Defining Your Attorney-Client Relationship for a Smooth Case

What to Expect When Working With Your Truck Accident Attorney

The most important aspect of this relationship development is communication. Even small disagreements should be talked over—and promptly. If you think an attorney isn’t being responsive enough, let him know. If you just got news back from the doctor about a condition related to your accident, let your attorney know. Both you and your case can benefit from regular communication with your attorney.

Developing a Communicative Relationship

How you and your attorney handle communication and other important aspects of the client-attorney relationship can have a surprisingly profound impact on the general course of your case. Since communication is the hallmark of a strong client-attorney relationship, you should ensure that both you and your attorney understand one another early on.

Fortunately, you have the opportunity to establish a solid foundation before you even hire your attorney by setting up a consultation. Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations to discuss your case before a contract is decided. This “pre-screening” interview allows both you and him to get to know each other and deduce whether a successful relationship can be developed. During this time, you can also address how you wish to approach the relationship in order for you to feel comfortable while also providing your claim with the best possible chance for success.

Choosing Your Approach

Some attorneys may not volunteer information on any other approach other than the traditional client-attorney working relationship (there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that, as it is a solid relationship). However, we feel that it’s important that you, as a client and consumer, understand that you do have options when it comes to how your case will be handled.

There are three ways that you can assert yourself into the relationship, depending on the role you wish to take:

• The lead. You may wish to handle the claim yourself with your attorney acting as a legal coach. Remember, an injury claim can be extremely frustrating and difficult, so before deciding on this option make sure you discuss it thoroughly with your attorney. Not all firms are comfortable in this role, and some may not be interested in taking on this kind of client, but some smaller firms may be enthusiastic about this kind of approach.
• Supportive player. Rather than taking full responsibility for the claim, you may wish to let your attorney take point while you offer your assistance and support. In this role, you would gather certain documents or perform other tasks that don’t require legal expertise, while the attorney handles the legal end of things and reviews documents or actions that could be helpful to your case.
• Spectator (traditional client-attorney relationship). As an “onlooker,” you more or less allow the attorney to take charge of the claim. You will be periodically updated with progress reports until the case is resolved, but you do not have to deal directly with the other players. This is more of a partnership than it seems, as it’s crucial that you clearly express your case objectives and expectations early on.

The Start of a Beautiful Friendship

Selecting an attorney who will respect your options is integral, so make sure that you ask questions about a potential lawyer’s procedural practices and client relationship goals before you hire him.

When you’ve found a dependable accident lawyer who makes you feel comfortable, you’ll know that you can trust putting your claim in his hands. Remember, it’s your lawyer’s job to protect you, and it’s your job to get the best protection you can find. Call our office today to set up your free consultation, and see how hard Steve Lee works to protect his clients while maintaining strong attorney-client relationships.