Good Fences And Not So Good Neighbors: Property Law 101

3 Tips for Your Initial Consultation with a Personal Injury Attorney After an Accident

28 February 2017 by Hunter Moore

After you are injured in a car accident, you are most likely dealing with physical pain, in some cases combined with emotional trauma, as well as mounting medical bills. The right personal injury attorney will advocate for you in court and help ensure you receive a fair settlement if you are entitled to one. The best way to choose the right personal injury attorney is to make the most of your initial consultation following these tips:

Show Up with Notes

Meeting with a lawyer can be nerve-wracking, especially during an already difficult time in your life. When you are in a calm state of mind, jot down notes to bring with you to your consultation, including all of the basic facts of your case. You should also bring a copy of the police report, photos that were taken at the scene if you have any, and any documentation you have received from your insurance company.

Your attorney may not have time to go through everything at your initial consultation, but having clear notes and neatly organized information they can skim through will help them give an honest assessment of your case and your chances for a settlement.

Ask the Right Questions

At your initial consultation you will also have a chance to ask your attorney questions. Knowing ahead of time what you plan to ask (and perhaps writing them down) will ensure you get all the information you need. Your questions may include:

• How long have you been practicing personal injury law?
• What are your rates and do I pay you upfront or only as a percentage after I win a settlement?
• What can I expect from the lawsuit process?
• What is your policy about returning emails and phone calls?

Don't Feel Pressured to Make an Immediate Decision

The purpose of an initial consultation is to gather information and decide if this specific personal injury attorney is a good fit. You are under no obligation to make a decision right away, and in fact it may be better to think about it for a day or two and even meet with a few other attorneys. Your personal injury attorney will be your best bet at winning your case and perhaps a settlement, so it's important to go with the attorney you feel is the most trustworthy and competent.

By following these tips, you will get the information you need from your initial consultation and be able to hire the best personal injury attorney for your specific situation. Learn more by contacting resources like Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC.

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