Statistically, more than 6 million car accidents occur in the United States every year, translating to over 16,000 each day. If you have unfortunately become part of these stats, your first step should be to find a car accident lawyer to handle your case and get justice for your injuries.
Going for your first meeting with a car accident lawyer can feel daunting, so here is a guide on how best to prepare beforehand to ensure you know where you stand and what action needs to be taken to win your case.
Table of Contents
Bring Evidence
Before arriving for your initial consultation with your car accident attorney, it’s wise to collect as much evidence as possible that can be used in your case. Whether it’s police reports, medical records, or witness statements, the more documentation you have behind you, the better. When handing over evidence to your lawyer, they can sift through it and establish what will be useful in your case. If you turn up to your meeting empty-handed, your car accident lawyer will have a difficult time helping you.
Ask Questions
You’ll likely have all sorts of questions you want answering from your car accident lawyer. This means when you walk through their door, you should have a list of questions ready. Common questions may include how long the case will last for, if any challenges may arise along the way, as well as what you can do yourself to strengthen your case. All reputable car accident lawyers like Henry Law Firm will discuss fees at the first meeting, so you aren’t left with any nasty surprises later on.
Look for Transferable Skills
When maneuvering through a car accident case, you will want to pick a lawyer that knows the ins and outs of your situation. Car accident lawyers must have a range of transferable skills, such as knowing how to communicate effectively with clients, as well as utilizing time management strategies in their work. If you get a gut feeling that the attorney isn’t right for you, don’t feel like you have to stick around.
Be Honest
For your first meeting to run smoothly and be a success, you need to be completely open and honest about your car accident. Any white lies that you try and brush under the carpet could come out in the courtroom and jeopardize your case. Trust goes both ways, so you need to respect your car accident attorney and ensure they have all the details they need to work with your case.
Stay in Touch
Once your meeting with your car accident lawyer comes to an end, make sure you ask about ways you can keep in touch. All respected car accident attorneys will put your needs first, meaning you can contact them in a variety of ways, such as via phone, email, or in person. The process can be lengthy, so knowing you can speak to your attorney and ask questions as and when you need to will be a huge stress reliever.
Being a victim of a car accident can take its toll both mentally and physically. When navigating through your case, you must choose a lawyer who has extensive experience in the field and instantly puts you at ease. The guide above should help you feel more confident and ready for your first meeting with a car accident lawyer.