Legal Clarity in LA: Which Questions to Ask Your Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you were recently injured in Los Angeles — a car accident on the 101, a slip on a Sunset Boulevard sidewalk, a workplace incident-then you’re likely considering a personal injury lawyer. And that’s a smart move. But before you partner with any personal injury attorney LA, you want to make sure you’re choosing the one that’s right for you. The legal universe in LA can be fast, complicated and filled with extravagant promises. Which is why knowing a few things to ask your attorney up front can save time, reduce stress and maybe even a couple thousand of your hard-earned dollars.
How long have you been practicing personal injury law in the same type of case as I have?
This is one of the very best questions you can ask. Car accidents and dog bites fall under personal injury law, but so does product liability and wrongful death. But not every personal injury attorney Los Angeles California takes every case. You need someone who has seen similar cases.
If you have been hurt in a rideshare accident in West Hollywood, you may be better served if your lawyer has had to face Uber or Lyft claims in the past. If your accident included a commercial truck, that’s a different type of case altogether. Experience doesn’t just refer to years of practice — it also refers to how much relevant, hands-on know-how you have.
So, what have been your odds with cases like this?
You don’t necessarily have to have a lawyer who wins every single case — but you do want one who has a real track record of getting good results. Be sure to ask your Los Angeles personal injury attorney what percentage of cases they’ve won that are similar to yours. Have they won handsome settlements? Have they been on trial and gone to court and won?
You’re not only after numbers. What you’re after is confidence, transparency, and some evidence that this lawyer knows how to negotiate with an insurance company, talk to a corporate lawyer and fight for someone like you.
Do you take cases on contingency, and what are your rates?
The majority of lawyers who handle personal injury cases in LA work on a contingency fee basis. So you don’t owe anything upfront — they’re only paid if they win your case. But it’s still crucial to be crystal clear on how their fees function.
Ask the percentage they take from a settlement or court award. Inquire about any other fees, for example, filing fees, expert witness fees or court costs — and whether you’d be on the hook for those even if your case is unsuccessful. You should see how the money is split before you sign anything.
Who will really be working on my case?
You may not even be meeting the person who will be managing working with your file. At a big Los Angeles injury lawyer law firm, day-to-day work often is performed by junior associates or paralegals. That’s not always a bad thing, but you want to know who your key point of contact will be — and how accessible they are.
Find out if you’ll be speaking directly with your attorney or through staff. Ask them how frequently they update. Good communication can make a big difference, especially if your case grinds on for months or more.
What’s the process — and how long will it take?
Personal injury lawsuits don’t settle in a day—in fact, not even in a town as bustling as Los Angeles. Nevertheless your attorney should be able to guide you on what to expect. How long will it take to investigate my case? What if the insurance company fights back? When is it time to anticipate a settlement offer — or to know if trial is a possibility?
All cases are different, but an experienced lawyer will have a rough sense of how long a case should take and planning for the appropriate pace and record. The more open and transparent they are the better, and the more you can count on them to lead you through what’s next.
How do you deal with insurance companies?
One of the biggest parts of any personal injury case is dealing with the insurance adjusters. These companies are not trying to pay you what you deserve — they’re trying to protect their bottom line. That means you need a lawyer who knows how to deal with them.
Inquire with your attorney on how they negotiate. Do they lean to quick settlements, or are they prepared to duke it out for a better offer? Have they fought big insurers like GEICO, State Farm or Allstate? You’re looking for someone who isn’t afraid of bureaucracy — and can effectively get around it.
Have you gone to trial?
The majority of personal injury claims in LA are settled before reaching trial. But if your case does not settle, you want to know that your lawyer is prepared — and, dare I say, able — to take it to the end. Some lawyers are allergic to courthouses. Others thrive there.
Inquire about how many cases they have tried and what the results were. Even if you reach a settlement before your case goes to court, simply having a lawyer with trial experience might persuade the other side to settle a bit more fairly.
What would you like me as a clientele?
A good lawyer does the heavy lifting, but you’ve got a part to play. Ask what’s expected of you. Will you have to be present for depositions? Provide certain documents? Continue with medical treatment? The more clearly everyone understands their role, the easier this will be.
It also demonstrates that you are taking your case seriously — and that you are ready to do your part to help them help you.
What kind of communication can I expect from you?
Communication is everything. Ask how often you will be updated on the case. Will they email you? Call you? Text you? Can they be asked questions or do they hold office hours?
Los Angeles attorneys are busy but that doesn’t mean they should ghost you once you’re signed up. You deserve a lawyer who will treat your time respectfully and keep you in the loop.
Conclusion
When retaining a Los Angeles injury attorney, asking the right questions isn’t just smart — it’s necessary. The right lawyer will encourage your questions, respond to them clearly, and ensure that you feel comfortable with the road ahead. Because when you’re hurting, overwhelmed and worried about how you’re going to pay your bills, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal partner in your corner from beginning to end.
