What To Expect at a Personal Injury Consultation

Personal injury cases are many and varied, but they tend to have a root cause in common. Accident survivors like you have the right to take legal action after a personal injury accident, no matter what kind, provided you can prove that negligence contributed to your losses. Before you initiate an investigation into your accident, though, you have questions to answer. Do you want to work with a personal injury attorney? Moreover, do you have the time or resources to go to your first personal injury case consultation?

A personal injury case consultation allows you and a personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of your losses as well as what legal actions said losses may entitle you to. Knowing what to expect from that initial consultation and the personal injury process can make you more comfortable pursuing legal action against the party liable for your losses or, at least, scheduling a meeting with possible representatives.

What Is a Personal Injury Consultation?

A personal injury lawyer consultation allows you to meet the attorneys who may later spearhead your case. During these client consultations, an attorney can help injured parties elaborate on the negligence that resulted in their losses. An attorney can then discuss the injured party's right to a lawsuit and subsequent settlement or personal injury trial.

When Should You Consider Meeting With a Personal Injury Attorney?

It is in your best interest to schedule a free personal injury consultation as soon as you can after an accident. Most states have strict statutes of limitations that apply to your case on the day that your accident takes place. If you want to pursue a personal injury settlement after your accident, you need to file your personal injury lawsuit before that statute of limitations expires.

What To Bring With You to the Law Firm

If you are preparing to go to a consultation for clients, take time to outline your thoughts about your accident. While it is not your responsibility to blindly assign liability for your losses, you should present an attorney with an idea as to who may be responsible for those losses. You should also bring evidence of the economic and non-economic damages to which you think you may be entitled. This evidence can include your medical bills, insurance statements, and documents detailing your property damage. An experienced attorney can build on this evidence if you choose to move forward with your case.

4 Key Discussion Points at Your Initial Consultation

When you first walk into a law firm, the concept of a personal injury lawyer's free consultation may seem nebulous. Fortunately, most attorneys format their initial case consultations around the following points:

1. Your Story: An Explanation of the Incident and Your Experiences

Before an attorney delves into the legalities surrounding your case, they can ask you about the nature of your accident. This is your opportunity to discuss what negligence you witnessed, what losses you endured, and what other experiences you had with the at-fault party at the scene. You can present statements from bystanders, excerpts of conversations with a liable party, and messages from an insurance adjuster during this conversation to better illustrate your points.

2. A Period of Time for Questions, From Both You and Your Attorney

Once attorneys understand the basics of your accident, the floor opens for both of you to ask questions. Most attorneys encourage potential clients to ask questions about the nature of their services, a case's projected timeline, and the different ways you can secure a loss-based settlement. In turn, you can expect an attorney to ask you clarifying questions about your accident, what role you may have played in your own losses, and what kind of representation you are looking for.

3. A Review of the Evidence To Begin Considering Types of Damages

Personal injury attorneys cannot provide you with a comprehensive estimate of the damages you deserve after a single case consultation. That said, so long as you bring forward evidence of the losses you endured after your accident, including medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages, they can begin considering what kind of personal injury settlements you may deserve. 

4. A Breakdown of Fees and Case-Related Costs

Money is often the one obstacle standing between many injured parties and their right to legal action. It is with that obstacle in mind that law firms like The Spence Law Firm operate on a contingency fee basis. Contingency means that firms like The Spence Law Firm will not get paid for the legal services they offer clients like you unless they win your case. This means you will not have to worry about legal fees or unexpected invoices while your case is in progress.

If the firm wins your case, you can pay for its legal services with a portion of the settlement you receive from a liable party. Most law firms outline the percentage of your settlement they may be entitled to in a contingency fee agreement. You have a right to ask questions about a firm's contingency fee agreement during your initial case consultation. At that point, you can determine if you want to move forward with your case.

Talk to an Experienced Attorney About Your Personal Injury Claim

Personal injury accidents tend to generate substantial bills for survivors, not to mention the severe injuries that can impact your ability to work or otherwise meet your daily needs. You deserve the opportunity to consult an experienced professional about your rights in the face of these losses. Fortunately, a personal injury lawyer’s free consultation can give you a better idea of what to expect from the legal process if you opt to fight for accident compensation in civil court.

If you are ready to learn more about your right to a personal injury lawsuit, let The Spence Law Firm know. You can contact the firm digitally or by calling the office. The sooner you get a personal injury lawyer’s free consultation on the books, the sooner you can get your life back to normal.