When the worst happens and you get injured by another driver, you may need to take action to recover your damages. You cannot rely on the insurance company to advocate for you or to be on your side, only a personal injury lawyer can do that. You are entitled to pain and suffering payment, lost wages, medical expenses, personal property losses and so much more but only if you take legal action. Read on to learn about taking that first important step in an effort to get compensated for your bad experience.
Your first legal consultation
Many personal injury lawyers will speak to you about your case free of charge. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your damages and get a professional opinion as to the value of pursuing a case against the at-fault driver. If the lawyer offers to take your case on a contingency basis, you can consider that a very positive thing. Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they only get paid if you win your case. Since no lawyer can afford to work on a case without pay that means your case has value and merit. To help your lawyer make a good decision about this, be sure bring important paperwork to your first appointment.
Documents to gather and bring along to your first meeting
- Your insurance policy number and contact info
- The police/accident report from the wreck
- You medical treatment information, particularly the dollar amount of your treatment so far
- Any photos or witness info you have
- A pay stub and a summary of how much work time you've lost due to the wreck
What to expect at the meeting
If the lawyer agrees to represent you there will be a contract or retainer to sign. This document outlines how your lawyer is to be paid, what is included and what is not and the percentage amount of your settlement or judgment that is to be paid to the lawyer.
A medical information release will be a requirement since your medical treatment is of prime importance in the case.
Know what to expect going forward
Communication is important in a legal case, but you must also understand these things take time. Discuss how often you will hear from the law office and what further information is needed from you and when. You may have an opportunity to meet other important people that are part of the personal injury law services, such as the legal assistant (paralegal), the secretary and others and you should be prepared to work with the entire legal team in the future for a successful resolution of your case.
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