What Should I Bring to My Personal Injury Case Initial Consultation?
For those that have never participated in a consultation with a lawyer, they may wonder what to bring to the initial meeting. The best advice given by family and friends is often not necessarily correct in these situations unless they’ve been present for a consultation before.
However, even if that is the case, each interview is unique because the parties involved are usually different. A connection with the legal representative is essential so that the right fit is applied to the proceedings. When this is established, other items or information may be presented so that he or she may determine if the case is valid and worth pursuing.
There are often other questions that arise that become more important than what to bring to the consultation. What to do next is usually important, but each step is usually communicated with the lawyer once he or she has determined that the case is worth moving to the next stage. During the Consultation, he or she will explain if the claim is worth
the value of continuing based on if the possible damages would cover all the expenses incurred. Because the incident is often overwhelming, it is possible that potential evidence is not collected while the victim is receiving medical treatment and recovering from the injuries he or she sustained. After the initial stages of the accident occurred, it is time to consult a lawyer.
Documentation Needed After the Initial Call
Once the potential client has made a call and setup a consultation, there are various forms of documentation that he or she should bring. Medical assistance information such as admission and discharge papers are needed. All contact information of emergency room, ambulance staff and other persons involved such as physicians, specialists and nurses should be recorded and brought. Work dates missed due to injury and recovery along with medical bills should be included. Witness contact details are necessary for future calls and testimony. Insurance adjuster’s name and phone number should be recorded so that the lawyer may speak with him or her. Insurance policy documents for the car and a copy of the report the police filed for the incident should be added to documentation. Evidence through images, video and objects from the scene, for injuries and of the other person’s car are necessary. Any proof for repairs and receipts that show parts were ordered and materials fixed are beneficial. All of these make a clearer observation that there is a possible valid case for the lawyer.
Determination of a Valid Case
After the lawyer evaluates the documentation, evidence and proof that the accident caused the injuries, he or she then determines if it is all strong enough to proceed to the next stage of processes. When there is enough available, the legal representative may start filing paperwork and files to accept the case if there is a fit between counsel and potential client. He or she may explain how the strength of the case is usually depending on the evidence gathered. If these details are extensive, the case could have all possible damages awarded. However, the legal professional may still explain that a settlement out of court is the best option in usual circumstances. He or she then may contact the opposing counsel or insurance agency to determine if an offer may be made that is reasonable and fair given all the factors of the accident and injuries sustained.
If the settlement is not enough, cannot be reached or is denied, the lawyer may progress things to the next level where a lawsuit starts. This means more paperwork, conferring with witnesses to obtain testimony for use with a judge or jury and other processes needed to move to the court room. Litigation is usually a long process that adds court fees and other expenses such as expert witnesses and administration costs. While this may still be the best route after everything else has been exhausted, the client must be patient with the procedure. This also means that the compensation amount is determinate by what the judge or jury awards the plaintiff.
The First Meeting: Questions to Ask a Lawyer
You want a lawyer who is right for you. While every lawyer has their own style and method of practice, there are some basic things you may want to know before hiring him/her.
In addition to having the proper documents to show your future lawyer, it’s a good idea to prepare a list of questions to take with you to your first meeting. Some questions you might ask an accident and injury lawyer would include:
How many personal injury trials has he or she handled? Of those, how many did he or she win?
What percentage of his or her practice is in the personal injury area of expertise that you need?
How long has he or she been in practice?
Would the lawyer handle the case personally or would it be passed on to some other lawyer or support staff in the firm? If other lawyers or staff may do some of the work, could you meet them?
What problems does the lawyer foresee with your case?
How would the lawyer go about handling your situation? What is the process?
How long will the case take?
How would the lawyer charge for his or her services? Fixed, hourly rate or contingency fee?
What types of experts would the lawyer use to prove your case?
Is there a time limit by which you must settle the case or file a lawsuit?
Personal Injury Lawyer Serving Sugar Land, Texas
Attorney Fuller is a seasoned attorney with nearly three decades of experience representing a wide range of clients. This includes individuals who have suffered an injury due to another’s actions, individuals facing criminal charges, those who have been arrested for DWI, individuals who have found themselves in a civil litigation dispute, and those looking for legal guidance in business.
After filling out a client intake form, Attorney Lanease D. Fuller will take appropriate action in your case to help you get the results you are looking for. This includes but not limited to gathering evidence, going to trial, and earning a settlement that is appropriate for your specific situation. Reach out to us today to take the first step towards settling your case.
LANEASE D. FULLER LAW
4615 S. Frwy St. 820
Houston, TX 77051
713-439-7400
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