When you make the decision to file a personal injury claim after you’ve been involved in an accident, you’ll need to do some searching around for an attorney to represent you in your case. Part of the process of selecting an attorney is having an initial consultation with that legal team—this gives you an opportunity to sit down face to face with the attorney who would be handling your claim to discuss matters related to the case.
Here are some things you can do to prepare for that first meeting to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
- Mentally review the accident: Go over the events of the day in your head before you go and discuss what happened with an attorney. If it helps, write down exactly what you remember—every single detail. This will ensure you cover all the most important facts during your meeting.
- Collect documentation: Gather any documents and information you have that are relevant to your case. This could include accident site photographs, copies of police reports, tickets or citations, witness information, contact and insurance information for other drivers, your own insurance policy and information, correspondence you’ve already head with insurance companies and any medical records or notes from healthcare providers.
- Prepare questions: Come ready with a list of questions to ask your attorney to make sure you’re comfortable entrusting them with their case. Ask about their background in this particular type of case law, the chances you have of settling the case, the case’s strengths and weaknesses and the steps your attorney will take to proceed with the case should you go with them.
No attorney will mention any value with regard to a possible settlement at the first meeting—they know not to discuss money until all the information is in their hands and they’ve had the time to review it. Beware of any attorney who makes big promises about settlement values.
For more information about how to prepare for your first meeting with your accident lawyer, contact an experienced Bradenton, FL personal injury lawyer at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.