Who will handle my case?
Ask who will make strategy decisions, attend key events, return calls, and try the case if necessary. Request the State Bar number of the responsible lawyer.
What makes my case difficult?
A useful consultation should identify disputed fault, causation, prior conditions, coverage limits, liens, deadlines, and missing evidence—not only strengths.
What will this cost?
Ask for the contingency percentage at each stage, the treatment of litigation expenses, examples of common costs, and how medical reimbursement claims affect the net amount.
What evidence should be preserved now?
Discuss vehicles, photographs, video, devices, witness details, medical records, wage records, insurance documents, and any commercial or government defendant that may trigger special preservation or claim procedures.
How will insurance and liens affect the case?
Ask which liability, uninsured or underinsured motorist, medical-payment, health-plan, or other coverage may apply. The lawyer should also explain that medical balances, liens, reimbursement rights, fees, and costs can affect the amount a client receives.
What happens if the insurer will not make a fair offer?
Ask who decides whether to file suit, what additional costs litigation creates, who would take depositions or try the case, and how the client participates. A useful answer should explain tradeoffs rather than promise that filing always produces more money.
Frequently asked questions
What documents should I bring to a car accident consultation?
Bring the crash report if available, insurance information, photographs, videos, witness details, medical documents, repair or total-loss records, wage-loss information, and relevant correspondence. Do not delay a time-sensitive consultation just because the file is incomplete.
Should I ask a lawyer how much my case is worth?
You can ask, but be cautious with an immediate precise number. A careful lawyer will usually need facts about fault, treatment, prognosis, insurance, liens, prior conditions, lost income, and venue before offering a meaningful range.
Who should communicate with the insurance adjuster?
The answer depends on whether counsel has been retained and which insurer is calling. Ask the lawyer exactly which communications the office will handle and what you should do if an adjuster requests a recorded statement or release.
Primary sources
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