When going to meet a lawyer, chances are you are already on edge: you’re still in pain from a car accident, or you’re still grieving over the loss of a loved one who was killed in a DUI accident. Top that off with the uncertainty of what will happen in the lawyer’s office, and likely you will experience some degree of added stress. However, knowing how the initial proceedings at a lawyer’s office may proceed can ease some of this stress.
Aspects to remember about your lawyer:
- Your lawyer is just a regular person
- S/he is there to help you first, not after your money
- Speak candidly. You share Attorney-Client Privilege; thus, unless you give permission, your lawyer cannot speak about conversations
- The more you prepare ahead of time, the more confident and less nervous you will be
The purpose of the initial meeting with a personal injury lawyer is to get the case started. It allows your new lawyer the opportunity to start your legal course of action for the court system or for any settlement you may or may not receive upon completion of the case.
Step 1:
Step one may be the hardest for some people as your lawyer will debrief you on the aspects of the accident where you were injured. For some, reliving your accident may be considerably painful – however, it is necessary so that all of the events are clear. Your attorney will also ask questions regarding employment, age and anything else that may impact the case. Also be prepared to the possibility of being overwhelmed by the amount of questions your lawyer needs to ask. In order to best provide your attorney with the information they need, take your time and thoroughly answer any questions you can. The more information your attorney receives from you, the better idea they can get of the likelihood of winning your case. Your answers will also help your attorney to decide on the best course of action to take and/or if it is even feasible for them to take your case.
Side Note:
If your lawyer determines that they cannot take on your case, it does not necessarily mean that they believe your case is unwinnable or that you are misleading them in any way. Certain circumstances of your case may make their case load too large (or they are already facing a heavy case load) or your case is so extensive/complicated that it would need to be the only case they are working on. If the attorney does agree to take your case, they will inform you of the best way to further communicate with them over the course of your case.
Step 2:
Come to your meeting prepared to sign documents. Your attorney will need you to sign documents that provide them release to request information prudent to your case: accident-related medical documents from your healthcare provider.
For automotive-related personal injury (https://www.injurylawcolorado.com/car-accident-attorney/)
Another line of questioning your attorney will ask is with regards to your insurance. They will most likely inquire whether you have discussed your case with an insurance adjuster. If this is the case, your lawyer will need to know to what extent you discussed the case with the insurance company. Furthermore, your attorney will also inquire if you have discussed the accident with anyone else. Your attorney will need to know these details as well.
Step 3:
Step 3 is where most people are familiar: questions related to your health and looking at the specific injuries suffered in the accident. One thing to be sure to inform your attorney of is any appointments that you have with a physician or if you sought medical attention at the hospital. If you do not have visible injuries, but complain of pain and/or discomfort, be prepared for your attorney to suggest that you be examined by your physician.
Other Information to Remember:
- Any and all paperwork related to your case is imperative. To save you and your attorney time and money, make copies of any documents pertinent to your case. You can leave the originals with your attorney and making copies ensures that you also possess documentation.
- Take notes on anything you feel may be relevant to your legal proceedings and provide your attorney with a copy.
To learn more about documentation and other ways to assist your attorney in your case, check out Help your Lawyer Help You in our Colorado personal injury knowledge center today. And if you have been injured due to negligence (https://www.injurylawcolorado.com/personal-injury-denver/negligence-lawsuits/) or other factors outside control, please schedule a consultation with an associate at Babcock Tucker today.
