Hiring legal representation is just the first step. How you collaborate with your lawyer throughout your case can significantly impact the results you achieve.
We’ve seen clients make the same missteps repeatedly over the years, often without realizing how these errors affect their cases. Our friends at Cohen & Cohen discuss similar patterns in client relationships. Finding the right truck accident lawyer matters, but knowing how to work with them matters just as much.
Mistake #1: Withholding Information From Your Lawyer
Some clients hide facts they believe might damage their case. This approach backfires almost every time.
Your attorney needs complete information to build an effective strategy. Attorney-client privilege protects your conversations, making it safe to share everything. When damaging information surfaces later, your lawyer has less time to address it properly.
Tell your attorney about prior convictions, previous lawsuits, contradictory statements, or anything else that might come up. We can work around problems we know about. Surprises hurt cases.
Mistake #2: Missing Deadlines And Ignoring Communication
Legal cases operate on strict timelines. Courts don’t extend deadlines because you forgot to respond to your lawyer’s email.
When your attorney requests documents or information, treat it as urgent. Missing a deadline can mean losing your right to file a claim or present evidence. Set reminders. Check your email daily. Return calls promptly.
Mistake #3: Treating Your Lawyer Like A Therapist
While we understand legal matters create stress, lengthy phone calls about your feelings consume billable time without advancing your case.
Save detailed conversations for your appointments. When you do need to talk, focus on facts and legal strategy. If you’re struggling emotionally with your situation, consider speaking with a counselor who specializes in supporting people through legal challenges.
Mistake #4: Shopping Your Case To Multiple Attorneys Simultaneously
Some people hire several lawyers at once, hoping one will deliver better results. This creates confusion and often violates fee agreements.
If you’re unhappy with your current representation, discuss your concerns directly first. You can switch attorneys if needed, but running parallel representations creates problems:
- Conflicting legal strategies
- Duplicated work and wasted money
- Confusion about who represents you
- Potential ethical violations
Choose one lawyer and commit to working together.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Your Lawyer’s Advice
You hired an attorney for their legal knowledge and experience. When they recommend a particular approach, they have good reasons.
You’re not obligated to follow every suggestion, but dismissing professional guidance without discussion rarely ends well. If you disagree with your lawyer’s strategy, ask questions and understand their reasoning. Make informed decisions rather than emotional ones.
Mistake #6: Posting About Your Case On Social Media
Insurance companies and opposing counsel monitor social media. That innocent post about your weekend activities can contradict your injury claims.
Avoid discussing your case online entirely. Don’t post photos, don’t vent about the other party, and don’t share updates about court proceedings. What feels private on social media becomes public evidence in litigation.
Mistake #7: Expecting Immediate Results
Legal processes move slowly. Court calendars fill up months in advance. Discovery takes time. Negotiations require patience.
Constant calls asking “what’s happening” don’t speed things up. Trust that your lawyer is working on your behalf. Many cases involve periods where nothing visible happens while important work occurs behind the scenes.
If weeks pass without updates and you’re genuinely concerned, a polite check-in is reasonable. But understand that silence often means progress is happening through proper channels.
Building A Better Partnership
Avoiding these common mistakes strengthens your working relationship with your attorney. Strong collaboration improves communication, reduces stress, and often leads to better outcomes.
Remember that your lawyer succeeds when you succeed. We want the best possible result for your case. By maintaining honest communication, respecting professional guidance, and staying engaged throughout the process, you give your case the strongest chance of success.
If you need legal representation and want a team that values open communication and partnership, contact us today to discuss your situation.