Moving Through Your Personal Injury Journey

Whether you were involved in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or slip and fall accident, you may have a personal injury case. A personal injury attorney can help you determine if the other party may have fault in your accident and if you have a compensable personal injury case. Prior to hiring a lawyer and filing a case, you will need to have a meeting with the attorney, also known as a consultation. This consultation helps both parties determine if they want to work together. Going to one of these appointments can be overwhelming, especially if you do not know what to expect. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer.

Gather Any and All Paperwork You Have

Prior to your appointment, take the time to gather any and all paperwork that you may have that relates to the accident. This may include a police or accident report, medical documentation, and letters or forms from the insurance company. A lawyer will want to review everything you have in writing during a consultation. 

Replay the Accident In Your Mind and Write Down Key Details

Following the accident, it is advised that you write down key details surrounding the accident, including what time it happened, where it happened, and your recollection of why and how it happened. If you have not already done this, take the time to replay the accident in your mind and write down all of the key details you remember before going to an attorney. You may forget items when talking to an attorney, so having everything written down is vital. 

Make a List of Questions to Ask the Attorney

A consultation is your time to interview the attorney and ensure they are ideal to take on your case. Make a list of questions that you want to ask them, including information about their education and work experience, how they think they can help you, and what their fees are. 

Be Honest and Forthcoming

Finally, as you prepare to meet with a personal injury attorney, get in the mindset of being honest and forthcoming. An attorney needs to know the truth so they can determine if they want to take on your case and how to move forward with the case. Telling them half-truths or lies will not help. Even if you feel you have some fault in the accident, it is important to be as open, honest, and transparent with your lawyer as you can be. 

Meeting with a personal injury lawyer for the first time may have you feeling nervous, stressed, out or overwhelmed. Taking the time to prepare for the meeting helps to ensure that you have everything that you need and do not forget any key details or questions. If you have been involved in a personal injury accident, reach out to a personal injury lawyer today to schedule your consultation.