After conducting research and shortlisting a list of personal injury attorneys, you proceed to arrange a free evaluation with the attorneys. The next thing you start to wonder about is what you should prepare for your first meeting with a personal injury attorney. With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your meeting.
What Should You Bring to the First Meeting with Your Personal Injury Attorney?
There are several important documents you should prepare for your first meeting. They include:
- A copy of the official police report: this is the most crucial piece of evidence as it indicates all the information on the accident like the date, time, and possible causes.
- Photographs of the scene: Any photos or videos you took at the site of your personal injury incident can become important evidence. This is especially true for auto collisions where photos of the damage to your vehicle, road conditions, and tire marks can be useful.
- Medical expenses incurred: Medical bills give your attorney an idea of how much damages you are able to seek. You should also bring along any repair costs or timekeeping records to show lost wages due to your injuries.
- Medical records: These are required if you want to file a civil lawsuit. Documents that show you are undergoing treatment or therapy highlight the severity of your injuries.
Prepare a List of Questions
Make a list of questions prior to your visit and keep them near the end of your session. Not every question will be answered during the evaluation so make a note to consult your attorney on the missing information. You should use the chance to find out about the fee structure and if your attorney intends to follow your case from start to finish. Find out if he or she has worked on similar cases to get an idea about his legal experience.
What You Can Expect in Your First Meeting
Learning about what to expect is also a way to prepare yourself for the meeting. Your attorney will be discussing the incident so be prepared to provide the details and bring the necessary documentation to help him or her understand what happened. The attorney will also request the name of your insurance company and the policy number. If you had spoken with an insurance adjuster, provide your attorney with the details of what you said. Most free evaluations take an hour but complicated cases may take longer.
Understand the Common Types of Personal Injury Lawsuits
You’ll have a far more fruitful discussion with your attorney if you understand the common types of personal injury lawsuits. You don’t have to search anywhere else for the information as we’ve listed them for you:
- Auto collision: This is the most common type of claim under personal injuries. Car accidents can result in severe injuries that need urgent medical attention.
- Slip and fall: This can happen anywhere. Most of the time, slip and fall cases happen at hotels, grocery stores, or restaurants. Beverage spills are one of the top causes of this incident.
- Product liability: A faulty product can lead to injuries that last for months or years. The causes include wrong instructions or a lack of warning. The manufacturer may be held responsible for selling this item to consumers.
- Premise Liability
- Dog Bite
- Truck Accidents
- Work Accident
- Workers Compensation
- Medical Mal
- Construction
- Wrongful Death
- Motorcycle Accident
- Boating Accidents
- Rideshare Accident
Water Sport Accident