case and Their Process
This is where the conversation shifts from the firm’s general experience to your specific situation. Their answers will reveal their strategy, their honesty, and how they will treat you throughout the process.
5. Based on what you’ve heard, what are the potential strengths and weaknesses of my case?
A good lawyer won’t make wild promises. They will give you an honest, preliminary assessment. They might say, “The fact that the other driver was ticketed at the scene is a strong point for us, but the insurance company might argue that you braked too suddenly, so we need to be prepared for that.”
This kind of straightforward talk is a sign of respect. It shows they see you as a partner in the process and are preparing you for the realities of the legal journey ahead. Be wary of any lawyer who tells you your case is a “slam dunk” without acknowledging potential challenges.
6. What is your process for investigating and evaluating my case?
Many clients have told us that a quick “free consultation” at other firms feels rushed and unhelpful. You leave with few, if any, real answers about what your claim is worth or how long it might take.
This is why we do things differently. We believe you deserve more than a 30-minute chat. Ask a potential lawyer to walk you through their investigation process step-by-step. What will they do in the first few weeks?
At Suits & Boots, we offer a No Cost, No Obligation 30-Day Investigation. We don’t just listen to your story; we get to work. We may gather police reports, interview witnesses, preserve evidence, and consult with experts—all before you ever commit to hiring us. This allows us to give you “take it to the bank” information about your options, the potential value of your claim, and a realistic timeline. It’s the difference between a guess and an educated, evidence-based strategy.
7. How will you keep me updated on my case? How often can I expect to hear from you?
One of the biggest complaints people have about lawyers is a lack of communication. Weeks or months can go by without a single update, leaving you to worry and wonder.
Ask about their communication policy. Will you receive regular email updates? Can you call your attorney directly? Who do you speak with if you have a quick question? A good firm will have a clear system in place to ensure you are never left in the dark. They will understand that this is your life, and you deserve to be kept informed every step of the way.
8. What is your philosophy on settling a case versus taking it to trial?
There is no single right answer here, but the lawyer’s philosophy should align with your goals. Some firms are “settlement mills” that aim to resolve cases as quickly as possible, often for less than they are worth.
Our philosophy is simple: we don’t just seek quick settlements; we demand full and just compensation. We use our proprietary Max Money Method to prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This meticulous preparation and aggressive negotiating posture put maximum pressure on the insurance company to pay what you are truly owed. If they refuse to be fair, we are always ready to present your case to a jury. We will advise you on every offer and give you our professional recommendation, but the ultimate decision to settle or go to trial will always be yours.
Category 3: Questions About Fees, Costs, and Your Finances
Talking about money can be uncomfortable, but it’s absolutely essential. A transparent lawyer will be happy to explain their fee structure in plain, easy-to-understand language.
9. How do you get paid?
Clients often ask how much a personal injury lawyer costs. Nearly all reputable personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they only get paid if and when they win your case, either through a settlement or a court verdict. Their fee is a pre-agreed-upon percentage of the total recovery.
This is a critical system because it allows everyone, regardless of their financial situation, to have access to skilled legal representation. If the lawyer does not win your case, you owe them no attorney’s fees. It ensures that your lawyer’s interests are directly aligned with yours: the more money they recover for you, the more they earn.
10. What other expenses will I be responsible for, and when are they paid?
Beyond the attorney’s fee, a personal injury case involves other costs. These can include court filing fees, fees for expert witnesses (like accident reconstructionists or medical experts), deposition costs, and costs for obtaining records.
Typically, the law firm will front these expenses on your behalf and will be reimbursed out of the settlement or verdict at the end of the case, after the attorney’s fee is calculated. When discussing fees, also ask practical questions like “how is a settlement paid out” and the expected timeline for disbursement, including how medical liens and costs are handled. Confirm whether costs are owed if there’s no recovery and whether the contingency is calculated on the gross or net amount so there are no surprises.
11. The accident wasn't my fault, but the bills are piling up now. Can you help with my immediate financial needs?
This is a question many people are afraid to ask, but it’s one of the most important. An accident can be an immediate and unwelcome financial hit. You might be out of work, and your regular paychecks have stopped, but the mortgage, car payments, and grocery bills haven’t.
Many law firms will simply tell you to "hold on" until your case settles, which could be months or even years away. This is not good enough.
We believe that part of our job is to help you bridge the gap. At Suits & Boots, we offer our clients options for Immediate Financial Help. We’ve got you saddled up and ready for the ride, not just at the end of the case, but along the way, too. Ask any lawyer you speak with if they have a plan to help you stay afloat while they fight for your recovery. Their answer will tell you a lot about whether they are truly there to help you heal and recover or just to process your case.
The Suits & Boots Difference: We’re Here to Champion You
We hope these questions arm you with the confidence you need to find the right legal team. When you speak with the personal injury lawyers at Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers, you’ll find that our entire firm was built to be the answer to these questions.
We are a dedicated personal injury firm. We have extensive experience representing clients in all types of accident cases, from truck and vessel accidents to workplace injuries. When you hire us, you get the dedicated team of the Suits and the Boots. We don’t just win cases; we
Your path to recovery starts with getting the right answers. To see how we answer these questions and more, claim or start your free investigation with Suits & Boots Accident Injury Lawyers today by calling us at (713) 489-0922 or reaching out through our online form. Let us show you how the work of the BOOTS and the skill of the SUITS can get you the money and justice you deserve.