Litigation Law Firm
If you have been hurt in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to receive compensation. One of the next steps you should take is to set up a meeting with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can assess your case and advise you the best way to proceed.
Here are a few tips for preparing for your consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
Research the Law Firm
Before your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, it is important to know at least something about the law firm he or she works for. Take the time to research the law firm online. Not all law firms are the same. Some have better credentials than others. When you are browsing the law firm’s website, read about the practice area, each lawyer’s credentials and case results. If the website includes client testimonials, check those out as well. In addition, you may want to read client reviews on sites like Yelp.
Prepare Relevant Documents
If possible, you do not want to go to your initial consultation empty handed. The more information your lawyer has to go on, the better he or she can assist you. For example, you may want to bring a copy of the police report, medical records, medical bills and photos of the accident scene. If you wrote down the names and contact information of witnesses, you should bring those too.
Be Prepared to Discuss Your Case
During your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, expect to be asked a lot of questions about your case. He or she may ask how the accident happened, who was involved, the types of injuries you sustained and the type of medical treatment you have received thus far. Your lawyer may also want to know if you spoke to the at-fault party’s insurance company. Be completely honest with your lawyer and include as many details as you can.
Write Down Your Questions
Your lawyer should not be the only one asking questions during the consultation. It’s always important for you to prepare your own list of questions. You may want to find out about your lawyer’s experience and credentials, for example. You may also want to ask about the strengths and weaknesses in your case and how much it may be worth. Write your questions down on a notepad so that you do not forget them.
Do not Be Afraid to Ask for Clarification
During your initial consultation, your personal injury lawyer may throw a lot of information your way. He or she may also mention legal terms that you do not understand. If you are not clear about something, do not hesitate to speak up. It is important to have the correct information.
Schedule a consultation with a litigation law firm, like Brown Kiely, LLP, to discuss your case.
