Injured in a Car Accident in Los Angeles? Ask These 5 Questions Before Choosing a Lawyer
After a serious car crash, you’re likely dealing with pain, stress, and mounting bills, and choosing the right lawyer can make all the difference. Not all attorneys are the same, and the firm you choose could impact how much compensation you recover.
Before hiring anyone, here are 5 key questions to ask a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles to make sure you’re putting your case in the right hands.
1. What Is Your Experience and Background?
Car accidents are common in Los Angeles but not all car accident attorneys have the same level of skill or experience.
If your crash resulted in serious injuries, lost income, or long-term medical care, you need a law firm that knows how to handle complex personal injury claims.
Choosing the right local attorney can make a big difference in how much compensation you recover and how smoothly your case progresses.
An experienced attorney will know how to deal with difficult insurance companies, gather strong evidence, and build a case that reflects the full impact of your injuries.
Here are some important questions to ask about their background and experience:
- Have you handled similar personal injury cases like mine? Look for a lawyer who regularly handles cases involving the same type of accident, injury, or liability dispute.
- How many years have you been in personal injury law? A seasoned attorney will have a deeper understanding of California accident laws, trial strategies, and negotiation tactics.
- Are you a member of any professional legal organizations? Membership in groups like the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles (CAALA) or the California Bar’s Litigation Section can signal a commitment to professional development and advocacy.
2. How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Case?
One of the most common questions after a car accident is, “How long will this take?” While no attorney can promise an exact timeline, they should give you a realistic estimate based on your situation.
The length of a personal injury case often depends on:
- The severity of your injuries and length of medical treatment
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
- The insurance company’s willingness to negotiate
- Court scheduling and case backlogs
Be cautious if a lawyer guarantees a fast outcome, especially if your injuries are still being treated. Rushing a case could mean accepting a lower settlement than you deserve. A good attorney will balance efficiency with getting the best possible result for you.
Did You Know?
Most car accident cases in Los Angeles don’t go to trial. In fact, the vast majority are resolved through settlement with the insurance company, often without ever stepping foot in a courtroom.
According to the Judicial Council of California, only 137 out of 20,417 personal injury cases involving motor vehicle accidents filed in fiscal year 2023–2024 in Los Angeles County went to trial. That means over 99% were likely resolved through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration.
3. How Will You Assess My Case?
Another key question to ask a Los Angeles car accident lawyer involves case evaluations. A thorough case evaluation is the foundation of a strong personal injury claim. Your attorney should begin by collecting key evidence that helps establish what happened, who is at fault, and the extent of your injuries. This typically includes:
- Police reports that document the incident and may include citations or statements from those involved
- Medical bills, especially if you required ongoing care like physical therapy or follow-up treatment
- Photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, visible injuries, or any hazards that contributed to the incident
- Insurance details from all parties, including health and auto insurance policies
- Witness statements, which can help support your version of events
- Additional evidence specific to your case, such as surveillance footage, cell phone records, or employer documentation for lost wages
Your attorney will use this information to assess the strength of your claim, identify liable parties, calculate your damages, and estimate the potential value of your case.
If a law firm offers to take your car accident case without carefully reviewing this evidence, it’s a red flag.
A proper evaluation takes time and attention to detail. Without it, your legal rights and recovery could be at risk. If this step is skipped, you may want to consult with a different attorney for a second opinion.
4. What Will My Legal Costs Be?
Most personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. Instead, your attorney only gets paid if they win your case.
Their fee is typically a percentage of your final settlement or court award. However, it’s important to understand exactly how this works and what happens if your case goes to trial.
Here are key questions to ask about costs during your initial consultation:
- Do you charge a contingency fee or an hourly fee? Most personal injury lawyers use contingency fees, but it’s good to confirm and understand the percentage rate, especially if it increases if the case goes to trial.
- What percentage of the recovery will go toward legal fees and case costs? Ask for an estimate of what you’ll take home after attorney fees and case-related expenses (such as filing fees, expert witnesses, or medical record retrieval costs) are deducted.
- Will I owe anything if we don’t win? Some firms cover all upfront costs and absorb them if you lose, while others may require you to repay certain expenses. Be sure to clarify this.
- Do I need to pay a retainer or any fees upfront? In most contingency fee arrangements, no retainer is required but confirm this to avoid surprises.
Understanding your financial commitment before signing a fee agreement can help you make informed decisions. A trustworthy attorney will be upfront about all potential costs and provide a written explanation.
5. Who Will Work on My Case?
Make sure a California licensed attorney—not just a case manager or assistant—will be overseeing your case. It’s okay for a team to help, but the attorney should be the one directing strategy and making key decisions.
When you hire our firm, your case won’t be passed off. You’ll have a dedicated attorney overseeing your case from start to finish, supported by a skilled legal team including paralegals, investigators, and medical experts.
Our lawyers have a proven record of success, so much so that other car accident attorneys in Los Angeles refer their most challenging cases to us.
Ready to Ask These Questions to a Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney at El Dabe Ritter?
Before you make any decisions about hiring a car accident attorney, make sure you’re fully informed. At El Dabe Ritter Trial Lawyers, we understand how important it is to feel confident in your choice.
That’s why we offer a free consultation to answer all your questions and evaluate your case—no obligation, no pressure.
Call us today at (213) 985-1120 to get a free case evaluation. The right legal help can make all the difference.
Recommended Reading: In a Crash in L.A.? What to Do Next, Even If You Feel Fine
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should consult with an experienced attorney for advice on your specific situation.
