What to Expect When You Consult With a Lawyer

June 17, 2025

Colbert Cooper Hill Attorneys

If you or someone you love is struggling with an injury following an accident, you may wonder if you have a legal case against the person responsible.

When you consult with a personal injury lawyer, they will review the facts of your case and give you their best advice on how to move forward. They will explain the legal process in words that you can understand and tell you what to expect regarding a potential settlement and how long the case might take.

Many personal injury attorneys offer a free case evaluation so you can explore your legal options without worrying about finances. For most people, their primary concern is how they will pay for a lawyer. At Colbert Cooper Hill, we work on contingency, which means we don’t get paid unless we win for you.

What You Should Bring to Your Free Case Review

When you first consult with a lawyer, it’s a good idea to gather some paperwork ahead of the meeting. This will help the lawyer see what kind of evidence is available for your case and determine how strong it is.

You may be asked to bring these types of documents:

Medical records and bills that are related your injury
Photos or videos from the accident scene
Information about witnesses or witness statements
A police report for the incident
Any communications from the insurance companies involved
A copy of your insurance policy
A list of important dates, such as when the incident and any related medical treatments happened

Don’t worry too much if you forget or don’t currently have all these documents—you and your lawyer will have plenty of time to gather additional documentation for your case if you proceed with it.

What to Expect at Your Initial Consultation With a Lawyer

Your consultation with a lawyer may last from 30 minutes to an hour. It can be done in person or through a video conference.

Think of this consultation as a friendly chat with someone who has legal knowledge to guide you through your potential case. It is also a way to assess your compatibility with this lawyer. If you feel rushed or like they’re not listening to you, then you can walk away with no strings attached.

You will discuss the details of your case. This can include what happened leading up to the incident, the full details of the accident itself, and the injuries and medical treatment that followed. The lawyer may ask you specific questions that will help them assess how strong your case may be.

Everything you say is confidential. You should be completely honest with your lawyer, even if you think it might hurt your case. Your lawyer needs the full details so there are no surprises.

The lawyer will explain your legal options. The lawyer will analyze your case and give you an objective opinion on how strong it might be. They will tell you how they can help you file a claim, negotiate a settlement, pursue mediation, or file a personal injury lawsuit. You should receive the pros and cons of each option, the potential timeline, and what you will need to do.

They will evaluate your damages and tell you what your case may be worth. A personal injury claim can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses. While no one can tell you exactly how much a settlement may ultimately be, the lawyer can provide a ballpark estimate for potential compensation.

The lawyer will explain their fees and how they get paid. Many personal injury lawyers, like Colbert Cooper Hill, work on contingency. This means we don’t get paid unless we win compensation for you. We’ll make sure you know exactly what our fees are so there are no surprises. Typically, our payment is taken out of your awarded damages, which means you don’t pay us out of pocket.

Lastly, the lawyer will ask you if you have any questions. This is your chance to clarify anything you don’t understand. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have to learn more about the lawyer and how they might handle your case.

You don’t have to commit to anything at this meeting. In fact, you should probably take some time after the meeting to consider the lawyer’s approach and communication style, and whether you feel comfortable and confident working with them.

If you’d like to move forward, then you would sign a legal document like a written engagement agreement or a retainer agreement. The lawyer will then officially become your lawyer.

5 Questions You Should Ask the Lawyer

You can ask the attorney anything related to them, their experience, or your case. You can also bring up anything that makes you feel worried or uncomfortable, which will give them a chance to put your mind at ease.

If your lawyer hasn’t already answered them, here are some essential questions to ask before you commit to their services:

Have you handled cases similar to mine? What were the outcomes?
What are the steps involved in pursuing a claim or lawsuit, and how long does it take?
What is your recommended approach for my case?
What are the potential outcomes of my case?
Who will be my point of contact for my case, and how often should I expect to receive updates?

Remember, an experienced lawyer should be able to easily answer all your questions in terms that you understand. You should walk away from this meeting with a very good understanding of what will happen if you hire this lawyer for your case.

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The Wolf Pack™ at Colbert Cooper Hill Will Fight to Defend Your Rights

The Wolf Pack™ has a proven track record of helping our clients get the compensation they deserve. We’ll provide support for you during one of the most challenging times of your life and fight aggressively to defend your legal rights.

Our team of legal professionals has extensive experience helping people in Oklahoma with cases including:

With offices in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Ardmore, our team can represent anyone in Oklahoma who is looking for a fair settlement after someone else’s negligent actions hurt them. We’ll help hold responsible parties accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.

To get started with a free consultation, call us at (405) 218-9200 or fill out our online contact form. With The Wolf Pack™ on your side, you can be confident that your case is in the right hands.

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.