Friday, April 26, 2024
Personal Injury

Are You Meeting a Personal Injury Attorney? List of Documents You Need to Take

1.31KViews

If you have had an accident at the workplace, home, or involved in a car wreck, then it’s time to meet an attorney to take legal action against the liable person. During the consultation, the attorney will want to know complete information such as what happened, when the accident took place, how injured you are, and more.

All cases are different, and they cannot be compared with one another. Thus, before meeting the lawyer, research whether the lawyer has good experience and knowledge in handling cases similar to yours. Although meeting an attorney can make one nervous doing a little research helps you to give complete details and documentation to your lawyer. If you have more proof, then the case will be stronger.

If you are looking for the best Hoffman Estates personal injury lawyer, Illinois, U.S, you must visit the Claim Your Justice website. They are experts in dealing with different kinds of personal injury cases, including auto accidents, slip and fall accidents, wrongful death, and more.

Legal claims that arise due to vehicle accidents are governed through the law of negligence. Those who use automobiles have a duty to be responsible drivers in all situations. People who fail to do so are considered negligent and have to pay for the damages if the plaintiff (injured person) proves that the person is guilty.

Factors that determine the driver is negligent include:

  • Exceeding speed limit
  • Driving under the substance or alcohol influence
  • Ignoring traffic or weather conditions
  • Breaking traffic signals
  • Reckless driving

Setting up an appointment with a personal injury attorney

Before making a decision, meet your injury attorney personally. Many firms will have employees that bring on clients who are not lawyers or paralegals. So, make sure that you choose a reputed attorney who makes time to communicate with you. Call the firm, ask for a consultation, and find out what documents will your lawyer need from you during the meeting.

Documents you have to carry when meeting an attorney

Most people are nervous about meeting an attorney, especially if it is for the first time. If you are not aware of what you require when meeting an attorney, this article is for you. The following is the list of a few documents that you have to carry when meeting your attorney, such as:

Take everything related to the case. For instance, if you had an accident, take the accident description and information of the opposing driver. If you filed a case in the police station, carry the information card or report you received from the police.

Medical records

These are the crucial documentation papers that you have to bring with you when consulting an attorney. They are the starting point of the case and prove the injury.

  • Paperwork explaining treatment and diagnosis
  • Treatment bills from hospitals and doctors
  • Bills from chiropractor and physical therapist
  • Paperwork explaining future treatment
  • Address of the hospital
  • Hospital admission and release dates
  • Prescription of medications
  • Address and name of the ambulance

Property damage estimation

If your property, like a vehicle or other precious things, is damaged because of the accident, then carry relevant documents stating the same, along with the estimation to recover your loss.

Videos and photographs

Videos and photographs are the best evidence to prove the injuries. So, if you have videos or photographs bring them along with you as well.

  • Showing details of the accident
  • Details of the injuries and property damage
  • Showing road or landscape conditions

Information of witnesses

If there is a witness, then don’t forget to collect their information, name, phone number, etc. It helps to boost the case because witnesses help to confirm the statement or prove who is liable.

Insurance information

Many people miss this piece of information. Along with your insurance card, you need to carry the declaration page, which shows the coverage. If the liable person’s insurance fails to cover the damages completely, your insurance company may have to pay.

Many people don’t know how uninsured motorist coverage or medical payments are handled. Half of the accidents are underinsured or uninsured, so your policy or coverage is critical. Although the at-fault party may pay for the accident, your own health insurance helps in getting the required care and results to receive a high net recovery that meets your loss.

Timeline and personal account

You are well aware of your account of the events that can help you in writing the facts in one narrative. Arrange everything in a timeline when going to meet the attorney. By this, you can answer the questions of your attorney easily without wasting your time or the attorney’s time.

Paystubs and receipts

Although everyone keeps their financial information private, things like medical records, pay stubs, and receipts help to prove that you need compensation for the lost wages and expenses. Take your financial information of costs incurred for the injury or damages. Also, carry the paystubs that show missed paychecks due to the inability to work because of injuries.

Be prepared for the questions such as:

  • How did the accident happen?
  • Injuries you are dealing with? How you feel and the pain you are getting?
  • To whom you spoke regarding the accident?
  • What is the treatment you have taken?
  • Did you discuss the accident with your insurance provider?
  • Which insurance coverage you have? (Medical, property, or auto)
  • How the accident affected your personal and professional life?
  • What is your job? Where you are working? How long?

They don’t ask you all these questions to scare you. They want to gather complete information about you and the case for getting success.

Many law firms offer the best services and experienced personal injury lawyers, choose the best one and consult today to discuss your case.

Eric Lilly
the authorEric Lilly