It’s completely understandable to feel intimidated when preparing to meet with a personal injury lawyer after being injured in a motor vehicle crash. If it’s your first time meeting with a lawyer, it can feel even more overwhelming. But don’t worry. I was where you are right now and you are not alone. Lawyers are accustomed to working with individuals who may be going through this for the first time.
Preparing for a meeting with a personal injury lawyer is crucial to ensure you get the most out of the consultation and can move forward with your case effectively. Here are some helpful tips to help you feel more confident and organized for the meeting.
Prepare a Detailed Account of the Crash
- Timeline of events: Write down or outline the sequence of events before, during, and after the crash.
- Details of your injuries: Be ready to explain how the crash occurred, the injuries you sustained, and how your life has been impacted by them.
- Symptom timeline: Note how your injuries have evolved (or worsened) since the crash, including both physical and emotional effects.
Know Your Insurance Policy
- Understand the details of your car insurance policy, including your coverage and any applicable limits.
- If you’ve already filed a claim with your insurance company, be ready to discuss the process and any responses you’ve received.
Know What to Expect from the Initial Consultation
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Free Consultation: Most personal injury lawyers offer a free initial consultation. This is a chance for you to discuss your case without any obligation to hire them right away.
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Casual Conversation: The first meeting will likely feel like a conversation. The lawyer will ask you about the crash, your injuries, and your medical treatment. It’s their chance to assess your case and see if they can help.
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No Immediate Action Needed: You don’t have to make any decisions on the spot. This meeting is for you to gather information and decide if you feel comfortable working with the lawyer.
Prepare for Personal Questions
The lawyer may ask you personal questions to fully understand the impact the crash has had on your life. Even if these questions seem intrusive, they’re essential to building your case. They may ask about your:
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Health before the crash (any pre-existing conditions).
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Lifestyle (how the injury is affecting your daily life).
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Employment (how the injury is affecting your ability to work).
Be Honest and Transparent
- It’s important to be completely honest with your lawyer about any aspects of the motor vehicle crash or your injuries. This will help them assess your case accurately and provide the best legal advice.
Understand the Lawyer’s Approach and Experience
- Research the lawyer’s experience with motor vehicle collision cases and ask about their success rate. It’s important to feel comfortable with their expertise in personal injury law.
Feel Free to Ask About the Process
Since it’s your first time, don’t hesitate to ask the lawyer to explain the process in detail and don’t forget to write down your questions before your meeting. You can ask questions like:
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What will happen next if I decide to hire you?
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How long will it take to resolve my case?
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Will you keep me updated on my case’s progress?
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Do I need to do anything to help move things along? This will help set your expectations and ease any uncertainties about the legal process.
Get Comfortable with the Legal Terminology
Legal terminology can feel confusing at first. It’s okay to ask the lawyer to explain any terms you don’t understand. For example, terms like “contingency fee,” “settlement,” or “deposition” might be new to you, but don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. A good lawyer will be patient and take the time to ensure you understand everything.
Understand the Lawyer’s Role
Your lawyer had been hired to advocate for you. Their job is to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. They can:
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Investigate the motor vehicle crash.
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Negotiate with insurance companies.
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File legal documents and represent you in court if necessary.
It’s their responsibility to handle the legal side of things, so you can focus on your recovery.
Take Notes and Ask for Written Information
It can be a lot to take in, so write down key points or ask the lawyer to provide written materials that explain the process. You can always review the information later if you need to.
Trust Your Gut
While it’s important to ask all the right questions and do your research, it’s also important to trust your instincts when it comes to choosing a lawyer. Do you feel comfortable with them? Are they empathetic and clear in their communication? Feeling at ease with your lawyer is crucial, especially when you’re going through something as stressful as an injury claim.
Don’t Be Afraid to Shop Around
If you’re unsure about the first lawyer you meet with, consult with others. Many people meet with more than one lawyer before making a decision. This is your case, and it’s an important one. You should feel confident in your choice.
The first time meeting with a personal injury lawyer can be intimidating, but by being prepared and knowing what to expect, you’ll feel more confident. Lawyers are there to help you through the process, and they understand that it’s a new experience for many people. By asking questions, gathering information, and trusting the lawyer to handle the legal details, you’ll be in a strong position to move forward with your case allowing you to focus on the most important aspect. Your recovery.
S. Dawne McKay is a survivor of a horrific crash that changed her life forever. Dawne shares her personal journey as a Crash Survivor Blogger and also collaborates with crash survivors as Guest Bloggers allowing them an opportunity to share their stories. Dawne is also the author of the book, “Talk Crash to Me – What to Expect After Surviving a Collision and How to Manage Your Recovery” which is available for purchase on Amazon.
The Crash Support Network is a unique one-of-a-kind website consisting of an online support group, a crash survivor blog, a quarterly newsletter, “Sharing Our Recovery” as well as highly informative articles. Our website is based on relationship-building and puts the needs of survivors first by creating a helpful resource for victims and survivors of motor vehicle crashes.
