What to Expect and How to Plan for Your First Meeting with a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve to be compensated for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages you incurred. It is important to quickly find an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer who is qualified to assist you with your case and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. Consultations at our firm are free, confidential, and come at no risk or obligation to take legal action.

Below are several documents and information you should bring with you to prepare for your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer. While these items are ideal, it is not mandatory for your initial consultation. If we take your case, our firm will assist you with obtaining the necessary evidence and documentation to help strengthen your case for compensation.

A Detailed Written Statement of the Accident

It is best after an accident to write down a detailed account of the incident. This helps you preserve the information while it is still fresh on your mind. Share your written account with your personal injury lawyer so that he or she can evaluate the circumstances surrounding your accident, determine if you have a viable claim and identify all parties who may be legally responsible for your accident and the resulting damages.

Contact Information from Any Witnesses

If there were any witnesses at the scene of the accident, it is essential that you get their contact information for your lawyer to later review. Eyewitness statements in personal injury cases are often powerful because they are from objective people who have no stakes in the proceedings.

Copy of the Police Report

If there was a police report involved in the incident, get a copy of this before your consultation. This report can be useful in identifying the responsible parties and getting a better understanding of the legal issues involved in the case.

Photos or Videos of the Accident and Your Injuries

Even if your lawyer or the insurance company reads the accident report and medical records, they may not get a clear picture of the full extent of your injuries. Bring along photos or videos of your injury so that your personal injury lawyer can personally see the injury. It is also important to keep updated pictures of the injury as it changes over time.

Your Medical Records and Other Relevant Expenses

Your medical expenses will likely make up a significant portion of your claim and also serve the basis of other aspects of your claim, such as pain and suffering. Keep all medical records you receive, along with medical bills and records of payments. Your medical records will also detail the type and extent of your injuries and link them to the accident.

You have the right to seek compensation for the medical expenses you incurred as a direct result of another party’s negligence. Bring receipts and documentation of other expenses, including:

Information Related to Your Wages

If you had to miss work because you were healing or had to go to the doctor, you can receive compensation for this loss. Bring a copy of your most recent check stubs and provide your lawyer with information on your standard pay.

A List of Questions to Ask Your Attorney

Before your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer, you should bring a list of questions to ask your attorney. Some possible questions you can ask during your free consultation include:

• How long have you practiced personal injury law?
• How many cases like mine have you handled?
• What was the result in those cases?
• What is the value of my claim?
• What can I expect moving forward?
• How much time will it take to resolve my case?
• How do you bill me for your services?
• Who will work on my case?
• What steps should I take to maximize the value of my claim?
• What other information do you need from me?

Contact Us to Schedule Your Free Consultation

If you suffered an injury you believe was due to negligence, the skilled legal team at Lynch Law Firm, PC can help you. We can evaluate your case, explain your rights and go over the process of filing a personal injury claim.

During your consultation, you can also find out if one of our highly-regarded attorneys is a good fit for you. If you decide to move forward, you will not be charged for our services unless we obtain compensation on your behalf.

Call (800) 518-0508 for a Free Case Evaluation.