If you're considering meeting with an injury attorney to discuss an injury claim, you may be feeling uneasy about what to expect in your initial consultation. We take the mystery out of it and make it easy for you.
We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your injury claim. In this initial consultation, we will talk to you about your case and determine if we can help you.
As a potential client, this process gives you a sense of what to expect if you retain us to help you.
Our Florida personal injury attorneys have advised clients like you in these meetings countless times. They offer a few preparation tips to make the meeting productive and put your mind at ease.
What to Expect in Your First Meeting with a Personal Injury Lawyer
It's always best to bring a few key pieces of documentation with you to clarify the details of your case. Some paperwork that may be useful include police reports, doctors' notes, car repair estimates, photographs of the accident scene, correspondence from insurance companies, and a copy of your insurance policy and/or claims you've filed in relation to the accident.
We will discuss what happened, who's responsible and the insurers who could potentially compensate you for your injuries. While some of these questions may be difficult to answer, we need accurate and detailed responses to find the best solution for your case. We should do everything possible to make you comfortable during this process, but if you're nervous, ask a spouse, parent, or friend to accompany you.
We collect a variety of information relating to your injury, including:
- Your account of what happened on the day of the injury
- Details about the current state of your injuries, such as how much pain you're experiencing, what your prognosis is, and whether you have been able to work since the accident
- The names and policy numbers of any insurance coverage that could be used to pay accident costs, such as auto insurance or health insurance coverage
- Whether you've spoken to any insurance adjusters, and if you have, what you said and whether you provided a recorded statement
- Whether you have spoken to anyone else about the accident or the details of your injury—such as an employer—and if you have, the details of each discussion
- The names and contact information of any witnesses at the scene of the accident
- Whether you signed a form authorizing the release of medical information to your insurer or allowed anyone involved in the claim to view your medical records
Keep in mind that your first meeting is protected by attorney-client privilege, even if you ultimately choose not to retain us. You shouldn't hold back any relevant information, even if certain details are embarrassing or have the potential to hurt your case. We can only represent your interests if we have a full picture of the injury claim—and if the information you've provided isn't accurate, your case may fall apart weeks or months into the process.
What Happens After I Consult with the Attorney About My Case?
Once we have a chance to consider and verify the information you provide, we can explain your legal rights and estimate your potential recovery. At this point, you will be asked to sign a contract or fee agreement to retain us. As your legal representative, we can then aggressively pursue your case and ease the burden on you by dealing directly with the insurance companies and others so you can focus on getting better
If you or a loved one has been injured or a loved one has died because someone was negligent, we at DeLoach, Hofstra & Cavonis, P.A. can help get compensation. Simply fill out the quick contact form on this page to set up a consultation and get answers to your questions.
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