CALIFORNIA INJURY LAW INFORMATION
Thinking About Hiring an Injury Attorney? Know What to Expect.
A free, plain-language guide to choosing an attorney on your own, understanding fees, and knowing your rights as a client in California.
Before You Decide
When People Often Talk to an Attorney
Only you can decide whether to hire an attorney. Many people choose to talk to one when:
- The injury is serious or requires ongoing treatment
- They missed work or can't return to their job
- Fault is disputed
- More than one party may be responsible
- An insurance company denied or delayed a claim
- They received a settlement offer they don't understand
- A government agency, business, or commercial vehicle is involved
- A deadline is approaching
Some minor claims are handled without an attorney. Many attorneys offer a free first consultation, so you can ask questions before deciding.
Step by Step
How to Choose an Attorney on Your Own
- 1
Look for Relevant Experience
Look for attorneys who regularly handle the type of case you have, such as car accidents, falls, or workers' compensation.
- 2
Check Their License
Use the State Bar of California's attorney search at calbar.ca.gov to confirm the attorney is licensed and see any public discipline.
- 3
Use a Certified Referral Service if You Want Help
The State Bar lists certified lawyer referral services at calbar.ca.gov.
- 4
Talk to More Than One
It's okay to meet with a few attorneys before deciding.
- 5
Get Everything in Writing
Before you hire anyone, ask for a written fee agreement and read it carefully.
- 6
Trust Your Instincts
Choose someone who explains things clearly and treats you with respect.
Understanding Costs
How Injury Attorney Fees Usually Work
Contingency Fees
Many injury attorneys are paid a percentage of what is recovered. If there's no recovery, there's often no attorney fee. The percentage is negotiable and should be spelled out.
Written Agreements Are Required
California generally requires contingency fee agreements to be in writing, signed, and to explain the fee and how costs are handled. You should get a copy.
Fees vs. Costs
Case costs, like filing fees, medical records, and expert fees, are separate from the attorney's fee. Ask whether costs come out before or after the fee is calculated, and who pays them if there's no recovery.
Your Consultation
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- How many cases like mine have you handled?
- Who will actually work on my case day to day?
- What is your fee percentage, and does it change if the case goes to trial?
- How are case costs handled?
- How often will you update me, and how do I reach you?
- What are the possible timelines for a case like this?
- What do you need from me?
Be Prepared
What to Bring to a Consultation
Reports
Police, CHP, or incident reports
Photos & Video
The scene, vehicles or hazards, and injuries
Medical Records & Bills
Records, bills, and work status notes
Insurance Letters
Any letters, emails, or offers from insurers
Proof of Lost Income
Pay stubs or employer letters
Contact Information
Witnesses and other parties
Your Notes
A written timeline of what happened
Know Your Rights
Your Rights as a Client
To Be Kept Informed
California attorneys must keep clients reasonably informed about significant developments in their case.
To Make Key Decisions
Decisions like whether to accept a settlement are generally yours to make.
To Have Your Money Protected
Attorneys must hold client money, such as settlement funds, in a trust account and account for it.
To Change Attorneys
You can generally change attorneys at any time. The first attorney may be entitled to be paid for work already done.
To Dispute a Fee
If you disagree with a bill, the State Bar of California offers a fee arbitration program.
To Report Misconduct
You can file a complaint with the State Bar of California.
Stay Alert
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if you experience any of the following.
- Someone approaches you at the hospital, the accident scene, or your home and offers to connect you with a lawyer or doctor. Paying people to find clients is illegal in California.
- An attorney guarantees a specific result or dollar amount.
- You're pressured to sign an agreement right away.
- There's no written fee agreement.
- You can't find the attorney's license on the State Bar website.
- You're offered money or gifts to hire an attorney or see a certain doctor.
If something doesn't feel right, you can check a license or file a complaint at calbar.ca.gov.
Your Health First
Getting Medical Care
If you've been hurt, your health comes first. In an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, see a doctor as soon as you can, even if you feel fine, since some injuries don't show symptoms right away. Keep copies of your medical records, bills, and photos. You are free to choose your own doctor.
If you were hurt at work, report the injury to your employer right away; California generally requires you to report a work injury within 30 days. Your employer's workers' compensation insurance generally covers medical treatment for a work injury.
Timing
Deadlines Matter
In California, you generally have two years from the date of an injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, and three years for property damage. If a government agency is involved, you may have only about six months to file a written claim. Workers' compensation has its own deadlines, and rules can be different for children. If you plan to talk to an attorney, don't wait.
Official Help
Free & Official Resources
These are official government resources. InjuryAttorney.com.ai is not affiliated with any government agency.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Injury AI Network
More California Injury Information
Other information-only websites in the Injury AI Network.
BUSINESS INQUIRIES ONLY
For Law Firms: Sponsor or Lease This Platform
InjuryAttorney.com.ai is available to one California law firm as its exclusive advertising sponsor, and the platform is also available to lease. Tell us about your firm and we'll send you the details.
Get in Touch
Contact
InjuryAttorney.com.ai is operated by Injury AI Platforms, a marketing and technology company. Despite our name, we are not a law firm, and no lawyer reviews messages sent through this site.
If you have been injured:
We can't review your situation or connect you with a lawyer or doctor. Please contact a licensed California attorney of your choice. The State Bar of California lists certified lawyer referral services at calbar.ca.gov. If you were hurt at work, the California Division of Workers' Compensation has Information & Assistance officers who answer questions at no cost: dir.ca.gov/dwc.
Law firms:
To advertise on this platform, email john@injuryattorney.com.ai or call 323-359-5210.