Injured in an accident? The first step is meeting with a personal injury attorney for a FREE case evaluation. But what should you bring to help the lawyer understand your case? Here's a checklist of important items to bring with you:
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Accident Report or Police Report
If the police came to the scene of your accident, they probably wrote up an accident report. This official paper has important facts about what occurred, who was involved, and statements from witnesses. Sometimes, the police officer will even write their thoughts on who caused the accident.
If you managed to get a copy of the accident report, take it with you when you see the lawyer for your free case evaluation. If you weren't able to get a copy, don't worry! Your lawyer can assist you in getting one.
Photos of the Accident Scene and Your Injuries
If you took any photos or videos at the scene of the accident, of the damage to your vehicle, or your injuries, these can be incredibly useful pieces of evidence to support your case.
During your meeting with the lawyer, show them any photos or videos you have. If you have a lot, you might want to organize them beforehand to make it easier to go through them with the lawyer.
Medical Records and Bills
In a personal injury case, it's super important to have proof of your injuries and the medical treatment you received. Gather up any medical records related to your accident injuries, like doctor's notes, test results, and hospital bills that show what you were charged for treatment.
If you don't have absolutely everything, that's okay! Your lawyer can track down any missing records. Bring what you have so far to give them a good starting point.
Health Insurance Information
If you used your health insurance to help cover the costs of your medical treatment after the accident, bring your insurance card and any paperwork about the claims your health insurance company paid.
Your lawyer will need this information to check if your health insurer has a right to be paid back some of what they covered from any settlement money you get.
Witness Contact Information
If any witnesses saw your accident, they can help your case by backing up your story. Bring the lawyer the names, phone numbers, or any other contact information you have for the witnesses so the lawyer can reach out to them and get their statements.
Paystubs and Proof of Missed Work
Accidents can put you out of work for a while, which means losing out on earnings. But don't worry - you can ask for lost income to be included in your case. To make this happen, show the personal injury lawyer your most recent paystubs to prove how much you normally make and any proof you have of days you had to miss work because of your injuries from the accident.
Notes on How the Accident Happened
Before your big meeting with the lawyer, take some time to sit down and write out everything you can remember about how the accident unfolded. What were you doing right before it happened? What did you see, hear, and feel during the accident itself? What happened in the immediate aftermath?
Even small details that might seem unimportant can make a big difference in your case. Write it all down and share your notes with your personal injury attorney.
The Other Driver's Insurance Details
In most car accident cases, the other driver's car insurance company is responsible for paying for your injuries and damages. If you got the name of their insurance company and policy number, bring that to your free case evaluation meeting. That will give the lawyer a head start on dealing with the insurance company on your behalf.
Diary or Journal Entries
In the days and weeks following an accident, many people find it helpful to keep a diary or journal to document their recovery process. This can include details about pain levels, medications, emotional state, and how the injuries impact daily life.
If you've been keeping this kind of written record, consider sharing it with your lawyer during the case evaluation. It can provide valuable insight into what you've been going through and help the lawyer build a stronger case for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Accident-Related Correspondence
Have you been in contact with any insurance companies, the other party involved in the accident, or witnesses? If so, bring copies of any emails, letters, or texts you've sent or received related to the accident.
This correspondence can give your lawyer a clearer picture of what's been said so far and help them spot any potential issues or inconsistencies that must be addressed. Just be sure not to sign anything or accept any settlement offers from an insurance company without consulting your lawyer first.
Proof of Property Damage
If any of your personal property was damaged in the accident—like your vehicle, bicycle, phone, or clothing—gather documentation of that damage. This can include repair estimates, receipts for replacement items, or photos of the damaged property.
Your lawyer can use this information to include property damage costs in your claim. Even if your main focus is on recovering from your physical injuries, you shouldn't be stuck paying out of pocket for damaged belongings from an accident that wasn't your fault.
Mental Health Records
Accidents can be traumatic experiences that impact mental as well as physical health. If you've sought treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychological issues related to the accident, bring any relevant mental health records to your case evaluation.
This can include notes from therapy sessions, prescriptions for mental health medications, or diagnoses from mental health professionals. These records can help demonstrate the full extent of how the accident has impacted your life and well-being.
