When you’ve been injured, finding your voice can be as challenging as recovering from your injuries. At Keith & Lorfing, we understand that talking to a lawyer might seem intimidating—especially when you’re already dealing with physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the emotional turmoil of an accident.
Being prepared for your conversation with a personal injury attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. As West Texas injury attorneys with over 500 trial experiences, we’ve guided thousands of clients through this process, and we’re sharing our insider knowledge to help you communicate effectively during your consultation.
Need immediate assistance? Contact us now for a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers in West Texas.
Why It Matters: Communicating Effectively with Your Lawyer
The way you communicate with your personal injury lawyer directly impacts your case’s trajectory. Clear, honest communication helps your attorney build the strongest possible case for your compensation.
Most personal injury lawyers in Texas, including our team at Keith & Lorfing, operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning we only get paid when you win. This payment structure aligns our interests with yours, but it also makes effective communication essential.
When you speak with your lawyer, remember:
- Your attorney needs the complete picture to effectively advocate for you
- The attorney-client privilege protects your conversations, allowing you total honesty
- Documentation strengthens your claims and helps quantify your damages
- Being well-prepared saves time and money in the legal process
“The difference between a good settlement and a great one often comes down to how effectively a client communicates with their attorney. We can only fight for what we know about.” — Russell Lorfing, Founding Partner
💡 Clear communication isn’t just polite—it’s strategic. What your attorney doesn’t know can’t be used to help you.
How to Prepare for the Initial Consultation
If you’re unsure about what to expect when hiring legal counsel, the Texas State Law Library’s guide to hiring and firing your lawyer offers practical advice on choosing the right attorney, setting expectations, and managing disputes.
What to Bring to the First Meeting
Walking into your first meeting prepared demonstrates to your attorney that you’re serious about your case. Here’s what you should bring:
| Document Type | Why It Matters | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Police Reports | Establishes official record of incident | Request copies from responding department |
| Photos/Videos | Visual evidence of scene, injuries, damage | Organize chronologically |
| Medical Records & Bills | Documents injuries and treatment costs | Include all providers, even initial evaluations |
| Pay Stubs | Proves lost wages | Bring 3 months before accident and any after |
| Witness Information | Provides supporting testimony | Include contact details and relation to you |
| Insurance Communications | Shows claim history | Include claim numbers and adjuster names |
| Personal Journal | Details pain and limitations | Start keeping daily notes if you haven’t already |
Organize these documents chronologically in a folder or binder. This simple step allows our attorney to quickly understand your case timeline.
Be Honest and Clear About the Incident
When describing your accident and injuries to a personal injury attorney, complete honesty is non-negotiable.
The Texas legal system values consistency and truthfulness. At Keith & Lorfing, we’ve seen many cases where a client’s credibility became the deciding factor in settlement negotiations or at trial.
Remember these key points:
- Never exaggerate your injuries — medical records will reveal the truth
- Disclose pre-existing conditions — your lawyer needs to know how the accident affected existing issues
- Don’t minimize your pain — accurately describe how injuries impact your daily life
- Be specific about accident details — “around noon” is less helpful than “12:15 PM”
- Admit what you don’t remember — gaps in memory are normal after trauma
Stay Calm and Focused During the Conversation
Your demeanor during legal consultations matters more than you might think. Insurance companies and opposing counsel often evaluate how you would present as a witness if your case goes to trial.
Our founding partner Russell Lorfing, a former federal prosecutor, notes that composed clients often make the most credible witnesses.
During your consultation:
- Take deep breaths if you feel emotional
- Stick to chronological events rather than jumping between topics
- Bring notes to reference if you’re worried about forgetting details
- Take brief pauses before answering complex questions
- Bring a trusted friend or family member for support if needed
Ask for Clarification When Needed
Legal terminology can be confusing, and good attorneys understand this. At Keith & Lorfing, we pride ourselves on explaining complex legal concepts in straightforward terms.
Never hesitate to ask for clarification if you don’t understand something. Remember:
- There are no “stupid” questions when it comes to your case
- Request examples if conceptual explanations aren’t clear
- Repeat information back to confirm your grasp
- Take notes during explanations for future reference
- Ask about next steps before concluding the meeting
Questions to Ask a Personal Injury Lawyer
💼 Asking the right questions helps you hire the right partner—not just a lawyer, but someone ready to fight your specific battle.
Asking the right questions helps you evaluate whether an attorney is the right fit for your case. Here are essential questions to ask during your consultation:
What's your experience with cases like mine?
Experience with similar cases means your attorney won’t need to “learn on the job.” At Keith & Lorfing, our attorneys have handled hundreds of cases across West Texas, from oilfield injuries to car accident cases and multi-vehicle accidents.
Look for specific examples rather than general statements. An attorney should comfortably discuss:
- Similar cases they’ve handled
- Relevant settlements or verdicts
- Challenges specific to your type of injury
- Familiarity with local courts and judges
Who will handle my case?
At some firms, you meet with a senior partner during consultation, but your case gets handed to a junior associate or paralegal afterward. Knowing who will actually work on your case day-to-day is essential.
At Keith & Lorfing, we believe in transparency about our team structure. When you have an initial consultation, you’ll learn:
- Which attorney will be your primary contact
- What team members will support your case
- How communication will be structured
- When different team members might be involved
What fees do you charge?
Most personal injury attorneys in Texas work on contingency, meaning they collect a percentage of your recovery rather than charging hourly. However, the specifics matter.
