What is Attorney-Client Privilege?
When you are in an accident, it may be best to seek out a personal injury attorney in California. However, above all, your lawyer should always abide by the ethical code of law, including attorney-client privilege. Some areas of attorney-client privilege may be confusing though. Read on to learn how attorney-client privilege is determined and what is protected under this code of privacy.
Why is Attorney-Client Privilege Important?
The most important aspect of any relationship between a personal injury attorney and a client is trust. A client must know that their attorney is always working in their best interest. Their private information surrounding a difficult situation should never be made public without their consent. Attorney-client privilege promises that your lawyer will never incriminate you or make a show of your painful or embarrassing moments.
What Information is Protected in California?
Any and all information related to your representation by a California personal injury attorney is protected under attorney-client privilege. An attorney cannot reveal the specifics of a case, your claims, or even that they are indeed representing you. They can only do so if you have given express permission. Personal injury attorneys are even bound to ensure all client information is secure and safe at all times, as leaving client information where it can be discovered by a third party also violates attorney-client privilege.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every interaction with a lawyer protected by attorney-client privilege in California?
Not every interaction is protected. In general, until you have signed a retainer agreement with your personal injury lawyer, you are not yet a client and are not promised attorney-client confidentiality. However, the moment you sign a retainer agreement, every single interaction with your attorney is confidential, whether oral conversation or written notices.
Can my personal injury attorney ever break confidentiality?
There are a few very specific situations in which a California personal injury lawyer may break confidentiality and disclose certain information about their client. Namely, a lawyer may disclose information if there is an immediate danger of their client hurting themselves or others. For example, if a client has sabotaged someone’s car in anger, the lawyer may notify the authorities that the party is in danger. Additionally, if a crime has been committed and there is an opportunity to help the wronged party reverse or resolve the impacts of the crime, a lawyer may disclose to authorities. However, a lawyer cannot be held to testify against their client in court.
How long is my information private?
Your information is private forever in California. Personal injury attorneys in California are ethically bound to maintain confidentiality for their records of clients even after the case is closed.
How to Retain a Professional Personal Injury Attorney in California
If you were involved in an accident or injured due to another’s negligence, you may be eligible to collect compensation for any injuries, pain, suffering, and lost wages. Follow these steps to contact a personal injury attorney with BD&J.
- Collect documentation on your accident. Keeping photos, journal entries, and insurance claims to present to your personal injury attorney at BD&J, can help expedite the filing of your claim.
- Contact our personal injury team here. Complete our form to receive a call from one of our team members regarding your potential case. Our lawyers will review the information you provide and begin the process of filing.
- Stay in contact with us. Our personal injury attorneys will be keeping you informed as your claim progresses. However, we empower our clients to participate in their claim and may need to discuss the process with you.
BD&J Fights for Your Compensation
BD&J has served clients across California in personal injury matters for more than 20 years. Our team has proudly claimed more than $2 billion* for clients involved in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, construction accidents, and more. Complete the form or call to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers today.
