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What Can I Do Before My Initial Consultation With an Attorney?

Being the victim of an accident can be incredibly overwhelming and devastating. As such, it is essential to understand your legal rights and that you may be entitled to financial compensation. However, it is in your best interest to connect with an attorney to explore your legal options. If you have sustained an injury and have a meeting with our Irvine personal injury lawyers approaching, understanding what you can do to best prepare is critical. The following blog explores what you should know before your initial consultation.

What Can I Expect During My Initial Consultation?

Meeting with an attorney for the first time can be intimidating. However, understanding what you can expect during your consultation can help ease your anxiety and ensure your meeting is as effective as possible.

Generally, when you meet with your attorney for the first time, you should understand that you will spend significant time talking about the accident. You will provide details about how the accident happened, what you remember, and what you said to the negligent party following the accident. You will answer a considerable number of questions from the attorney. Additionally, you will likely need to discuss your medical history prior to the accident and what treatment you have received following the accident.

The attorney will also examine the evidence you have provided to get a better understanding of your case. They will likely ask several questions regarding the evidence you have gathered.

How Can I Prepare?

If your consultation is approaching, it is in your best interest to start gathering evidence and other necessary paperwork to ensure your discussion with the attorney is as efficient as possible. As such, you should locate and gather the following documents:

  • A list of all the doctors you have gone to since the accident
  • Medical records and bills for treatment following the accident 
  • Your health insurance card 
  • Photos and videos of the accident scene
  • The police report (also known as the traffic collision report)
  • Your auto insurance information (and the auto insurance information for the other driver, if you have it)
  • Documentation of lost wages

By compiling this information, you will provide your attorney with the information they need to accurately assess your case. The more details you can provide, the easier it will be for your attorney to provide you with information about how your case is likely to proceed.

In addition to providing evidence, you should also have questions prepared for your lawyer. You should ask how often the lawyer sees cases like yours, what challenges they foresee with your case, and how frequently you can expect updates on your case.

Meeting with an attorney is essential to fight for justice for the damages you have sustained at the hands of a negligent party. Whether you are injured in a car accident, tripped over unsecured cords at a store, or suffered as a result of a defective product; connecting with an attorney is critical. At California Personal Injury Law Firm, APC, we understand how difficult this time may be. Connect with us to learn how our team can help you.

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