12 Things to Prepare Before Meeting With an Attorney
Most personal injury attorneys offer free initial consultations so clients can learn more about their claims and receive honest legal advice at no risk. After you schedule a consultation with a lawyer, prepare things to bring with you to the meeting. You can make the most of your time with a lawyer when you arrive prepared.
Description of the Accident
Write down a summary of the accident. Writing things down while the accident is still fresh in your mind can lead to the most accuracy and detail. Include key points such as where, when and how it happened, as well as a description of your injuries.
Photographs
If you have not yet done so, take photographs of your injuries and/or property damages. Take photos of the scene of the accident while you are still there. Bring any pictures you or others have taken with you to the initial meeting.
Video Footage
If you or someone else captured video footage of the scene of the accident, bring this to your meeting as well. Search for possible sources of surveillance footage before your consultation, such as closed-circuit TV or security camera footage.
Medical Records
Request copies of all accident-related medical paperwork and documents to show the attorney. This can include patient records, prescriptions, referrals, x-rays, test results, bills and insurance documents. A comprehensive look at your medical history and related bills can help your attorney evaluate the claim.
Property Damage Summaries
Describe any property damages or losses from the accident, such as damage to your vehicle in a car accident. Bring photographs and documents from professional repair estimates as well.
Insurance Information
Bring a copy of your insurance policy and card. If you believe someone else should be liable for your injuries, bring that person’s insurance information as well. Write down the name of the insurance company and policyholder, the policy number, and descriptions of any correspondence you have already had with the company.
Copies of Police Reports
If you called the police from the scene of your accident, write down the police report number. Several days after the accident, you should be able to call the local police department and request a copy of the official police report. Make copies and bring one to your consultation.
Employment Data
Most serious accidents impact a victim’s ability to work. If this is the case, bring information about your employment and how the injury impacted your job. Bring copies of pay stubs, letters from your employer and a rough calculation of how much income you have lost because of your accident.
Insurance Claim Information
If you have already begun a claim and are dealing with an insurance company, bring everything related to your claim with you. This may include letters you received from the insurance company or settlement amounts offered to you.
Required Paperwork
Some law offices require clients to fill out intake paperwork before their meetings. If this is the case, make sure you fully and accurately answer all the questions asked. Lawyers can use intake forms to make the legal process more efficient.
Photo ID
Make a copy of your government-issued photo identification card, such as your driver’s license or passport, and bring it with you to the free consultation. The lawyer will need this for the client file he or she keeps in the office. Make sure the ID is valid and current.
List of Questions
Create a list of questions you wish to ask the attorney. They may include how much your case is worth, how long it will take to resolve, whether you have missed your deadline and what you can do to help your case.
Contact Liljgren Law Group to Schedule a Free Consultation
Schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys at Liljegren Law Group today. We also take cases in Escondido and other locations in California. Our initial consultations are 100% free, confidential and nonobligatory. Contact us to request yours.