You have set the appointment, and now you need to prepare for your meeting with your personal injury attorney.
How do you do that?
We give you some tips below to help you make sure you get the most value out of that initial consultation (which is usually free of cost). At Shapiro, Washburn, and Sharp, we always offer you an initial consultation for free. If you are considering filing a personal injury claim, feel free to give our Virginia Beach personal injury attorneys a call. We would be happy to examine the facts of your case and let you know if you may be eligible to file a claim.
What To Expect During a Legal Consultation
Your initial consultation with an attorney allows you to share your story, ask questions, and find out whether this attorney is the right one for you. Here is what you can expect:
- Case review: The attorney will hear your story about the accident and how it has impacted your life.
- Assessment of your claim: The attorney will also look over the facts of your case and offer an initial opinion about whether you would be wise to file a claim.
- Discussion of legal representation: The two of you will discuss representation. The attorney will explain their approach, how they charge for services, and what to expect during the legal process.
- Your questions: You will have a chance to ask questions about your case or anything else you are wondering about.
You are under no obligation during this first meeting. It is important, though, to come as prepared as you can to make sure you get all the information you need.
What to Bring to Your Legal Consultation
Certain documents can help your attorney assess your case more accurately. Try to gather and bring the following items to your initial consultation:
- Insurance information: This includes your insurance policy and any correspondence with your insurer. If you have the at-fault party’s insurance information, bring that too.
- Accident exchange sheet: This is a document that includes the names, contact details, and insurance information of all the parties involved in the accident. Usually, the police officer on the scene will give this sheet to the drivers involved to make it easier for them to exchange vital information.
- Medical paperwork: Bring copies of your medical records, bills, and receipts for any costs related to the injuries you suffered in the accident.
- Photos: Pictures of the accident scene, your vehicle, and your injuries can be helpful if you have them. If you can get any relevant video surveillance footage, bring that too, but don’t worry if you can’t—your attorney may be able to get that for you.
- Witness information: Bring the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident, if you have them.
- Police or accident reports: These are official documents that detail the circumstances of the accident. Contact the police and request a copy of these reports. If you do not have them for the initial meeting, we can request them.
- Other correspondence: If you have any other documents related to the accident—like letters or emails from insurance companies or employers—bring those as well.
The more information you can bring to your initial consultation, the better your attorney will be able to evaluate your case.
Avoid Talking to the Insurance Company Before Your Consultation
The insurance companies involved may pressure you to speak with them before your consultation with the attorney. It is generally best to avoid that until after your meeting. There are several reasons for that.
First, anything you say could be used to reduce or deny your claim, so it is best to wait until you have an attorney on your side. Second, you may be tempted to accept an offer that is less than you deserve. Your attorney can help you figure out the true value of your case.
In general, it is best to refer all communications with the insurance companies to your attorney. At Shapiro, Washburn, and Sharp, we have the experience needed to make sure your rights are protected and that the insurance companies treat you fairly.
Frequently Asked Questions During a Legal Consultation
You may be unsure as to what questions you should ask during that initial meeting. Here is a list of the most common questions, along with how your attorney may address them:
- How long do I have to file a claim? Your attorney can advise you on your state’s statute of limitations, which in Virginia, is typically two years from the date of the accident, though there are some exceptions.
- What is my case worth, and how is that determined? The value of your case depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the impact on your quality of life. Attorneys will use all the details you provide to calculate your potential damages.
- What compensation can I seek? There are different types of damages that may be covered in a personal injury claim. Typically, you would pursue economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). In some cases, you may also be able to file punitive damages, if the at-fault party acted recklessly.
- Will I have to go to court? Most personal injury cases settle out of court, but be sure your attorney can represent you if your case goes to trial. He or she can also explain the likelihood of that happening in your initial consultation.
- Do I need an attorney in my case? You have the right to file your claim yourself, but doing so often results in lower amounts of compensation. Our attorneys have the experience needed to obtain the full value of your claim.
- What if I am partially at fault? Virginia law stipulates that if you are even one percent at fault for the accident, you cannot recover your damages. Even if you think you may have been at least partially at fault, it is best to go through with your initial consultation, as there may be something about the case that you overlooked. Always talk to an attorney if you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury.
- How long will it take to resolve my case? The timeline depends on many factors, like the complexity of the case and the extent of your injuries. Your attorney should be able to give you a ballpark estimate of how long it will take, based on cases similar to yours.
- What should I do if I receive a settlement offer? It is always best not to accept any settlement offers without checking with your attorney first. Insurance companies often lowball their offers the first time around.
How to Make the Most of Your Initial Consultation
When you meet with us at Shapiro, Washburn, and Sharp, we will be focused on you and your case, and on providing you with the best advice. Come prepared with whatever documents you can gather and a list of questions to ensure a productive meeting.
Once you have us on your side, we will do everything possible to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, as we did for this client who suffered back and neck injuries after a car accident. We helped negotiate a $100,000 insurance company settlement.