If you’ve been injured in an accident in Burbank and are considering pursuing a personal injury claim, your first step will likely be meeting with a personal injury lawyer.
This initial consultation is crucial in helping you understand your rights, the strength of your case, and what steps you need to take next.
For many people, meeting with a lawyer for the first time can feel intimidating, but being prepared and knowing what to expect can make the process much smoother.
In this article, we’ll break down what you can expect from your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Burbank.
1. Scheduling a Free Consultation
Most personal injury lawyers in Burbank offer a free initial consultation. This is your opportunity to discuss your case with a legal professional and determine whether you want to hire them.
During this consultation, the lawyer will evaluate your case and provide guidance on whether you have a valid claim. If you decide to move forward, this meeting sets the foundation for your working relationship.
Before scheduling the consultation, gather any documentation related to your injury, such as:
- Medical records and bills
- Police or accident reports
- Photos of the accident scene or your injuries
- Correspondence with insurance companies
- Witness contact information
Bringing these documents to the consultation will help the lawyer assess your case more effectively.
2. Case Evaluation
During your first meeting, one of the main objectives of the lawyer is to evaluate your case. They will ask you to describe the accident, how the injury occurred, and the extent of your injuries. Some questions the lawyer may ask include:
- When and where did the accident happen?
- What were the circumstances leading to the accident?
- Who do you believe was at fault for the accident?
- Have you received medical treatment? If so, what kind and how long will it continue?
- Have you spoken with the insurance company or signed any documents?
- What impact has the injury had on your life, including work and daily activities?
Your lawyer will use this information to assess the potential for a successful personal injury claim and help you understand whether you can pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
3. Legal Advice and Strategy
Once the lawyer has gathered enough information about your accident and injuries, they will provide an overview of your legal rights and options.
They will explain how personal injury cases work in California and what steps need to be taken to move forward with your claim. This is your opportunity to ask questions and clarify any concerns you have about the legal process.
Your lawyer will also explain their initial strategy for your case. This may include:
- Filing a claim: If your injuries are severe and the fault is clear, your lawyer may advise filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
- Negotiation: Your lawyer will outline how they plan to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, your lawyer will explain the process of filing a lawsuit and preparing for trial.
They will also discuss the timeline of your case, noting that personal injury claims can take several months or even years, depending on the complexity and whether a trial is necessary.
4. Discussion of Fees and Costs
One of the most important topics covered in your first meeting is the lawyer’s fee structure. Most personal injury lawyers in Burbank work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case.
The typical contingency fee ranges from 25% to 40% of the settlement or court award, depending on the complexity of the case.
Your lawyer will explain how this works and outline any additional costs that may arise, such as filing fees, expert witness fees, or court costs.
It’s essential to ask about these expenses upfront to avoid surprises later on. Your lawyer should be transparent about their fees and provide a clear understanding of how payment works.
5. Next Steps and Client Responsibilities
After the consultation, your lawyer will likely provide a summary of the next steps.
This may include gathering more evidence, obtaining medical records, or filing a claim with the insurance company. Your lawyer will also discuss what is expected of you as the client, such as:
- Keeping detailed records of your medical treatments and recovery
- Following your doctor’s advice and attending all appointments
- Communicating promptly with your lawyer about any developments in your case
- Providing any additional information or documents requested
Your participation is essential in building a strong case, and staying in regular contact with your lawyer will help ensure that your claim progresses smoothly.
6. Understanding the Strength of Your Case
Your personal injury lawyer will give you an honest assessment of your case’s strengths and weaknesses.
They may tell you whether they believe your claim will settle quickly, if there may be challenges in proving fault, or if your case is likely to go to trial.
Knowing the potential hurdles from the beginning helps set realistic expectations and prepares you for the legal process ahead.
If your lawyer believes the case is strong, they will begin preparing to file a claim. If there are weaknesses, such as unclear fault or lack of evidence, your lawyer will discuss ways to overcome these challenges, such as gathering additional proof or consulting with experts.
7. Building Trust with Your Lawyer
The first meeting is not just about the legal aspects of your case; it’s also an opportunity for you to determine whether you feel comfortable with the lawyer.
A strong attorney-client relationship is built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. Pay attention to how the lawyer communicates with you, whether they listen to your concerns, and if they provide clear answers to your questions.
If you feel confident in their abilities and trust them to handle your case, you can move forward with the legal process. If not, don’t hesitate to meet with other lawyers to find the right fit for your needs.
Conclusion
Meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Burbank for the first time is an important step in pursuing a personal injury claim.
During this consultation, your lawyer will evaluate your case, provide legal advice, and outline the next steps in the process.
By coming prepared and asking the right questions, you can ensure that you make the most of this meeting and set the stage for a successful partnership with your attorney.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t delay—schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case and protect your rights.
