During this meeting, your lawyer will gather information about the crash. This includes details about what you witnessed and your personal opinion on the cause of the accident.
Be sure to bring photographs of the accident scene and any documents about your medical treatment. You may also need pay stubs to show loss of earnings.
The First Meeting
A car accident attorney has the expertise to navigate all laws that apply to your case. You’ll likely have many questions about your rights and responsibilities, so preparing before meeting with your lawyer is essential.
The most crucial document to bring to your first meeting is a detailed account of the accident and its circumstances. The more facts you can provide, the more effectively the lawyer can advocate for your best interests.
Your attorney will also want to see any photos you took at the scene or of your injuries. Photographs will illuminate aspects of your case that you or the police may have missed. Bringing your health insurance details and pay stubs is also a good idea. Having documentation proving you have lost earnings will help your attorney calculate the compensation you deserve.
The Second Meeting
Car accident attorneys will want to hear your complete account of the crash. This includes details of the accident and your injuries, including how your life has been impacted.
Car crash attorneys will also want to review any medical documentation you have. This can include bills for medical treatment and copies of pay stubs that show how much money you have lost due to your injuries.
Photographs and video footage of the accident scene will also help your case. If you can gather these and bring them to your first meeting, do so. Click here for your reference.
Car accident lawyers will often settle cases with insurers without the need to file a lawsuit and go to trial. However, they will always be prepared to litigate against an insurer when necessary. This means they will be ready to fight ruthlessly for your right to compensation. They will need your help to do this, though. You must provide them with your information and documentation, including a signed fee or representation agreement.
The Third Meeting
A police report is an essential document to bring with you when meeting with your car accident lawyer. It will contain a crash description and can include information on the parties involved and their accounts. Witness statements are also often included in police reports.
While giving a verbal account of what happened may feel easy, this can be misleading and miss important details. Writing it down allows you to review and ensure you have all the relevant facts.
A skilled attorney will use this report and other vital documents to build your case and negotiate with the negligent party’s insurance company. They will consider the extent of your injuries, economic losses, and non-economic losses such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. They will also be ready to go to trial for maximum compensation. Most cases settle outside of court.
The Final Meeting
During this meeting, you will be asked to relate the details of your accident. Being clear, concise, and honest with your account of the incident is essential. Your attorney will look for any facts that could help support your case, including witness statements and photographic evidence. They will also want to know the extent of your injuries and any non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, etc.
You must bring all your medical information, insurance details (including Medicare and Medicaid), accident scene photographs, and other relevant documents and records. If your injuries have prevented you from working, bring any pay stubs that will allow your attorney to calculate the lost wages you can claim. You will be asked to sign various authorizations that would enable your attorney to gather and protect your information and also give permission for them to act on your behalf with your employer, healthcare providers, and other parties involved in the case.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
