An initial consultation is a chance to understand whether the lawyer’s approach, experience, communication, and fee terms fit your needs. Bring a concise timeline and ask direct questions. Avoid sending sensitive records through an unverified channel.
Experience and case assessment
Ask how often the lawyer handles matters like yours, what facts could make liability or damages disputed, and what information is needed before they can assess possible paths. Ask who will handle routine work and court appearances.
Ask what additional investigation or experts might be needed and who decides whether to incur those costs. A responsible lawyer should describe uncertainty rather than promise a settlement amount or outcome.
Fees, costs, and net recovery
Ask how the contingency percentage is calculated, whether it changes by stage, how costs are charged, and what happens if the case does not recover money. Request a written agreement and an example of how fees, costs, liens, and expenses might affect a hypothetical recovery.
Clarify whether medical bills or reimbursement claims may need to be addressed and who negotiates them. Do not assume the gross amount is the amount you receive.
Communication and decisions
Ask how often you will receive updates, how quickly calls are returned, and the best way to reach the team. Confirm that settlement decisions remain yours and ask how offers will be explained.
Discuss what documents to preserve and what communications to avoid. Follow medical instructions and report accurate facts; do not alter records or exaggerate symptoms.
License and deadlines
Verify the lawyer in the State Bar search. Ask what filing deadlines could apply, including any government-claim requirement, and how the firm will calendar them. The usual personal injury period is not universal.
This is general information, not legal advice or an attorney-client relationship.
Questions about the case and the work
Ask what claims or defenses may need investigation, what facts are still unknown, and what evidence should be preserved now. Ask who will handle routine calls, prepare filings, attend hearings, and make settlement recommendations. Clarify how often you will receive updates and how to reach the responsible lawyer when a decision is time sensitive.
Ask about likely stages and what could change the schedule: investigation, medical treatment, insurance review, negotiation, litigation, or trial preparation. A lawyer can describe possibilities but should not guarantee a result or timeline. Ask what you are expected to do and what decisions remain yours.
Questions about fees, liens, and settlement
Request a written explanation of the contingency percentage, whether it changes at different stages, which costs are deducted, and whether you could owe costs if the case does not succeed. Ask how medical liens or reimbursement claims might affect the amount ultimately paid to you. The contract should explain these points clearly.
Before signing, ask how a settlement decision is made, how offers are communicated, and whether you will review a release before it is accepted. Ask whether the lawyer sees any conflict or limitation in taking the case. Compare answers from more than one qualified lawyer when practical, and verify license information through the State Bar.
Questions about evidence and deadlines
Ask what records should be preserved immediately, whether photographs or vehicle inspection are time sensitive, and who will request the police report or witness information. Ask which legal deadlines might apply and what specific filing or notice must happen before each one. A lawyer should explain uncertainty, not simply give a date without its basis.
Ask how the lawyer will handle medical records, employment information, and communications with insurers. Clarify what you should do if an adjuster contacts you or you receive a document to sign. Do not assume that hiring a lawyer means every deadline or evidence issue is automatically handled.
Questions about conflicts and case selection
Ask whether the lawyer has identified any conflict involving another party, insurer, or prior client. Ask whether they intend to accept the case and when representation formally begins. A consultation does not necessarily mean the lawyer has agreed to represent you; get confirmation and a signed agreement.
If a lawyer declines, ask whether an urgent deadline exists and whether they can suggest a referral or appropriate legal aid resource. Contact another lawyer promptly rather than waiting for a callback. Provide consistent facts to each professional and keep a record of whom you contacted and when.
Questions before accepting a settlement
Ask the lawyer to explain the written offer, what claims and parties the release covers, whether future injury claims are included, and what liens or bills may be paid from the proceeds. Ask for a written estimate of fees, costs, and expected net distribution based on the offer.
Settlement authority belongs to the client, but a decision should account for uncertainty, litigation costs, time, and the possibility of no recovery or a different outcome. Take time to read the release. Ask for clarification before signing rather than relying on an oral summary.
Bring these materials to the consultation
A short timeline, photographs, incident or claim number, insurance details, key medical records, wage information, and correspondence can help the lawyer understand the issue. Bring copies where possible and keep originals. If you do not have a document, note who may have it and whether it may be time sensitive.
Write your questions in advance and take notes on the answers. Ask the lawyer to distinguish what is known from what needs investigation. Do not leave without understanding the next deadline, who is responsible for it, and how to contact the office if new information arrives.
Confirm who makes which decisions
Ask which routine decisions the legal team can make and which will come to you. Settlement, release, and major litigation choices should be explained so you can make an informed decision. Confirm how quickly you need to respond to an offer.
Request a copy of important filings and settlement communications. If you do not understand a term, ask the lawyer to explain it in plain language before you agree.