Ask about:
- The percentage taken from settlement vs. trial verdict
- How case expenses are handled
- Whether you’re responsible for costs if you lose
- Any administrative or file fees
What is my case worth?
While no ethical attorney can guarantee a specific outcome, our experienced lawyers will provide a reasonable range based on similar cases.
At Keith & Lorfing, we evaluate multiple factors:
- The severity and permanence of injuries
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Impact on quality of life
- Applicable insurance policy limits
Will my case go to trial?
While most personal injury cases settle before trial, being prepared for courtroom proceedings is essential. Ask about:
- The attorney’s trial experience
- Their assessment of settlement likelihood
- Typical timeline for cases like yours
- How they prepare clients for testimony
At Keith & Lorfing, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach often results in better settlements because insurance companies know we’re ready to fight.
How often will I get updates?
Communication expectations should be clear from the start. Ask about:
- Regular update frequency
- Who will provide updates
- Response time for calls and emails
- Preferred communication methods
Our West Texas clients receive regular case updates, with additional contact for significant developments.
What if I lose — am I responsible for costs?
Knowing your financial exposure is essential. Most contingency arrangements mean no attorney fees if you don’t recover compensation, but case expenses might be handled differently.
At Keith & Lorfing, we’re transparent about financial arrangements and will provide written explanations of all potential costs.
In-Person vs. Phone Consultation: What to Expect
Modern personal injury consultations happen through various channels. Here’s what to expect:
In-Person Consultations
Benefits:
- Easier to share physical documents
- More personal connection with attorney
- Better for demonstrating physical limitations
- Ability to read body language
Tips for success:
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Dress comfortably but neatly
- Bring original documents
- Turn off phone notifications
Phone Consultations
Benefits:
- Convenient for those with mobility issues
- No travel required
- Can often be scheduled sooner
- Allows participation from hospital/home during recovery
Tips for success:
- Find a quiet, private location
- Use speaker phone to take notes
- Have documents organized and accessible
- Email important documents beforehand if possible
Video Consultations
Benefits:
- Combines convenience with personal connection
- Allows screen sharing of documents
- Attorney can observe injuries/limitations
- Available from anywhere with internet connection
Tips for success:
- Test your connection beforehand
- Position camera at eye level
- Ensure good lighting
- Minimize background distractions
At Keith & Lorfing, we offer all three consultation types to accommodate our clients’ needs across West Texas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Speaking with a Lawyer
⚠️ Small missteps—like venting on social media or hiding facts—can cost you the case before it starts
Even well-meaning clients sometimes make mistakes that can complicate their cases. Here’s what to avoid:
Lying or Omitting Facts
Why it hurts you: Your attorney needs the complete picture to build an effective strategy. Surprises that emerge later can devastate your case.
Better approach: Be upfront about everything, including prior injuries or accidents. Good attorneys can address potential weaknesses if they know about them in advance.
Being Overly Emotional or Confrontational
Why it hurts you: While your emotions are valid, aggressive behavior can make effective communication difficult.
Better approach: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, acknowledge it: “I’m struggling with this discussion because of how much pain I’m in. Can we take a short break?”
Failing to Ask Who Will Handle the Case
Why it hurts you: You might meet with an experienced partner only to have your case assigned to someone with less experience.
Better approach: Directly ask, “Will you personally handle my case, or will it be assigned to another attorney?”
Agreeing to Terms Without Reading
Why it hurts you: Legal agreements are binding, and misunderstandings can be costly.
Better approach: Ask to take documents home to review, or request time during the meeting to read them thoroughly.
Posting About Your Case on Social Media
Why it hurts you: Insurance companies routinely monitor social media for evidence that contradicts claims.
Better approach: Maintain social media silence about your accident, injuries, and activities until your case concludes.
Contact Our Texas Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you’ve been injured through no fault of your own, talking to our experienced personal injury lawyer is the first step toward justice. At Keith & Lorfing, we offer:
- Free consultations with no obligation
- 24/7 availability for serious injury cases
- Home and hospital visits if you can’t come to us
- No fees unless we win your case
Call us today at (325)-246-9410 to schedule your free consultation with our experienced West Texas attorneys. Can’t call right now? Complete our online form and we’ll reach out within 24 hours for a free case evaluation.
FAQs About Talking to Personal Injury Lawyers
What should I bring to my consultation?
Bring all documentation related to your accident and injuries, including police reports, medical records, insurance correspondence, photographs, and a written timeline of events. The more information you provide, the better advice our attorney can offer.
Can I ask about the lawyer's past case results?
Absolutely! While ethical rules prevent attorneys from guaranteeing results, discussing similar past cases helps you understand their experience level. Ask specifically about cases with injuries and circumstances similar to yours.
How should I follow up after the first meeting?
Send a thank-you email summarizing key points discussed and any additional questions. Provide any requested documents promptly. If you decide to hire the attorney, carefully review the representation agreement before signing. At Keith & Lorfing, we ensure clear next steps are established before you leave your consultation.
Can I bring someone with me to the meeting?
Yes, bringing a trusted friend or family member is often helpful. They can take notes, provide emotional support, and offer perspective afterward. However, be aware that having others present may waive attorney-client privilege for that conversation.
What happens if I decide not to hire the lawyer?
There’s no obligation to hire an attorney after a consultation. The information shared remains confidential even if you choose another firm. Many people consult with multiple attorneys before making a decision. Most personal injury attorneys in Texas offer free consultations, so there’s no financial risk in seeking a second opinion.
