How to Prep for Your First Meeting with a Personal Injury Lawyer

You have been injured by someone else’s negligence, and in order to fully recover, you need to file a personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. Beyond this, you may have absolutely no idea what to do or where to turn for the help you need. Fortunately, an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer can help. 

Getting Started

You’re headed to your first visit with your personal injury attorney, and there are some first steps you can take to help you make the most of the meeting. To begin, it’s important to recognize that there is absolutely no reason to be nervous. Your personal injury attorney is there to help you, and the right personal injury lawyer for you will do everything they can to help put you at ease.  

Gathering all the Relevant Documents

Your personal injury claim will hinge on the available evidence, and as such, you should deliver as much as you can at this first meeting. The kind of evidence that can help move your claim forward includes:

• The police or accident report
• Photographs and videos from the scene of the accident, which can include dash cam footage of traffic accidents
• Pictures of your injuries
• Your related medical bills and reports from medical professionals
• Documentation related to hours missed on the job
• Pay stubs that reflect lost earnings
• Documentation regarding related transportation expenses
• Any eyewitness statements
• Any evidence of the other party’s negligence, such as if you witnessed the other driver’s impairment or exhaustion in a car accident
• Your own account of the accident, which can include a written record of your day-to-day experiences – to better support your claim of physical and emotional pain and suffering

The accident and resulting claim will be unique to the situation, but anything you can think of that corroborates your position and your losses could prove beneficial. 

Jotting Down Your Questions

You’re injured, and the personal injury claims process can be overwhelming. It’s only natural to have questions, but when you sit down to discuss the ins and outs of your claim with your personal injury attorney, these burning questions may escape you. By jotting down your questions prior to your meeting, you’ll be well prepared to ask them when the opportunity arises. Questions to consider include:

• Does your practice focus on personal injury, or is it a minor part of your work?
• What kinds of resolutions have you achieved for clients with claims that are similar to mine?
• Will you be the primary attorney handling my claim, and if not, who will I be working with?
• Will someone be assisting you with my claim?
• Do you have time to dedicate to my claim?
• What is your fee structure?
• Are you available to answer my questions moving forward?
• What is the best way to communicate with you?

Staying on Track

From here, it’s important to remain on track by engaging in all the following in preparation for your meeting:

• Put your experience in your own words, including as many details as possible
• Bring support if you think you might need it
• Be prepared to answer questions
• Be prepared to fill out paperwork

With that, you’re ready.

You Need an Experienced Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer on Your Side

The trusted Chicago personal injury lawyers at Anspach Law Office welcome your business and are well-prepared to help. We put your needs first, so please don’t wait to contact us for more information today.