The idea of meeting with a lawyer can be an intimidating concept that many avoid. However, connecting with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle collision can often make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your accident.
When preparing to contact a personal injury lawyer, it is important to have as much pertinent information and documentation as possible to help present the lawyer with an accurate picture of the accident.
What should I bring with me to my appointment?
If readily available, providing medical documentation and information that explains any injuries, diagnoses, and treatment incurred will help the lawyer understand the impact of the collision. Additionally, any documents explaining any possible injuries, health issues, and necessary treatment that may be incurred in the future will further demonstrate the severity of the collision. Some examples include records from visited hospitals, practitioners, and treatment providers.
Sometimes people are forced to take time off work to tend to injuries resulting from a car accident. Documentation, such as dates missed, paystubs, correspondence with employers, and work-related forms can demonstrate a loss of income and work resulting from the accident.
Official reports, such as police documents, motor vehicle collision reports, contact information of any witnesses, and ambulance call sheets, can produce valuable, first-hand perspectives of people who were at the scene of the accident. Additionally, any pictures or videos of injuries, property damage, and accident details can provide a better visual of the nature of the incident.
Next, having your insurance information ready is beneficial to both you and the lawyer. Items such as a copy of your auto insurance policy, documents pertaining to your Accident Benefit claim, short or long-term disability plans, medical and rehabilitation coverage through your work, and any private insurance benefits is helpful. This can help demonstrate the degree of coverage you have to tend to your injuries and the steps you might have already taken in any claims with your insurance company.
Finally, you will be asked to provide your lawyer with a piece of photo identification. A copy of your driver’s license or any government issued photo ID will be sufficient. However, health cards are not accepted as a form of identification.
What do I need to know?
It’s important to be prepared to answer questions that might bring up some emotions and trauma from the accident. Personal injury lawyers seek to have every detail by asking many questions. Having all the relevant information can reduce the possibility of feeling overwhelmed. Be prepared to answer the following:
- What specific injuries have you incurred? How much pain are you experiencing? How do your injuries affect you on a daily basis?
- Have you contacted your auto insurance company? What steps have you taken with an Accident Benefit claim before contacting us?
- Have you seen a doctor or treatment provider? What is their prognosis?
- How has your family been affected? Have they had to take time off work to provide care? Are you now dependent on others regularly? How?
- Has a party been charged? What emergency services were on scene? Were you taken to a hospital?
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and have questions about your options, seek advice from a personal injury lawyer.
More information? We’re here to help – [email protected] This WARDS LAWYERS PC publication is for general information only. It is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be. Specific or more information may be necessary before advice could be provided for your particular circumstances.
