Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer in California

August 26, 2022 Personal Injury California

You’re meeting with a personal injury lawyer for the first time. You’re eager to get started on your case but want to ensure you’re hiring the right person for the job.

How do you know if a personal injury lawyer is right for you?

This post seeks to shed light on the questions you should ask a personal injury lawyer during your consultation. We will address a couple of issues, including:

  • What to expect during a free consultation with a California personal injury lawyer
  • What you should bring to the meeting
  • Which questions you should ask a personal injury lawyer in California

Let’s dive right in.

woman listening to personal injury victim for their free consultation

What to Expect During a Free Consultation with a California Personal Injury Lawyer

When you first meet with a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to understand that he or she is evaluating your case. The lawyer will be looking at the facts of your accident and trying to determine whether or not you have a strong case.

During this evaluation, the lawyer will likely ask you questions about what happened. He or she will also want to see any evidence you have, such as photos or medical records. The lawyer will use this information to decide whether or not to take your case.

If the lawyer decides to take your case, he or she will then explain how they will proceed. This will likely include a discussion of their legal fees and how they will be paid.

What You Should Bring to the Meeting

When you meet with a personal injury lawyer, it’s important to bring any evidence you have from the accident. This may include:

  • Photos of the scene of the accident
  • Police reports
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records

The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be. The lawyer will this evidence to build a strong argument on your behalf. Don’t worry if you don’t have all of this evidence. The injury lawyer will likely be able to help you obtain it.

personal injury lawyer in a suit listening to questions from client

Questions to Ask a Your California Personal Injury Lawyer

A reputable personal injury lawyer will be more than happy to answer any questions you have about your case. Here are a few important questions to ask:

  • How many cases like mine have you handled?

It’s best to hire a lawyer who has significant experience with cases similar to yours. Get to know how much the attorney has achieved in settlements for cases like yours in order to understand how much you could potentially receive.

  • How will you keep me updated on the status of my case?

You want to make sure you’re hiring a lawyer who will keep you informed throughout the process. He or she should be available to answer your questions and update you on the status of your case.

  • What are your legal fees?

Many personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. If you do win, they will take a percentage of your settlement. Most personal injury lawyers take 33% of the settlement, but this can vary depending on the lawyer.

  • How long will it take to resolve my case?

Cases can often take months or even years to resolve. You want to make sure you’re hiring a lawyer who is prepared to see your case through to the end.

  • Will I have access to my file?

You have a right to access your file and should be able to view it at any time. This will allow you to see the evidence the lawyer has collected and how he or she is preparing your case.

  • What are my chances of winning?

No lawyer can guarantee that you will win your case, but he or she should be able to give you an honest assessment of your chances.

  • What Happens if I Lose My Case?

Not all lawyers offer this, but some will agree to take your case on a contingency basis. This means that if you lose, you won’t have to pay any legal fees. Knowing this ahead of time can give you some peace of mind as you move forward with your case.

Making the Decision

After meeting with a personal injury lawyer, you’ll need to decide whether or not to hire him or her. You should feel confident in the lawyer’s ability to represent you and win your case. You should also make sure you’re comfortable with the lawyer’s personality and style.

If you have any doubts, it’s best to meet with a few different lawyers before making your final decision. This will allow you to compare different lawyers and find the one that’s right for you.

After Choosing A Personal Injury Lawyer

Once you’ve chosen a personal injury lawyer, he or she will begin working on your case. The lawyer will collect evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong argument on your behalf.

The goal is to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries. This may come in the form of a settlement from the other party’s insurance company or a verdict from a court of law.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Top-Rated Injury Lawyer in California

Pathway Injury Lawyers is a top-rated personal injury law firm in California. We have years of experience handling all types of personal injury cases.

We offer free consultations, so you can get to know us and we can learn more about your case. There’s no obligation to hire us after the consultation, but we’re confident that you’ll be impressed with our work.

If you’re ready to get started, call us at 1-888-414-3898 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation today.