Your First Meeting With a Personal Injury Lawyer

After getting injured in an accident, one of the crucial things to do is to speak with a personal injury lawyer for legal advice and support. While you might have previously met a personal injury lawyer, for instance, through work or social events, the situation may differ when you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury. If you feel overwhelmed and nervous about your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, this guide is just for you. We shall discuss how to prepare for the meeting and what to expect during the meeting.

Preparing for Your First Meeting

Preparing beforehand is essential for a most productive initial meeting with your personal injury lawyer. Gather all documentation related to your case, even the minor details you think may not be helpful. This includes all medical information, evidence you gathered after the accident, insurance paperwork, dates missed from work or any lost income, copies of official reports such as police reports, and photos of your injuries.

Additionally, write down the specifics of your case, such as who was at fault, what happened (be specific here), what time the accident was, where your injury occurred (a car, store), and any other details you can remember critical to the case. Also, write down questions you may want your lawyer to answer so you won’t forget to ask them during the first meeting.

What To Expect During the Meeting

During your first meeting, you will evaluate the lawyer’s suitability for your case, just as they will assess if it is a good fit for them. Although recollecting the events of the accident may be overwhelming, your lawyer may ask you questions such as the following:

• What injuries did you sustain, and how are you feeling now? How severe is your pain?
• Have you consulted a doctor, and what was their diagnosis? (If not, they will recommend seeking prompt medical attention to document your injuries.)
• Have you told anyone else about the accident? What did you say?
• Were there any witnesses to the accident?
• Did you give a recorded statement to your insurance company about the incident?
• What type of auto and medical insurance coverage do you have?
• Have you been involved in any other accidents before or after this one?
• Have you received any lien claim notices? (If so, bring them to the meeting.)
• Where do you work, how long have you been employed there, and what is your role?

It is worth noting that everything you tell your lawyer will be 100% confidential through the attorney-client privilege. The lawyer will then review your case and discuss your desired outcome, the possible outcomes, and the legal fees for taking up the case. After this meeting, you should know whether you have a case and if you wish to proceed with the attorney. You can leave the first meeting without making a decision if you’d like to think about it or explore other options. However, if the attorney accepts your case and you feel they are a good fit, you may sign a representation agreement at the end of the first meeting.

Contact a Fort Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have a personal injury claim, speak with our experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer at The Pendas Law Firm to discuss your case in detail.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Tampa, Fort Myers, Miami, Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, Bradenton, Jacksonville, Orlando, Naples, and Melbourne areas.

Source:

americanbar.org/groups/public_education/resources/public-information/how-do-i-know-if-a-lawyer-is-right-for-me-/