If you've been injured due to someone else’s negligence, your first meeting with a personal injury attorney could be the most important step toward justice and financial recovery. But walking into that initial meeting unprepared can leave you overwhelmed and possibly underrepresented.

Whether you were injured in a car crash in the Bay Area, suffered a slip-and-fall in a San Francisco store, or experienced a workplace injury in Oakland, knowing what to ask at your first attorney consultation can make all the difference in building a strong case.

Let’s explore the most important questions to ask, real-life case examples, and what you should expect from a top-tier personal injury lawyer consultation.

Top Questions to Ask During Your First Attorney Consultation

Question Purpose
What experience do you have handling cases like mine? Understand their expertise with your type of injury.
What is your success rate in similar cases? Gauge past outcomes and reliability.
Who will be handling my case day to day? Know if a senior attorney or a junior associate will be in charge.
What are your fees and billing practices? Clarify contingency fees, hourly rates, and expenses.
How long will my case likely take? Set realistic expectations.
What’s the strategy for my case? Get a sense of their plan moving forward.
What compensation can I expect? Estimate damages including medical bills, lost wages, and pain.
What do you need from me to get started? Be ready with documents, facts, and availability.

What Experience Do You Have with Cases Like Mine?

Experience isn’t just about years in the industry, it's about handling cases like yours. For example, a recent personal injury case in California involved a pedestrian hit by a rideshare vehicle in downtown San Francisco. The attorney's familiarity with California’s liability rules for commercial drivers directly impacted the case's outcome.

Tip: Ask your lawyer to share similar case examples what challenges they faced, how they handled negotiations, and the final result.

What’s Your Success Rate in Similar Cases?

Numbers speak volumes. A personal injury lawyer consultation is the right time to ask for a win-loss ratio, especially in settlements versus trials.

Real Case: In Bardessono v. Michels, the plaintiff was awarded over $2.5 million after a hotel accident. The attorney’s track record and aggressive litigation strategy were key in winning at trial.

Knowing how frequently your lawyer wins and under what circumstances tells you if they’re more settlement-focused or trial-ready.

What Is Your Fee Structure?

Most personal injury attorneys in California work on a contingency basis, they get paid only if you win. During your first power of attorney consultation, clarify:

  • Percentage of contingency fee (typically 33–40%)
  • Whether case-related expenses are deducted before or after the attorney’s cut
  • If there are any retainer or filing fees up front

Example: Some attorneys may require clients to cover expert witness costs. Ask in advance to avoid surprise expenses.

Who Will Actually Handle My Case?

Some firms use a bait-and-switch tactic, you meet a senior partner during the initial attorney consultation, but the work is delegated to a junior associate. Always ask:

  • Will you be my direct point of contact?
  • Can I meet the team handling my case?
  • How often will I receive updates?

You’re trusting this person with your story. Comfort and communication are just as important as legal knowledge.

What’s the Estimated Timeline?

Every case is different, but your attorney should be able to give you a general sense of duration. Ask:

  • How long does it typically take to resolve a case like mine?
  • What are the stages, from discovery to deposition to trial?
  • Are there common delays in San Francisco’s court system?

Example: A case involving catastrophic injuries may take 12–18 months. Others, such as soft tissue injuries, may resolve in 3–6 months.

What Damages Can I Expect to Recover?

Ask your attorney to explain the types of compensation you may be entitled to:

Type of Damages Description
Economic Damages Medical bills, lost income, rehab, property damage
Non-Economic Damages Pain and suffering, emotional distress
Punitive Damages In rare cases, to punish egregious conduct

Your lawyer should also help you gather the right evidence: medical records, accident reports, income documentation, etc.

What Is Your Communication Style?

You deserve clarity. At your personal injury lawyer consultation, ask:

  • How often will I get updates?
  • Do you prefer phone, email, or in-person meetings?
  • Will I receive updates even if there’s no change?

Lack of communication is the top reason clients switch attorneys mid-case.

What Role Do I Play in the Case?

A good attorney won't just “take over.” You’re part of a legal team now.

  • Will I need to give depositions?
  • Do I need to attend mediation or trial?
  • Can I post on social media about my injury?

Knowing your responsibilities ensures you don’t jeopardize your case.

Checklist to Bring to Your First Consultation

  • Medical records and bills
  • Police or incident reports
  • Photos or videos of the accident
  • Witness contact information
  • Insurance details
  • Income documentation for lost wages
  • Any correspondence with the defendant or insurer

Final Thoughts

Your first attorney consultation is not just a formality. It’s your opportunity to evaluate whether the attorney understands your needs, respects your time, and can maximize your compensation. Ask the right questions, demand transparency, and expect professionalism.

Injured in California? Let Ladva Law fight for your rights.

Book your free personal injury lawyer consultation today. No fee unless we win.