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You should hear from your personal injury lawyer anytime there is a new development in your case. A good attorney will also send out regular communications to you to touch base and assure you that your personal injury case is still on track.
That being said, when you’re choosing your West Palm Beach personal injury attorney, it’s important to find one whose communication frequency best meets your needs, whether you’re a “don’t call me unless you need something” kind of person or one who needs regular updates and reassurance.
So, what should you expect, communication-wise, from your chosen personal injury law firm?
Communication timeline of a Florida personal injury case
The frequency of communications depends on what stage your personal injury claim is at. Initially, you can expect to hear from your lawyer quite frequently, as they will need information to build the case. You can expect to hear from your lawyer if the other party presents a settlement offer, as your attorney is professionally obligated to communicate those to you (even if it’s clearly a lowball offer).
Statements and bills from your post-accident medical treatment are one of the most important elements of case-building. These show that the accident caused your injuries (helping prove causation) and illustrate to insurance companies the extent of your medical damages. Keep all documentation and communications related to the accident, and give copies to your lawyer. This also includes pay stubs from the time you missed at work, estimates for repairing property damage (like an auto body quote), and all communication attempts from the other party.
Once your case enters the discovery phase, your lawyer may communicate requests for documents from the other party, and, if you’re going to be deposed, information about when the deposition will be and what to expect. Discovery can take anywhere from a couple of months to over a year, depending on how complex the matter is and what kind of information each side needs.
Communication will likely slow after the first flurry of discovery exchange; after you’ve submitted everything your lawyer asks, you probably won’t hear from them much unless the other party offers a settlement.
If you don’t settle your case out of court, it will go to trial. Expect to hear from your lawyer quite often in the weeks leading up to the trial. If you’re going to testify, your lawyer will schedule preparation sessions, so you know what you’ll be asked (and when to stay silent) and feel more comfortable at trial. During the trial, expect a daily recap of the day’s events and a quick prep session for the next day.
What kind of communication should I expect from my personal injury lawyer?
When choosing your attorney, look for someone whose communication styles and frequency matches your needs, and someone you feel comfortable talking about personal and sensitive information with. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find someone you click with and trust.
Good lawyers will reach out each time a significant event occurs, including:
- A scheduled court hearing
- A request for information from the defense
- A request from the defense for a deposition
- A court order for both parties to attend mediation
- Time, date, and location of mediation sessions
- Any settlement offer extended by the other party
You should feel comfortable reaching out to your law firm and secure in knowing that your lawyer will honestly answer your questions and provide reassurance.
Get the guidance you need at every stage of your case
Clear and consistent communication is essential in a personal injury case. You deserve a legal team that not only fights for your rights but also keeps you informed so you feel confident about the process. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, our Florida trial attorneys take the time to understand your needs, explain your options, and answer your questions every step of the way.
If you are considering filing a lawsuit or need help with an ongoing personal injury case, we are here to guide you from start to finish. Call Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today at (561) 655-1990 or contact us online for your free consultation with an experienced Florida personal injury lawyer.