Your first meeting with your personal injury attorney is important. The attorney you hire can tremendously impact your case’s outcome, making it crucial that you get it right. Hiring your lawyer is about more than going with the lawyer who has been practicing the longest. You also need legal counsel with the right kind of experience.
Getting the most out of your first meeting with a Florida personal injury lawyer requires some preparation on your part. This might include collecting documents, gathering your thoughts, and bringing a list of questions. Taking these steps could put you in a position to recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Important Documents to Bring to Your Meeting With Your Personal Injury Attorney
When you meet with an attorney for the first time, they may want to review the documents you have related to your accident and injury. The nature of your case will determine which documents are critical. Some of the most common examples include the following:
- Medical records
- Your medical care plan
- Insurance information
- Employment records
- Prescription medication receipts
- Police report from the accident
Each of these documents can provide an attorney with a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
Make a List of Questions to Ask Your Injury Lawyer Ahead of Time
One of the best parts of meeting with an attorney for the first time is having the opportunity to ask them questions. This includes not only the chance to learn about your case specifically but also the legal system in general.
Getting the answers you need is crucial, but that can only happen if you remember to ask all the questions you have. The first meeting with an attorney can be stressful.
When you’re having a long conversation and absorbing a lot of information, it is easy to forget an important question in the moment. To avoid these missed opportunities, it is a good idea to write down every question you want to ask ahead of time.
There are plenty of questions to ask, depending on the specifics of your personal injury claim. Some of common examples include the following:
- Have you handled cases similar to mine?
- What was the outcome of those cases?
- How long have you practiced law?
- How much of your practice involves personal injury cases?
- How many cases have you tried in front of a jury?
- What is your fee structure?
- How long do you think my case will take to resolve?
- Will I be able to contact you directly about my case?
- What do you think my case is worth?
- What is the statute of limitations for my personal injury lawsuit?
Be Ready to Tell Your Injury Attorney About Your Accident
Many people focus on their questions when they meet with their personal injury lawyer. However, your attorney will also want to know as much about your case as possible at this stage. You should be prepared to give the attorney your account of what happened.
They will want to know all the facts, including who was present at the accident scene, how the injury occurred, and the extent of your injuries.
It is important to be honest and transparent throughout this process. You will not be able to get much out of your case if you are not straightforward. In fact, leaving out important details or being dishonest could have devastating future consequences for your personal injury case. Remember that attorney-client privilege means the lawyer will keep your information private and secure, so you can be fully honest with them.
Understand How Personal Injury Lawyers’ Fees Work
Before going into your meeting, you should understand how a personal injury law firm charges its clients. This part of the discussion is especially important, as it can prevent misunderstandings regarding billing issues after they settle your case.
Most personal injury firms handle cases on a contingency basis. With this approach, your lawyer will start working on your case immediately without charging you a dollar. They earn their fee by keeping a percentage of anything they recover on your behalf. During your first meeting, you should ensure you understand what percentage of your settlement or judgment your lawyer will take.
Although this is the most common approach, some attorneys have different fee agreements. Some bill by the hour, while others might request a flat fee for their work. These systems are more common in cases involving criminal defense or divorce, for example.
Avoid Discussing Your Personal Injury Case With an Insurance Company
Soon after the accident, the at-fault party’s insurance company may contact you. The insurance adjuster may attempt to resolve the claim quickly by offering a settlement.
They may even try to convince you that you don’t need a lawyer because you can just take the money they are offering you right now. Unfortunately, any settlement they offer you is likely much less than what you deserve.
In other situations, the adjuster might ask you to make a recorded statement. If you do so, they may take your words out of context and use them as an excuse to deny the claim completely.
Speaking with an insurance company is a risk you can’t afford to take. The best way to protect yourself is to leave that interaction to your lawyer. An accident attorney understands how to avoid the bad faith tactics of an insurance company and secure the best possible offer for a settlement.
GED Lawyers Offer Free Personal Injury Case Consultations
At GED Lawyers, we offer free initial consultations to injury victims. This allows you to weigh your options and find the right legal team for your case. During your consultation, you can ask us about the strengths of your case, learn about your legal options, and determine whether you could benefit from hiring a lawyer.
The preparation you do before meeting with an attorney for the first time can improve your chances of a successful outcome. Contact us today for your free consultation.
