A personal injury attorney explains how to get the most out of an initial meeting
If you have been seriously injured in a car accident or other major accident caused by someone else, it makes sense to take advantage of the free consultation offered by most personal injury attorneys.
Find out what you need for an initial consultation
When you call to make the appointment, find out who you will be meeting with. Will you meet a lawyer? A paralegal? How long it will take the meeting? At our office, initial consultations last 1-2 hours. You will want to make sure you have enough time so that you are not rushed and so that the attorney can take a proper history.
Find out what you need to bring with you to the meeting at the attorney’s office. The more information you have ready for the attorney, the better and more specific advice you will receive at your initial consultation. We ask our clients to bring the police report with them; any medical records they have; the names and contact information of witnesses; any picture; any correspondence to or from any insurance company.
Be prepared to tell your story
At the meeting, you should be prepared to tell the attorney how the accident happened. Make sure you have verified the street names and other details to the best of your ability, so that the attorney can understand the accident very clearly. A clear understanding of how the accident occurred is required before the attorney can understand how strong his case is on the issue of liability. (Liability means who is responsible for the accident.)
The attorney will want to know your lifestyle before the accident
If you can, you should be able to explain your pre-accident history to the attorney. Ideally, you will bring the attorney a resume or work history. You should also be able to describe your pre-accident medical history, including any pre-existing conditions. Most pre-existing conditions do not harm a car accident case unless they are not disclosed.
Ask for the rates
Most attorneys will explain the proposed fee structure to you at the initial meeting, although some attorneys may not discuss fees or retainers unless the prospective client requests the information. If you’re considering hiring an attorney, it’s a good idea to ask questions about the retainer at your initial consultation so there are no surprises later.
Don’t be pressured to sign
However, you should not feel pressured at all to “sign up” for the initial meeting. Even if he is presented with a retainer agreement at the meeting, he should feel comfortable taking it with him and reading it at home before committing. For many people, this will be one of the most important contracts they will ever sign. It is very important to give it careful consideration.