Get Ahead in Your Personal Injury Case

Meeting a Car Accident Attorney: What to Expect

21 April 2021 by Kenneth Pierce

After being involved in a car accident, the first thing you should do is place a call to an accident attorney. They will then advise you on the various dos and don'ts.

Before meeting up with your attorney, it is important to know what to expect. Two things happen during this encounter. First, the attorney assesses your case. Second, you get to decide if you want to be represented by this particular person or want to continue the search.

Here is an overview of what to expect while at the attorney's office.

Case Assessment

Despite an initial consultation either over the phone or online, your attorney still won't have all the facts surrounding the accident case. You two will therefore need a sit-down to discuss everything in detail.

You'll start by explaining every facet of the accident without leaving out anything. Having listened to your story, your car accident attorney may ask the following questions:

• Is your insurance company aware of the matter? If yes, what have you told them?

• Have you told anyone else about your accident? Do your family members and friends know?

• What type of health insurance/car insurance coverage do you have?

• Did the accident have any witnesses? If so, can you reach them?

• Did someone call the police? If yes, then a police report exists. What does the report say? Is the third party to blame?

Your lawyer may also ask to see documents that may help with the case, such as car repair invoices, letters and emails from your insurance providers, medical bills, and even photographs of x-rays or MRIs.

Be Honest

As embarrassing as some details could be, you need to tell your lawyer everything. Withholding some information could hurt your case.

In the Event Where the Attorney Declines Your Case

Many people think that rejection by an attorney proves their case weak. This isn't the case, as there are several reasons that warrant this scenario. It could result from:

• The workload on the attorney's side

• A conflict of interest

• A lack of adequate experience and skills on the attorney's side

• A lack of adequate financial resources to handle your case

In the Event Where the Attorney Takes Your Case

In case the attorney takes your case, you need to ask them about the potential outcomes. While at it, also remember that your attorney is incapable of accurately predicting your chances of success. This is because the case has so many unknowns and variables. Also, personal injury lawsuits are generally unpredictable.

Hiring an Attorney

There are many factors to keep in mind when hiring an attorney. Go for an attorney that you are comfortable with and one that is trustworthy. You should also ensure their effectiveness and capability isn't questionable.

You do not have to worry about paying your attorney since this is done on a "contingency fee" basis. Once you have hired an attorney, you'll have to sign an agreement establishing them as your legal representative. Signing other documents like medical releases allows your lawyer to view your treatment records.  

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