If you’ve been in a vehicle accident or truck crash, you may seek the advice of a personal injury attorney. You may feel relief at the prospect of expert legal counsel, but you may also feel nervous. How do you prepare for your meeting? What do you need to do to get the most out of it? How will you know if this attorney’s advice is right for you? As Rio Rancho’s auto accident and injury attorneys, we’ve met with many clients with the same concerns. We’re here to listen, and we want you to feel comfortable when you meet with us. Here’s how to prepare for the initial meeting.
What to Bring
One of the best things to do before meeting with your auto accident attorney is to gather important documentation. You need to bring as much information with you as possible so your attorney can assess your case. Here are a few examples of what to have on hand:
1. Medical Information
Any documents you have from doctors explaining your diagnosis and treatment, as well as explaining any future treatment needed, will be valuable. Ambulance and hospital records, including the name and address of the hospital where you were treated and the dates you were admitted/released, are important as well.
2. Medical Bills
Your attorney will want to see records of the medical expenses you’ve accrued because of the auto accident. These include not only hospital and doctor bills, but also bills from physical therapists and/or chiropractors. This information is important so that you can be made whole financially after your case, whether via insurance claims or through a personal injury case that awards damages.
3. Insurance Information
Your lawyer will need to know about your auto insurance coverage, as well as the coverage of the other driver or drivers involved. If you’ve been in contact with your insurance company already, it’s useful to know who you spoke with, when, and the status of any pending insurance claims resulting from the accident.
4. Copies of the Official Police Report
The police report will include important details of the accident, including the time, date, and place; the names of the parties involved; what led up to the accident, including the speed and direction of the drivers, weather conditions, and other factors; witness statements; and the officer’s assessment of fault.
5. Lost Work or Income
After an auto accident, you may miss work due to injuries or to deal with the fallout of the accident. If you miss work and lose income, provide this information to your attorney. This includes dates of work missed and your W-2 and/or pay stubs to quantify your lost income.
6. Photos or Videos
If you have any photos or videos of the accident scene, the conditions surrounding the accident scene, and/or your injuries, be sure to bring them. If there were any other cameras in the area, such as traffic cameras or business security cameras that may have caught the accident on camera, let your attorney know.
What to Expect
You don’t need to worry about what to say. The lawyer will ask you for the information he/she needs to assess your case. Here are a few sample questions:
- What injuries did you receive and how are you feeling now? Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions?
- Have you seen a doctor or other medical professionals? What was their assessment of your injuries and prognosis?
- Have you spoken to and/or given a recorded statement about the accident to your insurance company? What did you say?
- Who else have you talked to about your accident and what did you say?
- How has the accident affected your life, including your work and home life, and ability to handle everyday tasks?
The more honest and forthright you can be, the better. The more information your attorney has, the better he/she can assess your case.
How Sanchez and Piñon Can Help
If you’ve experienced an auto accident and are seeking representation, contact Sanchez and Piñon, Rio Rancho’s auto accident and injury attorneys, for a free consultation. While other attorneys talk, we listen and provide a personal level of representation. We can discuss how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
