What to Bring to Your Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney

The vast majority of people who file personal injury claims have never gone through the proceedings before. Since one mistake could jeopardize an entire case, it’s almost always a good idea to hire a well-credentialed attorney for representation. This is especially true when serious injuries and substantial damages are involved.

If you were hurt because of another party’s negligence, a skilled lawyer can handle the logistics of your case so you can focus on your health. To ensure your claim gets off to a strong start, there are steps you should take to prepare for the initial consultation.

Providing your legal team with relevant evidence and documentation from day one can prevent unnecessary delays, which is essential since valuable evidence is often time-sensitive. Below we’ve listed a few items to bring to the initial consultation:

1. Evidence from the Scene

Your personal injury lawyer will want to review any evidence you were able to gather at the scene and shortly thereafter. Examples include:

• The official police report;
• Photographs of the scene including injuries and property damage;
• The names and phone numbers of eyewitnesses;
• The liable party’s insurance and contact information;
• Any relevant insurance policies of your own; and
• A written description of what happened.

2. Records of Damages

Your medical records will be needed to prove the kinds of injuries you suffered and their severity. Essential documents might include diagnostic images, pharmacy receipts, and hospital bills.

Your attorney will also want you to start tracking lost wages and other expenses. Try to bring any paystubs, tax returns, and other financial documents, as well as any receipts and invoices related to costs you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. These costs may include home care, vehicle repairs, alternative transportation, and domestic help.

3. Records of Relevant Correspondence

Have you had contact with the opposing party (or any insurance companies) in any capacity since the accident? If so, make copies of all such correspondence, and bring them to the consultation. And moving forward, DO NOT speak to anyone affiliated with the insurance company or the opposing party; rather, direct all such dialogue to your legal team.

If you’ve received any legal documentation, bring that to the consultation, as well. For example, if another party believes you were liable for the accident, he or she might have sent you a demand letter or contacted your insurance company. Your lawyer will want to see any documentation of such correspondence.

Speak with a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer Today

If you were seriously hurt through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for all resulting damages. To determine if you have grounds for a claim and how best to proceed, contact Donaldson & Weston.

We have helped hundreds of accident victims and their families resolve personal injury and wrongful death cases of varying complexity. Call 772-266-5555 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule your free initial consultation with a personal injury attorney in Florida.