A free personal injury consultation is a chance to explain what happened, ask questions, and find out whether a lawyer may be able to help. At Baumgartner Law Firm, we begin with a phone consultation. There is no charge and no obligation to hire us. You do not need a complete set of records before calling.
After an injury, even a simple phone call can feel like another task you cannot face. You may be in pain, missing work, or helping a family member recover. You do not have to organize a perfect presentation. Start with what you know, and let us ask the questions.
Greg Baumgartner founded the firm in 1985. Our approach as a Houston personal injury law firm starts with understanding the accident and how the injury has changed your life. Here are eight things to know before your first conversation.
1. The first call helps us understand your situation
Be ready to share when and where the accident happened, who was involved, and what injuries you suffered. Tell us right away if an insurance company has made an offer or another lawyer already represents you.
Our first consultation takes place by phone. If the matter appears to be one we can help with, we can discuss an in-person meeting. The length of the conversation depends on the facts and questions involved.
You do not have to decide whether to hire us during that first call. Use the conversation to get answers and understand your options.
2. Explain the accident in your own words
Start with a short account of what happened. For example: “I was stopped at a red light when another driver hit me from behind.” That gives us a place to begin. We can then ask about the road, witnesses, and what happened next.
At Baumgartner Law Firm, we sometimes ask people to sketch the accident scene. A simple drawing can make the position of the vehicles easier to understand than a long description.
If you do not remember something, say so. If you are calling about a loved one’s accident, explain what you personally know and what others have told you. You are not expected to solve the case before speaking with us.
3. Tell us about your injuries and daily life
We will ask where you first received care, what your doctors have told you, and whether you have follow-up visits scheduled. Let us know about missed work and any help you need at home.
Be specific. Trouble standing through a shift, sleeping through the night, or lifting your child helps explain the effect of an injury. A medical diagnosis alone may not tell that whole story.
Also mention prior injuries to the same area of your body, earlier claims, and any facts that concern you. Those details need to be understood early. Do not assume an old injury means there is no reason to call.
4. Gather the documents you already have
Helpful items include:
- The crash or incident report, or its report number.
- Photos, videos, and witness contact details.
- Emergency room discharge papers and other available medical records.
- Insurance information, claim numbers, and adjuster messages.
- Any settlement offer, release, or paperwork you have signed.
- Notes about missed work and a short list of your questions.
For a Texas traffic crash, TxDOT explains how to obtain a crash report. You can use that resource if you want a copy, but you do not need to wait for the report before contacting us.
Keep original photos, messages, and documents. Ask us how to send copies for review. Missing paperwork should not keep you from making the first call.
5. Write down the questions that matter to you
It is easy to forget a question once the conversation starts. A short list can help. Ask what needs attention now, what information is still missing, and what the next step would be if the firm accepts your case.
If your biggest concern is an adjuster’s call or a bill you cannot pay, bring it up. The consultation should help you understand the choices in front of you.
For a fuller discussion of experience, communication, and who will handle your case, see our guide to questions to ask before hiring a personal injury lawyer.
6. Understand fees before agreeing to representation
The consultation is free. If we accept your case, Baumgartner Law Firm handles injury claims on a contingency fee basis. That means you owe no attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
Attorney fees and case expenses are separate issues. Before signing, ask about the fee percentage, whether it changes, how expenses are deducted, and who is responsible for expenses if there is no recovery. Read the written agreement and ask about anything that is unclear.
7. A case review is not a settlement promise
Our existing consultation process looks at three basic questions: who may be legally responsible, what harm the injury caused, and whether money can be collected through insurance or another source.
Some answers take investigation. An early conversation may identify a possible claim without establishing its value. Future treatment, disputed facts, and available coverage can all affect the outcome.
If we decline a case, that does not necessarily mean another lawyer cannot help. Ask whether a referral may be available. Our firm keeps a selective caseload, and not every matter will fit our practice.
8. Leave knowing what happens next
Before the call ends, make sure you understand whether the firm needs more information, is considering the case, or has declined it. Ask who will contact whom next.
Do not assume a consultation means a lawyer has agreed to act for you. Confirm whether the firm has accepted representation and what paperwork is needed.
Tell us the accident date early. Legal deadlines need to be checked, and evidence may disappear while you wait. If a firm cannot take your case, continue seeking advice promptly.
Common questions about a free consultation
Can I call while I am still receiving medical care?
Yes. You can contact us while treatment is ongoing. Tell us what care you have received and what is scheduled. You do not need to know your final medical costs to ask for help.
Can I call for an injured family member?
Yes. Explain your relationship and whether your family member can speak with us. We can discuss what information is needed and who must participate in any decision about representation.
What if I am unsure who caused the accident?
You can still call. Describe what you remember without guessing. Reports, witness accounts, and other evidence may be needed before responsibility becomes clear.
Talk with Baumgartner Law Firm
You do not need legal terms or a folder full of records to start. Tell us what happened, what injuries you are dealing with, and what worries you most.
Call (281) 587-1111 or request a free personal injury consultation. We will help you understand whether your matter is one our firm may be able to handle.
