What You Need Before Your Free Consultation
Many Attorneys offer a free initial consultation to ascertain whether an accident victim has grounds for a case. If you’re considering legal action against a third party, a case evaluation is the first step in gaining compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. Knowing how to prepare for these meetings can make the legal process run more smoothly.
Finding the Right Attorney in NC
One of the best ways to find a quality Raleigh injury attorney is through referrals. Positive experiences and word of mouth are still the best ways to determine if a lawyer will be a good fit. Still, research various characteristics of an attorney or law firm before making a decision.
- How do they respond to your phone calls or other inquiries? This will set the stage for the attorney/client relationship.
- What is their level of interest and engagement regarding your story?
- Who handles the communication? Does a lawyer talk to you personally, or do they communicate through an administrative assistant or associate?
Meeting With an Attorney
Once you find a personal injury law firm that seems like a good fit, it’s time to schedule the consultation. Sometimes, an attorney will try to screen your case over the phone by asking basic questions. When they feel you meet the criteria, they will invite you to come to their office for the in-person meeting.The purpose of a free initial consultation is to introduce your side of the story. The attorney will ask you to explain the circumstances surrounding the accident, take notes, and ask you questions. Preparing for this meeting can help both you and your attorney make the most of your time.
Questions to Ask an Injury Attorney
The case evaluation with an attorney is usually brief but thorough. Come prepared with a list of questions, which can help you determine if the relationship will be a good fit.
- Do I have legal grounds for a personal injury case?
- What is my case worth? What type of compensation can I expect to receive?
- Who will be working on my case, a partner or an associate?
- How will I receive updates regarding my case? Whom can I call when I have questions?
- What is the fee structure like? What does contingency-fee mean?
- Have you successfully handled cases like mine before?
- How long will it take to resolve my case?
What to Bring to a Consultation
To prepare for your free evaluation, bring appropriate documentation that can substantiate your claims.
- A written chronology of events that outlines the facts of your case. Write down everything that happened leading up to and following your accident
- A list of any witnesses and their contact information
- A copy of the police report, if one exists
- Copies of your medical records
- Proof of losses, like documentation for sick days or missed work days, medical bills, or anything else that seems pertinent
- Any documentation or letters you receive from an insurance company
- Anything else you think might help your case or prove useful in establishing negligence
A free case evaluation not only allows you to see if an attorney will be a good fit for your situation, it also helps an attorney determine if legal grounds for a case exist. The better you prepare for this meeting, the more productive it is likely to be. Bring a list of questions and all essential documentation with you so you are making good use of your time. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or other harm in an accident and believe someone else may be legally responsible, a free initial consultation is the first step in obtaining compensation. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our firm.