Accident-Related Bills and Expenses
Beyond medical bills, accidents often involve a variety of other expenses. Maybe you've had to pay for a rental car while yours is being repaired, or you've had to hire someone to help with household chores while you recover. Perhaps you've incurred travel costs for doctor's appointments or had to make modifications to your home to accommodate a disability from the accident.
Keep track of all these expenses and bring documentation to your meeting with the lawyer. Receipts, invoices, and bank statements can all help prove these additional costs that should be included in your claim.
Evidence of Pain and Suffering
Some of the most significant impacts of an accident are intangible things like pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. These non-economic damages can be a substantial part of your claim, but they're also harder to prove than economic losses like medical bills and lost income.
Consider bringing a "day in the life" video or journal illustrating how your injuries have affected your daily activities and quality of life. If you've missed important events like family gatherings or vacations because of the accident, bring documents related to those plans. Photos or videos of you participating in hobbies or activities before the accident can also be contrasted with your post-accident limitations.
Questions for the Lawyer
You'll probably have many questions swirling around in your head before your case evaluation. What's the process for a personal injury claim? How long will it take? What kind of settlement can you expect?
Write down all the questions you want to ask so you don't forget anything important during the meeting. Remember, the case evaluation is your opportunity to get to know the lawyer and ensure you feel comfortable working with them. Don't be shy about asking for clarification or additional details.
The more information you can provide during your free case evaluation, the better equipped the lawyer will be to assess the strength of your case and advise you on the next steps. Gathering this documentation takes time and effort, but it's worth it to help your lawyer build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
An Open Mind
Finally, an open mind is one of the most important things to bring to your free case evaluation. You may have an idea of how you want your case to proceed or what kind of outcome to expect, but it's important to listen to the lawyer's analysis and recommendations.
Come prepared to hear hard truths about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Be ready to consider alternative strategies you may not have thought about before. Trust that the lawyer has your best interests in mind and uses their knowledge and experience to guide you towards the best possible outcome.
Remember, the free case evaluation is the start of building a relationship with your lawyer. The more open and honest you can be, and the more information you can provide, the better foundation you'll have for a successful case. So gather your documents, make your list of questions, and head into that meeting ready to take the first step towards getting the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contingency Fees - No Upfront Costs to You
When you're dealing with the aftermath of an accident, the last thing you need is another bill to worry about. The good news is that many personal injury lawyers operate on a "contingency fee" basis.
In simple terms, a contingency fee means your lawyer only gets paid if they win money for you. You don't owe the lawyer any fees if you don't receive a settlement or courtroom award. This makes it possible for anyone to afford quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
Here's how it typically works: During your free initial case evaluation, the lawyer will discuss their contingency fee percentage with you. This is the portion of your final settlement or verdict that will go to the lawyer as their fee. Contingency fee percentages vary, but the ethical rules require personal injury attorneys to charge reasonable fees under the circumstances.
The contingency fee percentage should be clearly laid out in the representation agreement you sign with your lawyer. Look over this document carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. Before signing on the dotted line, you want to fully understand how the lawyer's fees work.
The beauty of the contingency fee system is that it aligns your lawyer's interests with yours. The more money they recover for you, the more they get paid. If your case is unsuccessful, the lawyer has essentially worked for free. This gives lawyers a strong incentive to fight hard on your behalf and only take on cases they believe have merit.
When you meet with a lawyer for your free case evaluation, don't be afraid to ask detailed questions about their contingency fee structure and how costs are handled. A reputable lawyer will be upfront and transparent about fees. If a lawyer refuses to discuss fees or pressures you to sign a representation agreement without fully explaining it, consider that a red flag.
By understanding how contingency fees work, you can meet with a personal injury lawyer and get the legal process started without worrying about how you'll afford it. With your lawyer's fees covered by the contingency arrangement, you can focus on what's most important - healing from your injuries and putting your life back together after the accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer Today to Set Up Your Free Case Evaluation
Don't stress if you don't have every piece of information on this list - that's what the case evaluation is for. Your lawyer can help track down additional evidence. The key is to bring what you do have to give the lawyer a head start.
Remember, the consultation is completely FREE, so you have nothing to lose. The lawyer will hear your story, review the information you provide, and explain your legal options.
Call a personal injury attorney today to set up your free case evaluation. Get an experienced professional in your corner who can fight to get you maximum compensation for all you've endured. The sooner you call, the sooner a lawyer can start working on your case.