Meeting with an attorney for the first time can feel intimidating. Not only is this the first step in what might be a serious legal battle, but you might have no idea how to prepare. Ask your potential attorney if there is anything you should bring. In many cases, the more you have prepared at the beginning, the easier it is for the lawyer to get started.
You may be fully prepared to file a lawsuit and proceed to court. You might have no idea what you want, and you need a lawyer to advise you of your options. Regardless, it is smart to bring as much potential evidence with you as you can. Documentation, photos, videos, and the names of witnesses are a great place to start. If you do not have anything to show an attorney just yet, your lawyer can advise you on what you need to begin your case.
Receive a free, private case assessment from our NYC personal injury lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083.
What Happens in an Initial Meeting with a Personal Injury Attorney?
Exactly what happens at your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer depends on what you want from the meeting. Are you looking to begin a lawsuit as soon as possible, or do you need someone to help you explore all your legal options before making a final decision?
Generally, an attorney will review all the details of the case with a potential client at their first meeting. You should come prepared with as many details as possible about the accident and your injuries. If necessary, write down a clear timeline of events to review, and include the names of those involved.
Your attorney may examine the basic facts of your case to help you determine your legal options. While filing a personal injury lawsuit might be possible, so might insurance claims, private settlements, mediation, or more.
You might be completely unsure of what you want, and that is okay. Your lawyer can help you determine what you want out of the case. Some want fair financial compensation, while others prioritize having their day in court over compensation.
Preparing for Your First Meeting with an Injury Lawyer
To get ready for your first meeting with an injury lawyer, you must come prepared with information about the accident that caused your injuries. Your attorney is not a mind reader, and they can only work with the information you give them.
If possible, have an accurate and complete timeline of the accident. This might be a simple list of events in chronological order. This may give the attorney a good idea of the general facts and what kind of damages might be on the table.
If you know who is responsible for your injuries, try to get some information about them. Where do they live? How are they connected to the case? Why do you believe they are responsible? The more the attorney knows about the defendant, the better able they may be to help you.
Consider what you want from the case before speaking to an attorney. Do you want compensation for expenses, or is a sense of justice and closure more important? This may help our Queens, NY personal injury lawyers determine how to approach the case. (e.g., settlements vs. a trial).
Should I Bring Evidence to My First Meeting with an Injury Lawyer?
Evidence can be tricky. It is not always immediately available, and many plaintiffs do not know where to start looking. Even so, if you have some evidence already, you can present it to your lawyer during your first meeting. If you end up going with a different attorney, everything you show the first lawyer is confidential.
Evidence you can show your lawyer may include photos from the accident scene, videos recorded with a cell phone, and communications relevant to the case (e.g., emails, texts, letters, documented phone calls).
If you have police reports about the accident, you should bring them. However, accident reports are often not ready for several weeks after an accident, so you might not have these just yet.
How Soon Should You Meet with a Lawyer About Personal Injury Claims?
You should meet with a lawyer to discuss your case as soon as possible after you are injured. While you may need time to get medical attention, rest, and recover, you should not wait too long to have a meeting with a lawyer.
Keep in mind the statute of limitations. This law may limit your time to file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident, and these laws vary by state. For example, in New York, under C.V.P. law § 214, injured victims may have up to 3 years to file a case.
If you speak to an attorney too late, they might not have adequate time to prepare your case. If the limitation period has closed, you might be time-barred from ever filing your case.
What You Should Discuss During Your First Meeting with a Personal Injury Lawyer
The most important thing to talk about with a lawyer during your first meeting is what you want from the case. Do you want fair compensation and nothing more? Do you want justice in a court of law? Tell your lawyer, and they can help you get started.
Are you unsure of what you want? In that case, you might want to focus on discussing your legal options. The lawyer should review all your options and help you make an informed choice about what to do next. This might involve filing a lawsuit, pursuing insurance claims, or trying to negotiate a settlement with the defendant.
What Happens After Your First Meeting with a Personal Injury Attorney?
After your first meeting with an injury attorney, they may begin preparing your case. What this looks like may vary based on your specific circumstances. Your lawyer might immediately start looking for evidence, or they might start drafting important paperwork to get the case into court.
Alternatively, you may need more time to consider your legal options or decide whether to consult with a different attorney. Remember, everything you say to a lawyer during the first meeting is confidential and protected by the attorney-client privilege, even if you do not hire that attorney.
Start your Case with Our Personal Injury Lawyers
Receive a free, private case assessment from our Long Island, NY personal injury lawyers by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083.