Have you ever met with an attorney before? For many accident victims, it will be the first time they meet with an attorney or have any kind of dealings with a law office. While retaining a personal injury attorney to handle your injury claim can be a critical step in protecting your legal rights and maximizing the value of your claim, it can be intimidating. Do not worry. Your attorney is on your side and is tasked with protecting your best interests. Furthermore, your attorney is there to relieve you of a huge burden. Being in an accident can throw off your life in a huge way. Your attorney will take on the legal fight to let you focus on yourself and your recovery. Here, to help ease your anxiety a bit, we will discuss some of what you can expect at the initial consultation with a personal injury attorney
What to Expect from Your Initial Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney
The initial consultation with a personal injury attorney is likely to be a balance of your attorney getting to know you and your situation and you getting to know the attorney and the personal injury claims process. All of these aspects will help lay the groundwork for your claim and your relationship with your attorney and his or her law office. It is a chance to tell your side of the story and detail how the accident has impacted your life. It is also a chance for you to get to know your attorney and find out what can lie ahead for you and your claim.
Your attorney will want to get down to the basics at this initial meeting. You will be asked about the accident and what happened. Details such as where you were going and where you were coming from as well as what you were doing at the time of the accident will help paint a clearer picture. If you spoke with any other driver after the accident or called anyone after the accident, this should also be mentioned. If you took pictures or got the contact information from any witnesses to the accident, you should provide these to your attorney as well.
Your injuries will obviously play a central role in your personal injury claim and you should be prepared to discuss them with your attorney at this initial meeting. While you may not be fully aware of the extent of your injuries at this point, as many details as you can give about your initial medical evaluations and treatments can be helpful. Be prepared to also discuss how the accident and your injuries have impacted your life. Have you missed work? Did you lose your job? Are you still able to carry out normal, everyday activities? Have you been forced to give up any hobbies or activities?
Your attorney should also go over a bit about themselves and some background information. If you have any questions, be sure to ask them at this time. Your attorney should also give an overview of what you can expect going forward. This may include how you can get ahold of the office, best methods of contact between the two of you, what the next step in the claims process will be, when you will receive updates, etc.
Personal Injury Attorney
The Law Office of Bryce Cook is here to help. This is true from that first phone call to the initial meeting and beyond. Our dedicated personal injury team is here for you throughout the entire process. Contact the Law Offices of Bryce Cook today.