DC Law's Austin office handles car accident cases for people injured in crashes
DC Law is a personal injury firm with an office in Austin that represents people injured in car accidents. They work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and they take a percentage of any settlement or court award. The firm handles cases involving vehicle collisions, and their Austin location serves the surrounding area.
If you've been in a crash and are considering hiring an attorney, understanding what a car accident lawyer actually does—and what questions to ask before you hire one—matters more than the name on the letterhead. This guide covers what representation looks like, what it costs, and how to think about whether an attorney is the right next step for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Car accident attorneys typically work on contingency, taking a percentage of your settlement rather than charging upfront fees.
- An attorney's main role is negotiating with the other driver's insurance company and, if needed, filing a lawsuit and taking your case to court.
- You should have medical records and a police report before meeting with any attorney, as these documents shape what your case is worth.
- Many people settle car accident cases without going to trial, but an attorney should be prepared to file suit if the insurance offer is too low.
- Before hiring any firm, ask what percentage they take, whether they handle your case personally or pass it to another attorney, and what happens if you disagree on settlement.
What a car accident attorney actually does
An attorney's job is to represent your interests in dealing with insurance companies and, if necessary, in court. That means they communicate with the other driver's insurance company on your behalf, gather evidence (medical records, repair estimates, witness statements), and build a case for what your injuries are worth. They also handle the paperwork and important date that come with a lawsuit if settlement talks break down.
Most car accident cases settle before trial. The attorney negotiates with the insurance adjuster, presents evidence of your damages, and tries to reach a number both sides can accept. If the insurance company's offer is too low and you disagree, the attorney can file a lawsuit and take the case to court. This is where representation matters most—you need someone who knows how to present evidence to a judge or jury, not just someone good at phone calls.
How contingency fees work and what they cost
Contingency means the attorney takes a percentage of what you recover—typically 25 to 40 percent depending on the firm and whether the case settles or goes to trial. You pay nothing if you lose or recover nothing. This structure exists because most people injured in accidents cannot afford to pay an attorney hourly while also paying medical bills.
Before you hire anyone, ask what percentage they take at each stage. Many firms charge a lower percentage if the case settles quickly (say, 25 percent) and a higher percentage if it goes to trial (say, 33 or 40 percent). Also ask whether they cover costs upfront—things like filing fees, informed witness fees, and medical record requests—or whether those come out of your settlement. Some firms advance costs; others bill you back if you lose.
What you need before meeting with an attorney
Gather your police report, medical records, photos of vehicle damage, and any correspondence with the insurance company. If you have witness contact information, bring that too. These documents let an attorney assess what your case is worth and whether representation makes financial sense.
Be honest about your injuries and treatment. If you delayed seeking medical care, exaggerated symptoms, or stopped treatment early, tell the attorney. Insurance companies investigate these things, and your attorney needs to know what they will find. An attorney who knows the weak spots in your case can prepare for them; one who doesn't will be blindsided.
Questions to ask before hiring
Ask whether the attorney who meets with you will actually handle your case or whether it will be passed to another lawyer in the firm. Ask what percentage they take, whether costs are advanced, and what happens if you and the attorney disagree on whether to accept a settlement offer. Some firms require you to accept any offer above a certain amount; others let you decide. Know which applies before you sign.
Ask how often you will hear from them and through what channel—email, phone, or a client portal. Ask how long they expect the case to take. Ask whether they have handled cases similar to yours and what the outcomes were. These answers tell you whether the firm is organized, communicative, and experienced with your type of injury.
When hiring an attorney makes sense
If your injuries are minor and the other driver's insurance company has already offered a fair amount, you may not need an attorney. If your medical bills are under a few thousand dollars and you have clear liability (the other driver was obviously at fault), you can often negotiate directly with the insurance company.
Hire an attorney if your injuries are serious, liability is unclear, the insurance company is refusing to pay, or you disagree with their valuation of your case. Hire one if you have had surgery, ongoing treatment, or permanent effects from the crash. Hire one if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured. An attorney's percentage of a large settlement is usually far less than what you would leave on the table by negotiating alone against an insurance company.
What happens after you hire someone
The attorney sends a demand letter to the insurance company, usually within a few weeks of being hired. This letter outlines your injuries, medical treatment, lost wages, and what you believe the case is worth. The insurance company responds with an offer, often lower than your demand. Negotiation happens over weeks or months. If you reach a number you both accept, the case settles and you receive your portion after the attorney takes their fee and costs are paid.
If settlement talks stall, the attorney files a lawsuit in district court. This triggers discovery, where both sides exchange documents and take depositions (recorded statements). The case may then settle during this phase, or it may go to trial. The entire process from hiring to settlement or trial verdict typically takes six months to two years, depending on how busy the court is and how complicated the case becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to hire an attorney to get paid for my car accident injuries?
No. You can negotiate directly with the insurance company and settle on your own. Many people do this for minor injuries. However, insurance companies are skilled at offering less than a case is worth, and you lose leverage without an attorney. If your injuries are serious or liability is disputed, representation usually results in a larger recovery than you would get alone.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
You can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. An attorney can help you navigate this claim, which often involves more negotiation than a standard liability claim. If you don't have uninsured motorist coverage, your options are more limited, but an attorney can still advise you on whether a lawsuit against the uninsured driver is worth pursuing.
How long do I have to hire an attorney after a crash?
In Texas, the statute of limitations for car accident injury claims is two years from the date of the crash. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit. However, do not wait that long. Hire an attorney within weeks or months of the crash, while evidence is fresh and witnesses remember details. Waiting makes your case harder to prove.
What if I disagree with my attorney about accepting a settlement?
Ask about this before you hire. Some firms require your written consent before accepting any offer. Others give the attorney authority to settle within a range you agree on. If you hire an attorney and later feel they are pushing you toward a settlement you do not want, you can fire them and hire someone else, though you may owe them a fee for work already done.
Will my case go to trial?
Most car accident cases settle before trial. Trial is expensive, time-consuming, and unpredictable. Insurance companies know this and often settle rather than risk a jury verdict. However, if the insurance company's offer is genuinely too low and you refuse to accept it, your case will go to trial. Your attorney should be prepared for this, even if they expect to settle.