If you have been injury in an accident, you may be wondering what to do next. Of course, you need to seek medical attention for your injuries, but you should also consult with an injury attorney.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and help you file a claim against the person or company responsible for your injuries. Not to mention, they can also help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you’re ready to consult with an injury attorney, here are six tips to help ensure your consultation goes smoothly.
Be Honest
When you consult an experienced personal injury attorney, they will ask you many questions about your accident and injuries. You must answer these questions as honestly as possible.
The attorney needs this information to determine whether or not you have a valid claim and, if so, what kind of compensation you may be entitled to. If you try to withhold information or exaggerate your injuries, it will only hurt your case in the long run. There’s even a great chance that the lawyer will withdraw from your case if the truth comes out and they’re caught off guard.
Furthermore, the attorney won’t know which facility to refer you to if you don’t disclose all your injuries. Therefore, you could be stuck paying out of pocket for your medical care.
Additionally, the lawyer needs to know about any previous injuries or accidents you’ve had to build a stronger case. This is because insurance companies will often try to low-ball you by saying that your injuries are pre-existing and unrelated to the accident.
All in all, it’s better, to be honest with your attorney from the get-go. They’re there to help you, not judge you, and they need all the information they can get to do their job properly.
Be Prepared
To make the most of your consultation, you should come prepared with relevant information about your accident. This can include things like:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- License
- Health insurance card
- Rental vehicle receipts
- Social security cards
If you don’t have all of this information on hand, that’s okay. Your attorney can help you get it. But the more information you have, the better they’ll be able to assess your case and give you an accurate estimate of what it’s worth.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
This is your consultation, so don’t be afraid to ask any questions you have about the process or your case. Your attorney should be happy to answer any questions you have.
And if they’re not, that’s a red flag. A good attorney will want to ensure you understand everything going on with your case and will be happy to answer any questions you have.
You should also not be afraid to cut them short when needed. If you feel the lawyer is not answering your questions or trying to rush you out the door, end the consultation.
You should never feel like you’re being pressured into hiring an attorney or that your questions aren’t welcome.
Don’t Be Intimidated
Some attorneys can be very intimidating. They may make you feel like you’re not smart enough to understand what’s happening or that you’re incapable of handling your case.
This is never true. You have a right to know what’s going on with your case, and an attorney should never make you feel like less than an equal partner in the process.
Instead, look for an attorney who is patient and willing to explain the legal process in terms you can understand.
Check Out the Office
During your consultation, pay attention to your surroundings. Is the office clean and well-organized? Are the staff members friendly and helpful? Do you feel comfortable there?
This is important because you’ll spend a lot of time with these people if you hire the attorney and want to ensure you feel comfortable with them.
Also, during your consultation, pay attention to how the attorney makes you feel. Do they make eye contact with you? Are they respectful? Do they listen to you? Do they answer your questions thoroughly?
You want to ensure you feel confident and comfortable with the attorney before hiring them.
Understand the Legal Fees
It’s also crucial to understand the attorney’s fees before hiring them. Find out how they charge and how much they estimate your case’s total cost.
Additionally, ask about any other potential costs associated with your case. For example, will you need to pay for an expert witness? If so, how much will that cost?
You should also find out if the attorney charges for initial consultations. Most attorneys offer a free consultation, but some may charge a small fee.
Finally, compare the attorney’s fees with other attorneys. This will help ensure you get a fair price for your services.
Wrapping Up
An injury attorney consultation is a great way to get started on your personal injury case. Keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your consultation.
If you have any questions, ask the attorney during your consultation. They should be able to answer any questions you have and help put your mind at ease.
Now that you know what to expect, schedule a consultation with an attorney today. Best of luck!
