Find a lawyer after an accident
We're not a law firm and we don't take a cut. Here's how to find a licensed lawyer in your state, and what to ask before you hire one.
Texas
State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral and Information Service
The official referral service run by the State Bar of Texas. It covers the whole state and is based in Austin.
- Phone: (800) 252-9690, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central)
- Online: texasbar.com/LawyerReferral
- Cost: referred lawyers typically charge $20 for a 30-minute first consultation. Confirm when you call; many injury lawyers offer a free consultation anyway.
Check any lawyer's license first
Before you hire anyone, including a lawyer you saw on a billboard or TV, look them up on the State Bar of Texas website to confirm they're licensed and in good standing.
When it's time to call a lawyer
- You or a passenger needed medical treatment, especially surgery, an ER visit or ongoing therapy
- You missed work, or can't do your job the way you used to
- The other side's insurer is blaming you, or the crash report gets the facts wrong
- The other driver had no insurance, too little, or drove off
- A commercial truck, rideshare, delivery van or company vehicle was involved
- A city, county or state vehicle was involved (government claims can have very short notice deadlines)
- An insurance company is pushing a quick settlement or asking you to sign a release
- Someone died
How injury lawyers are usually paid
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee: they're paid a percentage of what they recover for you, and nothing if they don't recover anything. Always ask what the percentage is, whether it changes if the case goes to trial, and who pays case costs. Get the agreement in writing before you sign.
Questions to ask at your first meeting
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- Will you personally handle my case, or someone else at the firm?
- What's your fee percentage, and does it change if we go to trial?
- Who pays for costs like medical records and expert reports if we lose?
- How often will I hear from you, and how?
Read first
Laws That Protect does not receive payment for referrals from state bar services. If we ever list individual law firms, any paid listing will be clearly labeled.