If you get injured in an accident, whether a car crash, slip, and fall, or any other type of incident, you could be eligible to claim compensation for your damages. During the duration of your case, working with an experienced accident attorney is the smartest way to maximize your compensation. However, the prospect of meeting with your attorney for the first time may give you some anxiety. Knowing exactly how the meeting will turn out and how to prepare well for it can ease your mind.
To ensure your initial consultation is productive and comfortable, the personal injury attorneys from Renfro & Renfro, PLLC provide an overview of what to expect during your first attorney meeting.
4 Things to Expect During Your First Attorney Meeting
The first meeting is typically an initial consultation. Renfro & Renfro offers free initial consultations for those injured in accidents. The initial consultation is an opportunity for you to discuss your legal issue and for the attorney to evaluate your case and see if they can assist you. Here are some of the things that could happen during your initial meeting with the attorney:
Step 1: Getting to Know Each Other
Since this is your first meeting, you and your lawyer will spend a bit of time getting to know each other. As your case progresses, you will need to place a lot of trust in your lawyer to effectively advocate for your rights. This is why it is crucial to have confidence in the attorney you have chosen and be comfortable with their abilities. During this stage, ensure you ask as many questions as possible to get a sense of their background and experiences with similar cases.
Step 2: Review Your Accident Case
Once you have established a strong foundation for your relationship, the next step is to discuss your case in greater detail. You will have the chance to explain the details of your legal issue or case. This may include what happened during the incident and the injuries or losses that you incurred. Be as thorough and honest as possible so the attorney can understand the situation and provide appropriate advice.
The attorney will evaluate the merits of your case, including its strengths and weaknesses. They will assess the relevant laws and regulations that may apply to your situation. For this initial meeting, ensure you bring along any documentation and evidence relating to the accident. We will discuss all the documentation you need to bring in the next sub-topic.
- Pro tip: During this stage, your attorney will likely explain the attorney-client privilege. This means the information you share during the meeting is confidential and cannot be disclosed to others without your permission. For this reason, feel free to discuss the intimate details of your injuries and recovery.
Step 3: Discussing the Next Steps
Once your attorney has reviewed your case and the evidence you brought, they will initiate their own independent investigation to build a solid case.Before your meeting ends, the attorney will inform you whether they will take on your cases and the specific steps you need to take before your next meeting. This may include providing additional documentation, exercising due diligence when talking with the at-fault party’s insurance adjuster, or even doing nothing at all apart from healing your injuries.
What Should I Bring for My First Meeting?
It is essential to bring all the documents related to your injury to your meeting. The more information you can provide during your initial meeting, the better the attorney can evaluate your case and provide appropriate legal advice. These include:
- Medical records: Submit any medical records related to your sustained injuries, including hospital admission records, doctor’s notes, diagnosis reports, treatment plans, and invoices for medical expenses.
- Expenses: Keep track of any expenses related to the injury, such as medical bills, transportation costs, or property damage.
- Witness information: If there were any witnesses to the accident, provide their names and contact information if available.
- Insurance information: Provide details of your insurance policy and any communication you’ve had with your insurance company regarding the incident.
- Photographs: Bring any photographs you may have taken at the scene of the accident or of your injuries. This can include photos of the accident location, damaged vehicles or property, and your injuries.
- Employment information: If your injury has affected your ability to work, bring documentation related to your employment, such as pay stubs, a work contract, or a letter explaining the impact on your work.
- Accident report: If you were involved in a car accident or any other incident, bring a copy of the accident report filed by the police or relevant authorities if you have a copy. If you don’t have a copy, don’t worry, Renfro & Renfro will get a copy for you.
Remember, every personal injury case is unique, so additional documents may be necessary based on the specifics of your situation.
Work With Experienced Virginia Injury Attorneys
At Renfro & Renfro, our experienced Virginia injury attorneys can guide you on your rights and responsibilities under the law, ensuring you get the best outcome for your case. Schedule a free consultation today by calling (804) 601-4433 or contacting us online.
We look forward to serving you!
