What to Expect During Your First Call With a Tempe Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve never hired a lawyer before, making that first call can feel intimidating.

Maybe you're worried they'll pressure you. Maybe you're afraid you won’t “sound injured enough.” Or maybe you just don’t know what questions you’re supposed to ask.

But here’s the truth: that first call is for you.
It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about getting clarity, no pressure—and no cost.

Whether your crash happened in North Tempe, Downtown near ASU, or in a quiet neighborhood like Holdeman, your call is the first step in making sure you’re not left paying the price for someone else’s mistake.

And when you speak to a Tempe car accident attorney who’s seen every kind of crash and injury under the Arizona sun, you’ll be surprised at how much peace of mind that single conversation can bring.

First Things First: It’s Free. Always.

Legitimate personal injury attorneys in Tempe—and throughout Arizona—offer free initial consultations.

That means:

• You don’t pay for the call

• There’s no commitment to hire the lawyer

• You can ask anything, with zero pressure

This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s an information session. And it can save you thousands of dollars in missteps.

If you're nervous about making the call, remind yourself: you’re not the one being evaluated. The lawyer is. And your job is simply to ask questions, explain your situation, and decide if this person sounds like someone you’d want handling your future.

What the Attorney Will Ask You

You don’t need to prep like it’s an interview. But here are some of the questions most Tempe car accident lawyers will ask to get started:

• When and where did the crash happen?
  They may ask if it occurred at a known hotspot like Rural & University or near light rail crossings.

• Were there injuries—and when did you seek medical attention?
  If you’ve seen an ER doc, chiropractor, or physical therapist, let them know. Timing matters.

• Was there a police report?
  If yes, they may request the report number or officer's name. If not, they’ll tell you what to do next.

• Did the other driver admit fault—or flee the scene?
  This can affect whether your case is considered straightforward or involves complications like hit-and-run or uninsured driver claims.

• Have you spoken with your insurance company yet?
  They may offer guidance on what to say—and what not to.

These questions aren’t there to trap you. They help the attorney understand your case timeline, any urgent legal deadlines, and the best way forward.

If you need to gather paperwork before talking, check tempe.gov for accident reports or az.gov for insurance complaint options.

What You Should Ask the Attorney

This isn’t just their time—it’s yours. Don’t be shy about asking the questions that matter to you, like:

• How do you get paid?
  Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency—you pay nothing unless they win.

• Have you handled cases like mine?
  Whether it’s a TBI case, a spinal injury, or a crash involving a pedestrian or DUI, you want a lawyer with experience in your type of injury and claim.

• Will I work with you directly, or your staff?
  Some firms pass clients off to junior associates after the initial call. Ask now.

• How long will this process take?
  They should give a range, based on the typical timeline for car accident cases in Tempe. (You can also learn more on this FAQ page.)

A good lawyer won’t rush you through. They’ll walk you through each step, calmly and clearly.

What If You Don’t Know All the Details?

That’s okay.

Many people don’t know how the crash happened—or don’t even remember parts of it. That’s especially common in DUI crashes, pedestrian injuries, or high-impact wrecks where head trauma or confusion is involved.

Your lawyer can help pull crash reports, get surveillance footage, contact witnesses, and request medical records.

All you need to do is tell the truth, and tell what you know.

If your injuries occurred in areas like Escalante or Downtown Tempe, your attorney may already know traffic patterns or camera locations that could help verify your story.

How Long Will the Call Last?

Most first calls take between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case.

If your crash involved a rideshare vehicle, a commercial truck, a child passenger, or a government entity, the conversation may take a bit longer.

In some cases, your lawyer may follow up by requesting photos, a copy of your police report, or access to your treatment records.

This is completely normal—and a good sign. It means they’re taking your case seriously.

If you're unsure about Arizona’s legal process in general, you can explore personal injury procedures at azcourts.gov, but nothing replaces one-on-one guidance.

What Happens After the Call?

Here’s what a great attorney will do next:

• Send a written recap of the consultation, so you have a record

• Tell you honestly whether they’ll take the case (and why)

• Explain your next steps, even if they’re not the one representing you

• Stay accessible—you should never feel like you’ve been ghosted after sharing your story

You’re not committing to anything on this call. But you’re giving yourself the best shot at a smarter outcome—and you’re doing it on your own terms.

When to Make the Call

The best time to call a lawyer is within 48 to 72 hours after your crash. Earlier is even better.

Why? Because:

• You haven’t made any mistakes yet with insurance

• Your memory is still fresh

• Evidence like surveillance video or skid marks may still be retrievable

• Medical documentation is easier to link to the crash

Delaying can hurt your case. And calling doesn’t cost a thing.

Even if you think your injuries are “minor,” a Tempe paralysis injury attorney or brain trauma lawyer can help you understand what signs to watch for in the coming days.

Bottom Line: This Call Isn’t a Commitment—It’s a Lifeline

Making that first call to a Tempe car accident lawyer who actually listens can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed... and feeling in control.

You’re not expected to know legal terms. You’re not expected to have all your records ready. You’re expected to ask for help—and decide whether the person on the other end sounds like someone you trust.

It’s a short call. But it can change everything.