You’ve hired a personal injury lawyer in California, handed over all your paperwork, and now… nothing. Days turn into weeks, and you’re wondering: “Is this normal, or should I be worried?”
Whether you’re waiting on a hearing or trial, wondering about the status of settlement offers, or simply unsure if court documents have been filed, the silence can be frustrating. Clear, regular communication from your lawyer isn’t just helpful it’s part of what you’re entitled to as a client. If you're not hearing back, it's okay to pick up the phone and ask.
Why Staying Informed Matters
If you’re working with a personal injury lawyer, staying updated on your case isn’t a luxury it’s a right. Regular lawyer communication builds client trust and helps you feel confident that your case is moving forward.
The attorney-client relationship should feel like a partnership. That doesn’t mean constant calls, but it does mean knowing what’s happening and when to expect the next update. According to ABA Rule 1.4, lawyers are required to keep clients “reasonably informed” which means silence for weeks at a time isn’t how it should work.
Setting Expectations From the Start
The best time to talk about communication is before it becomes a problem. At your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, there should be a clear conversation about how often you’ll get updates and how you prefer to be contacted.
- Initial Consultation: This is your chance to ask how often you can expect status calls or emails, and what kind of updates will be shared.
- You might prefer a phone call every few weeks, or quick updates through email or a secure client portal. Every client is different.
- It's also helpful to define what “regular communication” really means. Is it weekly? Monthly? After every major development?
- Some law firms now use platforms like CASEpeer, which make frequent communication easier and more reliable.
Getting on the same page early helps you know what to expect and reduces frustration later. This kind of reasonable communication sets the tone for the rest of the case.
When You Should Hear From Your Lawyer
Not every day of your case will bring big news. But there are certain points where hearing from your lawyer is expected and important. If you're unsure whether you're being kept in the loop enough, consider where you are in the stage of your case.
- Key Milestones: You should always be contacted when there’s a new settlement offer, a hearing is coming up, or your lawyer files something with the court.
- During Medical Treatment: Even if there’s no update on the legal side, a monthly check-in keeps your lawyer informed and helps track your recovery.
- After You Reach Out: A good lawyer responds within 1–2 business days. Longer than that, and it starts to feel like a lack of communication.
If you're in the middle of settlement negotiations or discussing the chances of success, hearing from your lawyer regularly isn’t just helpful, it's necessary. Knowing what’s normal and what isn’t can help you decide when to speak up.
Why You Might Not Hear Right Away
There may be times when your lawyer isn’t calling every few days, and that’s not always a bad sign. Some parts of the case just take time. Still, if you're left wondering what's going on, it's important to know what could be happening behind the scenes.
- Normal Delays: Your lawyer could be waiting on court dates, responses from insurance companies, or medical records. These parts of the process aren’t always fast.
- Caseloads and Priorities: Lawyers often juggle multiple cases, and legal assistants or a case manager might help keep things moving. Still, even with a full calendar, your lawyer should make time for timely status calls.
- Silence as a Red Flag: If you’ve left messages and haven’t heard back in weeks or the updates feel vague and inconsistent, that’s a lack of communication worth addressing.
No news isn’t always bad news, but you shouldn't feel like you're chasing your attorney just to get basic answers about the stage of your case.
Is It Normal Not to Hear From Your Lawyer?
It’s a question many clients have after a few quiet weeks: “Is this normal, or should I be concerned?” Understanding when to expect contact can help you feel more in control.
- Some quiet periods are normal, especially when you’re waiting on a response or action from another party. During those times, there may not be anything new to report.
- But when that quiet stretches too long without a simple check-in, it can signal poor habits, not just process delays. A lawyer who values the attorney-client relationship makes an effort to maintain reasonable communication, even when the case is in a holding pattern.
- Consistent contact helps build client trust, even if it’s just a quick update saying, “Still waiting, but you haven’t been forgotten.”
So yes, it's normal not to hear from your personal injury lawyer every day. But it’s not normal to feel completely out of the loop for weeks at a time.
How Regular Communication Benefits Your Case
You don’t just want updates for peace of mind regular communication can actually make a real difference in how your case plays out.
- You’ll be aligned on key deadlines, filings, and paperwork. That means fewer surprises and less stress when something is due.
- Your lawyer won’t miss critical windows for settlement negotiations, and you’ll be informed enough to make smart choices when they happen.
- It strengthens the overall attorney-client relationship, which helps both sides work better together. When trust is high, communication is easier and more effective.
If you’re undergoing medical treatment, updates help your lawyer track how your condition is progressing, which can affect the chances of success and the value of your claim. Good communication isn’t just nice to have it’s part of building a strong, responsive case.
Best Ways to Stay in Touch
Good communication goes both ways. If you’re wondering how to keep the conversation going with your lawyer, a few simple steps can help you stay informed without feeling like you’re bothering anyone.
- Every client has their preference some like phone calls, others prefer emails or texts. Some law firms also offer secure portals, which allow for message tracking and document sharing. Choose what works best for you and stick with it.
- During quieter periods in your case, it helps to schedule check-ins ahead of time. This avoids unnecessary worry and ensures consistent contact.
- Don’t hesitate to let your lawyer know about changes in your medical treatment or finances. These details may impact your claim and help guide next steps.
Regular communication strengthens the attorney-client relationship and makes sure everyone is on the same page. And according to legal tech surveys, about 32% of clients now prefer texting with their lawyer it’s fast, simple, and keeps the process moving.
How to Ask for an Update the Right Way
You shouldn’t have to tiptoe around asking questions. It’s your case you have every right to know what’s happening. But how you ask can make a difference in the kind of response you get.
- Instead of a general “What’s going on?”, try being specific:
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- “Has the insurance adjuster responded yet?”
- “What’s the next step in my case?”
- If your lawyer has been quiet for longer than expected, a respectful check-in is more than reasonable. You might also consider following up with a brief certified letter if calls and emails aren’t working.
If you’re searching online for things like “how to talk to personal injury lawyer” or “how to get an update,” you’re not alone. Many clients are unsure how to speak up, but clear, polite questions are always appropriate.
What to Do if You’re Concerned About Communication
Sometimes, the problem isn’t just a delay, it’s a pattern. If you’ve been feeling ignored, or communication has become too inconsistent, it’s important to act.
- Step 1: Start by calling or emailing the attorney’s office directly. Be clear about your concerns and ask when you can expect a detailed update.
- Step 2: If things don’t improve, request a written communication plan or ask for scheduled status calls moving forward.
- Step 3: If you’re still not hearing back or your trust is fading, it may be time to think about switching lawyers. It’s your case, you deserve clear, timely updates.
According to many state bar guidelines, clients have a right to know what’s happening with their case. Consistent updates aren’t just a courtesy they’re part of a healthy attorney-client relationship built on mutual client trust.
Speak With a Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Case Today
You don’t have to guess whether your lawyer will keep you informed. Open communication should be a standard part of working together, not something you have to chase.
If you’ve been wondering when to contact a personal injury lawyer, or you’re unhappy with how your case is being handled, we’re here to listen. Our team serves clients across Los Angeles, Hollywood, Glendale, and Burbank, and we take communication seriously. You’ll always know what’s going on and where your case stands.
Call us at (626) 793-8607 today. Let’s talk about your case and how often you want to hear from us. Your path to maximum compensation starts with a conversation.
