The attorney-client relationship significantly affects case outcomes. Clients who work collaboratively with their attorneys typically achieve better results than those who don’t communicate effectively or follow professional guidance.
Our friends at Rasmussen & Miner discuss how productive working relationships between attorneys and clients lead to higher settlements and smoother case experiences. A truck accident lawyer can only achieve optimal results when clients provide timely information, communicate openly, and follow strategic advice throughout the legal process.
These twelve tips will help you work effectively with your attorney and maximize your case results.
1. Respond Promptly To Communications
When we contact you requesting information, authorization, or decisions, respond within 24 to 48 hours. Your responsiveness directly affects how quickly your case progresses.
Cases sit idle when clients don’t return calls or emails. This delays settlement negotiations and can create problems when time-sensitive decisions or actions are needed.
According to the American Bar Association, effective attorney-client communication significantly improves case outcomes and client satisfaction.
2. Provide Complete And Honest Information
Tell us everything relevant to your case even if you think it might hurt your claim. We need complete information about pre-existing conditions, prior accidents, criminal history if relevant, and any facts that might come up during investigation.
Surprises discovered by insurance companies damage cases far more than information we can address strategically from the beginning. Honesty allows us to develop effective strategies rather than reacting defensively to problems we didn’t know existed.
3. Follow Our Advice About Medical Treatment
Continue all recommended medical treatment without gaps. Attend every appointment, complete prescribed therapy, and follow activity restrictions.
We advise you on treatment issues because we understand how medical decisions affect case values. Treatment gaps or failure to follow recommendations gives insurance companies ammunition to reduce settlement offers.
4. Keep Us Informed About Important Developments
Tell us immediately about new medical diagnoses, changes in your condition, job changes affecting lost wage claims, or any contact with insurance companies or investigators.
We can only protect your interests when we know what’s happening. Don’t wait for scheduled updates to share important information.
5. Organize And Maintain Your Documentation
Keep all accident-related documents organized in one place. Save receipts, medical bills, pay stubs, and correspondence. Provide requested documents promptly when we need them.
Your organized documentation speeds up case preparation and prevents delays caused by missing information.
6. Trust Our Professional Judgment About Strategy
We provide strategic advice based on years of handling similar cases. If we recommend waiting to settle, rejecting an offer, or taking a case to trial, we have good reasons based on experience.
Ask questions if you disagree with recommendations, but understand we’re advising you based on what typically produces best results in cases like yours.
7. Don’t Discuss Your Case On Social Media
Make all social media accounts private and post nothing about your accident, injuries, legal case, or daily activities. Insurance companies monitor your online presence looking for content they can use against you.
Follow this advice consistently even when it feels overly cautious. Social media posts destroy more cases than almost any other single factor.
8. Be Patient With The Process
Injury cases take time to resolve properly. Understand that delays are often necessary for maximizing your recovery rather than obstacles we’re failing to overcome.
Rushing settlement before reaching maximum medical improvement or pushing for quick resolutions typically results in substantially lower compensation than patient, strategic case development.
9. Ask Questions When You Don’t Understand
Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification about legal concepts, case developments, or strategic decisions. We want you to understand what’s happening and why.
However, save detailed questions for scheduled calls or meetings rather than requesting lengthy explanations of minor procedural matters via email. This allows us to focus time on advancing your case.
10. Attend All Required Appointments And Depositions
Show up on time and prepared for depositions, independent medical examinations, mediation sessions, and any other required appearances.
Missing appointments or arriving unprepared creates problems that damage your case and can result in sanctions or dismissal in extreme circumstances.
11. Be Realistic About Your Case Value
Listen to our honest assessments of what your case is worth. We provide realistic value ranges based on similar cases and typical settlement patterns.
Unrealistic expectations about receiving millions for moderate injuries leads to disappointment and sometimes causes clients to reject reasonable settlements hoping for amounts that won’t materialize.
12. Inform Us About Any Problems Or Concerns
If you’re unhappy with communication frequency, confused about case strategy, or concerned about any aspect of your representation, tell us directly.
Most problems can be resolved through honest discussion. Don’t let frustrations build up or assume we know you’re dissatisfied without telling us.
Building A Productive Partnership
Your injury case represents a partnership between you and your attorney working toward the same goal of maximum compensation for your injuries. This partnership works best when both parties communicate effectively, trust each other’s roles, and work collaboratively.
We handle the legal strategy, negotiations, and case presentation. You provide accurate information, follow treatment recommendations, and make informed decisions about settlement offers or trial.
When both sides fulfill their responsibilities, cases move smoothly toward successful resolutions that maximize your financial recovery while minimizing stress and frustration throughout the process.
The quality of our working relationship directly affects your case outcome and your experience throughout what can be a long, stressful process. Small investments in communication, organization, and following advice pay substantial dividends in better results and smoother case progression.
Contact an experienced attorney who values collaborative client relationships, communicates clearly about strategy and developments, provides honest assessments of case value and realistic expectations, and will work with you as a true partner fighting for the compensation you deserve while making the legal process as straightforward and stress-free as possible under your specific circumstances.
