Personal injury lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. This may include lost wages, compensation for broken bones, and emotional damage. However, the initial consultation is the first step in working with a personal injury attorney. This article will help you prepare for your first meeting.

Documentation

Documenting things before you meet with an attorney is essential to ensure you don’t forget anything. Write down what happened during the accident and the outcome. It would help if you also wrote down everything that occurred after the accident to ensure your lawyer has all the facts. This can help them determine who was negligent.

List of Injuries

Your lawyer won’t instantly know every injury you’ve suffered. For example, if you have a cast, you have a broken arm. However, they won’t know if you have suffered emotional damage or how much money you’ve lost due to the injury. Make a comprehensive list of damages before you see your new attorney.

Ample Evidence

Understanding that what you say may not matter in trial is essential. Instead, it’s what you can prove. According to CloudLex, 3% to 4% of personal injury cases wind up at trial. Once you’re in a courtroom, a judge and jury will only consider statements you can prove. Consider your evidence, such as medical records from after the accident. Your attorney will need to know this information.

Note Agreements

If you’ve already considered an agreement with an insurance company, note that in your notebook. Your lawyer will discuss the deal with you to help you determine if it would be best to settle or if you can negotiate for a higher amount. A personal injury lawyer will help determine how much you should be compensated to decide whether it would be wise to continue negotiations.

Payment Arrangements

You should know how much you can afford before heading into a consultation. Many personal injury lawyers will work on a contingency basis, which means they take their fee out of your settlement money. However, asking your lawyer about payment arrangements is essential to ensure you’re on the same page.

As a personal injury attorney, we understand how devastating a severe injury can be. It can wreak havoc on your entire life. We’ll negotiate with insurance companies and fight for you so you can focus on recovering. Contact Beebe & O'Neil to schedule your appointment today.