What Is An Attorney Client Relationship?

Oftentimes, the area of law, especially in California, can get very complex and involve several different types of legal terms that may be difficult to understand. We know just how frustrating it may be to be involved in an accident, and on top of all of it, to be spoken to in several different types of legal terms that could be easily confusing. We want to make sure that our clients understand every step of the way as we go through the different stages of the legal process. Whether it is filing the claim, investigating the accident, or settling and negotiating with the other party, we want to make sure that our clients understand every single thing that is going on with their case. We are available to our clients 24/7 to make sure that they get the justice they deserve.

Hiring an experienced car accident attorney is one of the most important steps you can take when filing a lawsuit against a negligent party. Fortunately, California has several lawsuit-friendly laws in place that encourage the victim of an accident to file a lawsuit against the negligent party and hold them accountable for the injuries they have suffered. In order to make sure that you have maximized the amount of compensation you could receive, it is very important that you have a trusted lawyer on your side. Although it is not required in California courts, it is advised that you have an attorney on your side to make sure that all your rights are protected. After an accident, it is very common for an insurance company or the defendant’s attorney to get into contact with you to try to get a statement out of you to be used against you.

Our attorneys at Megeredchian Law always want to make sure that we have a trusted relationship between our clients and the attorneys. Our attorneys will be fighting for your future, making sure that you get the compensation you deserve, whether it is your medical bills, your lost wages, or your future therapy. In order to make sure that you have a strong relationship with your attorney, it is very important that you recognize an attorney-client relationship and what it entails. We always want to make sure that our clients understand the different steps they can take when they have an attorney on their side.

What will my attorney do?

When you have signed all the agreements necessary to have an attorney, your attorney has duties and responsibilities to make sure that everything is kept confidential and your rights are represented. This makes sure that the attorney acts diligently and competently when filing all the paperwork with your claim and settling with the other party.

All California attorneys must follow the American Bar Association’s Model Rules of Professional Conduct, along with California’s Rules of Professional Conduct. There are several federal and state requirements that attorneys must have to meet to make sure that they are competently representing their clients. Several of these rules include:

  • Your attorney should not get into any business dealings with clients.
  • Your attorney should not accept any type of gifts from clients.
  • Your attorney cannot charge unreasonable fees.
  • Your attorney must file all the paperwork on time.
  • Your attorney must not lie before the Court.
  • Your attorney cannot make any illegal actions on your behalf.
  • Your attorney must follow the duty of confidentiality, and refrain from speaking about your incidents to other people.

What is an attorney-client relationship?

An attorney-client relationship is essentially formed when the attorney agrees to represent the client and move forward with the client. This means that when the attorney provides any type of assistance to the client, an attorney-client relationship is formed. Even if the attorney has only agreed on taking one specific step for the client, an attorney-client relationship could still be formed.

There is a rule in California that states the minute the client relies on the attorney’s advice, and reasonably believes that the lawyer is representing him, an attorney-client relationship is formed. That is why it is very important to pay attention to what an attorney says to you during a consultation. If the attorney mentions that the consultation is not an indication of an attorney-client relationship, then an attorney-client relationship is most likely not formed. Simply having a consultation with an attorney does not necessarily mean that you are now the client of the attorney.

Is there an attorney-client relationship with a corporation?

A corporation is considered to be a type of legal entity that also has rights and could file a claim in California courts. This means that several different types of high-ranking positions could hold the corporation responsible, such as CEOs or shareholders. When these high-ranking employees meet with the attorney, an attorney-client relationship has most likely formed for the corporation. 

An attorney-client relationship is the responsibility of the attorney. This means that the attorney must have to make clear whether or not an attorney-client relationship has been formed. If the attorney has not been clear as to what the relationship entails, they could be held liable for any future lawsuit.

Who should make the decisions when filing a lawsuit?

When an attorney is representing the client, they are essentially an agent of the client and must make decisions that the client wants. However, this cannot be made possible without the attorney’s knowledge and experience. An attorney does not have final say on whether to accept the settlement or go to trial. This is a decision that is up to the client to decide. However, the attorney could provide some recommendations. Essentially, the lawyer is responsible for determining the means, whereas the client is responsible for the ends. Legal strategies, such as discovery documents that should be filed, are completely in the discretion of the attorney.

Contact Our Experienced Top Accident Attorneys Today

Our car accident attorneys offer free no risk consultations where we will look into your case and determine who the liable parties may be, and what type of damages you may be able to recover.

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Attorneys may work through several different ways; some may work hourly and will charge you for every single hour they work on your case. Our top-rated attorneys work with a contingency, which means that we will work on your case and will only recover compensation from you if we win a settlement or a judgment in your favor. This means that we do not collect a single dollar unless we win compensation. We will front all the costs necessary to filing your claim. 

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