Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

What to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer in California

When you’re injured in an accident—whether it’s a car crash, a slip and fall, or a jobsite injury—choosing the right personal injury lawyer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your attorney will be your advocate, negotiator, and legal guide, so it’s critical that you choose someone with the right experience, approach, and commitment to your recovery.

Why does it matter so much? Because the lawyer you choose can have a direct impact on the outcome of your case. A skilled and dedicated attorney can mean the difference between a lowball insurance settlement and a full financial recovery that covers your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future needs. Your attorney’s approach to negotiation, litigation, and client service will also shape how stressful—or smooth—your experience is throughout the process.

Unfortunately, not all personal injury lawyers in California bring the same level of professionalism or client care. Some firms take on large volumes of cases and pass them off to paralegals or junior staff. Others may be quick to settle just to close the file, rather than fight for what your case is truly worth. That’s why asking the right questions before hiring an attorney is so important—it gives you a clearer view of what kind of representation you’ll receive.

At Tim D. Wright Law, we take a different approach. Our firm is built on a foundation of transparency, direct communication, and client-focused representation. When you work with us, you’re not handed off to a case manager—you work directly with Attorney Tim D. Wright, who brings years of experience in both personal injury and workers’ compensation law across Southern California. We’re here to explain your options clearly, keep you informed at every step, and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve—whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or going to court.

Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

How much experience do you have handling personal injury cases like mine?

Personal injury law covers a wide range of cases, from car accidents and slip and falls, to workplace injuries, dog bites, and catastrophic injuries. Each type of case involves different legal standards, insurance issues, and negotiation strategies.

Asking about the lawyer’s specific experience with your type of case helps ensure that they know the relevant laws, how insurance companies typically respond, and what pitfalls to avoid.

Ask for:

  • Case examples
  • Trial or settlement outcomes
  • Experience with local courts and judges

At Tim D. Wright Law, we’ve handled a wide range of personal injury and workers’ compensation cases across Southern California, with successful outcomes for clients in Burbank, Van Nuys, Riverside, and beyond.

Will you personally handle my case, or will it be passed off to someone else?

Many large personal injury firms take on high volumes of cases and delegate them to junior associates or paralegals. While that might work for simple claims, serious injury cases require personal attention from an experienced attorney.

You deserve to know who will actually be managing your case, making strategic decisions, and answering your questions.

Why this matters:

  • Clear communication
  • Consistent legal strategy
  • Trust and accountability

At Tim D. Wright Law, Tim personally oversees each case. You’re not just a file number—you’re a person with a story, and we treat you that way.

What is your success rate in settling vs. trying cases in court?

Most personal injury cases settle before reaching trial—but not all of them should. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer must be prepared to take the case to trial and win.

Ask about the attorney’s willingness and ability to litigate. Insurance companies know which attorneys will settle quickly and which will stand their ground—trial-readiness often leads to better settlements.

Ask:

  • How many cases they’ve tried in court
  • What their courtroom experience looks like
  • Whether they’ve taken cases to verdict

Tim D. Wright has extensive courtroom experience and is always ready to litigate when necessary. We won’t accept a lowball offer just to close the case—we’ll fight for what you truly deserve.

What is your fee structure, and will I owe anything upfront?

Most personal injury lawyers in California work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

  • You don’t pay any legal fees unless your case results in a settlement or verdict.
  • The attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation recovered.

However, it’s important to confirm all details upfront, including whether you’re responsible for court costs or case expenses if the case isn’t successful.

Ask:

  • What percentage do you charge?
  • Are there any hidden costs or case expenses?
  • Will I owe anything if we don’t win?

At Tim D. Wright Law, we offer free consultations and no upfront costs. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. Period.

What is the expected timeline for my case?

No two personal injury cases are the same, and timelines can vary depending on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and whether or not your case goes to trial.

Ask:

  • How long does it typically take to settle a case like mine?
  • What factors could delay the process?
  • How will I be updated about progress?

Understanding the timeline up front helps you set realistic expectations and avoid frustration down the road. At Tim D. Wright Law, we’re honest about the process and keep clients informed from day one through final resolution.

How do you communicate with clients?

One of the most common complaints clients have about lawyers is lack of communication. When you’re recovering from an injury, you deserve to know what’s going on with your case—without having to chase your attorney down for answers.

Ask:

  • How often will I receive updates?
  • Will I speak directly with the attorney?
  • Who will return my calls or emails?

At Tim D. Wright Law, we believe clear and consistent communication is key to trust and client satisfaction. Tim personally stays in touch with each client, so you always know where your case stands and what to expect next.

Do you have trial experience in California courts?

While many personal injury cases settle, trial experience still matters. If the insurance company knows your lawyer isn’t comfortable in court, they may push for a low settlement. On the other hand, attorneys with proven trial experience can leverage that to demand higher compensation during negotiations.

Ask:

  • Have you tried personal injury cases in California?
  • Are you familiar with local court procedures in my area?
  • What’s your approach if the case doesn’t settle?

Attorney Tim D. Wright has extensive experience representing injured clients throughout California courts, including in Riverside, Burbank, Van Nuys, and beyond. We know the judges, the rules, and the strategies that win in front of a jury.

What strategy would you recommend for my type of case?

This is one of the most telling questions you can ask. A strong attorney will listen carefully to the facts of your case and offer a thoughtful, tailored strategy—not just vague promises or cookie-cutter answers.

Ask:

  • How would you approach a case like mine?
  • Do you see any challenges or red flags?
  • What are the next steps if I hire you?

At Tim D. Wright Law, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” legal plans. We craft case strategies that reflect your unique injuries, goals, and circumstances—always with the aim of maximizing your recovery and protecting your rights.

Ask the Right Questions, Get the Right Results

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer isn’t just about finding someone with a license to practice law—it’s about selecting a professional who is truly prepared to fight for your best interests. This decision could directly impact your recovery, your financial stability, and your peace of mind.

By asking the right questions early on, you gain critical insight into an attorney’s experience, communication style, legal strategy, and values. You’ll quickly find out whether they’re just looking to settle quickly—or if they’re genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome for you.

At the end of the day, you deserve an advocate who listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and stands beside you every step of the way. That’s the level of care and commitment you’ll find at Tim D. Wright Law.

Talk to Tim D. Wright Today

📍 Burbank Office
1112 W. Burbank Blvd., Suite 302
Burbank, CA 91506
📞 (323) 379-9995

📍 Van Nuys Workers’ Comp Office
16555 Sherman Way, Suite B2
Van Nuys, CA 91406
📞 (818) 428-1080

📧 Email: firm@timwrightlaw.com
🌐 Website: www.timwrightlaw.com

👉 Follow us for legal tips and updates:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

I am very satisfied and thankful with Attorney Tim Wright and his whole team for taking care and handling my fathers personal injuries case. Thank you all very much your staff is amazing, very helpful.
Abraham Ortega
The Law Offices of Tim D. Wright were awesome. They were professional, they kept an open communication with me through out the process.  Big shout out to Sergio and Mercedes for being very helpful with my settlement.
Frank Medina

You're Not Alone. We're Here to Help.

Tell us what happened. Our legal team offers free, same-day consultations to guide you through your next steps.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
For faster service
Call Now
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.