What Should I Bring to My First Meeting With My Pedestrian Accident Attorney?
January 9, 2023 Posted In Pedestrian Accident
Many San Bernardino pedestrian accident attorneys offer free consultations during which you can discuss the details of your case and legal options. However, to get the most out of your meeting and help you narrow your search, it is critical to be prepared. Here is what to bring.
A Detailed Account of the Accident and Your Injuries
When you meet with a lawyer, you must be ready to tell your side of the story. To avoid missing any details, write down exactly what happened as soon as possible after your accident, including the date, time, what you were doing when the vehicle hit you, where you were, when you saw a doctor, what treatment you have received, your injury prognosis, whether you have already filed an insurance claim and the date you filed, etc. In addition, keep a daily journal documenting your pain from your injuries and whether they cause any physical limitations.
Documentation
If you have the time to obtain copies of the following documents, be sure to bring them with you:
- Medical records related to your accident injury and any bills for treatment
- The police report
- Any evidence you have from the accident—for example, if you took photos, videos, got contact information for witnesses, etc.
- Insurance information from the at-fault driver
- Any correspondence you have had with insurance companies.
- Documentation of missed work and lost wages (e.g., emails between you and your employer, pay stubs, tax returns)
Any documentation you believe is relevant is worth bringing, as this is not an exhaustive list. However, don’t delay your consultation and search for a pedestrian accident attorney if you do not have some or all of these documents. It is far more important to hire a lawyer as soon as possible, and they will help you gather any missing evidence they need.
A List of Questions
Prepare a list of questions to ask an attorney during the consultation. Here are some examples.
- How long have you been handling pedestrian accident cases?
- Would you seek a settlement or take my claim to trial?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
- Do you foresee any potential hurdles that must be overcome?
- How often should I expect to work directly with you, or will I primarily work with associates?
- Can I contact you directly about the case?
- How will you be paid for working on my case?
An attorney may not be able to give you definitive answers to each question but they should make you feel confident that they will be the best advocate for you.
Be Prepared for Tough Questions
Depending on how much documentation you are able to bring, an attorney may ask you tough questions to weed out baseless claims. Some people falsify injuries in an attempt to recover compensation. So that their time is not wasted, they may ask for details about the extent of your injuries and treatment, whether you were at all to blame for the accident, what you do for a living, personal finances, etc.
Trust Your Gut
Keep in mind that searching for the right pedestrian accident attorney for your case can take multiple consultations with different lawyers. Therefore, trust your gut and ask as many questions as you can to ensure you feel comfortable in your final decision.