What can I do to prepare for my first consultation with a personal injury lawyer?

gavel and stethoscope

Sustaining an injury because of another person’s negligence can be devastating. Not only can it impact your life as you may be unable to do the things you once enjoyed, but you may also find that you cannot afford the cost of your medical treatment. However, working with personal injury attorneys can help you recover the damages you are entitled to. If you’ve scheduled a meeting, understanding what you can do to prepare for your first consultation is critical. The following blog explores how you can best prepare.

What should I bring with me to my first consultation?

Going to a meeting for the first time with a personal injury attorney can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, this is an important step as it will determine if the attorney is the right fit for your needs and if the law firm can take on your case.

As such, it’s important to prepare to make this consultation as effective as possible. As such, before the meeting, you should gather the necessary documents related to your injuries. This includes, but is by no means limited to the following:

  • The accident report
  • Medical records
  • Insurance information
  • Any correspondence with the negligent party or their insurance company after the accident
  • Photos and videos
  • Witness statements
  • Your employment information (paystubs or W2s)

The attorney will examine these documents to learn more about your case and provide more accurate answers and guidance to your questions.

What questions should I ask?

During the consultation, the attorney will ask several questions about the accident. They will likely begin by having you explain, in detail, the incident. Additionally, they will ask about your medical history. Because this is a legal process, it’s imperative to understand that you must be honest with your attorney. Though you may be nervous or feel embarrassed, lying will only hurt your case as your attorney will not be prepared if your deception is revealed.

It’s important to understand that even though your attorney will ask you questions about your injuries and the accident, you should also ask questions. Not only can this help you get to know the lawyer better, but it can help you stay in the loop about how this will proceed. The following are some questions you may want to consider asking your attorney:

  • How often do you see cases like mine, and what are the success rates?
  • Who will handle my case?
  • How often can I expect updates?
  • How would you estimate the value of my claim?
  • Will this proceed to trial?

Though it can be nerve-wracking to meet with an attorney, it’s an important step in obtaining the compensation you deserve for the injuries you’ve sustained at the hands of another party. Don’t wait to schedule a consultation with Friedman Schuman Layser , as in most personal injury cases, you’ll only have two years to file a claim. Connect with our team today to learn how we can help you through these complex matters.

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