What to Expect During a Personal Injury Consultation
Were you recently injured in an accident and wondering about filing a personal injury lawsuit? While the recovery period for any personal injury can be long and difficult, it is important to learn more about filing a claim for compensation.
At Buckman & Buckman, we know you might be wondering more about what to expect during a personal injury consultation, and we have some important information for you.
The Personal Injury Consultation Process
A personal injury claim begins with a free consultation with an experienced attorney. At this consultation, the lawyer will want to learn more about the accident that caused your injuries. The personal injury lawyer will want you to answer specific questions and to provide as much detail as possible.
What is the function of the initial personal injury consultation? It will give the lawyer an opportunity to learn more about your case, and it will also give the lawyer a chance to learn more about who you are as a person and how the accident has impacted you in a personal way.
Just as important, the consultation will give you the opportunity to learn more about the law firm and the lawyer’s experience with handling cases like yours.
How Long Will My Free Lawyer Consultation Take?
Depending upon the specific facts of your case, the number of questions (and follow-up questions) from the lawyer, as well as the number of questions that you have for the lawyer, the initial consultation can take anywhere from minutes to hours.
Sometimes individuals want to have an initial consultation over the phone to discuss personal injury claims, while in some cases it is important to meet in a face-to-face setting. Regardless of the complexity of your case, being prepared with documents and questions can help the meeting go faster.
What Documentation Should I Bring to a Legal Consultation?
It is extremely important to bring documentation with you the first time you meet with a personal injury lawyer. What documents should you bring? We recommend copies of the following:
- Police reports from the accident
- Photographs or other documentation you gathered from the accident
- Medical records concerning your personal injuries and your treatment to date
The lawyer will be able to evaluate your case by reviewing these documents and determining the best plans for moving forward with your case.
Questions the Lawyer Might Ask You During a Consultation
The personal injury lawyer will want to know more about the accident and ways to begin investigating your case. For instance, the lawyer might want to know:
- Who else knows about the accident, and with whom have you shared details of the accident?
- Were there any witnesses to the accident, and do you have contact information for them?
- Where are you seeking medical treatment, and would you be willing to sign a release so we can examine your medical records?
- What insurance companies are involved in the case, and what is the contact information?
- Have you spoken to any insurance company employees or adjusters, and have you given any statements on the record?
The lawyer will want to have enough information to begin looking into your case and determining the best methods for obtaining financial compensation for your losses.
Questions You Should Ask the Lawyer During Your Free Consultation
Depending on the nature and specific facts of your case, there are many different kinds of questions you might ask.
For instance, you might want to know if the lawyer has worked on similar cases in the past, and what the outcome of those cases has been. You also might want to ask if you will be working with a lawyer throughout the case, or if a paralegal will be your contact person. How often can you contact the firm to follow up with questions? And what are the attorney’s fees and how can they be paid?
These are just a few examples of questions you might ask. You should be sure to ask any questions that are important to you when deciding which firm to hire during the initial consultation.
Contact Buckman & Buckman for Aggressive Representation
At Buckman & Buckman, we seek to provide each of our clients with experienced representation and a goal of obtaining financial compensation. When another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you should not have to pay. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case in complete confidence and with absolutely no charge.
Contact Buckman & Buckman now for a free consultation.
