You or a loved one has recently been through a life-changing accident, and now you are living with the resulting injuries. It can be a hopeless time, especially as you start to understand the many ways that your daily living is going to be impacted by this recovery. Where do you turn for the help and support that you need?
The first step is to schedule a personal injury lawyer consultation. This conversation is a chance for you to discuss your case and evaluate your legal options. Not only can you look at possibilities with the way that you can pursue an injury claim, but it also gives you the opportunity to see if you want to work with this legal team.
The first meeting with a personal injury lawyer is important because it sets the tone for trust, communication, and clarity going forward. If you are going to have a successful outcome with your claim and settlement, then it starts with hiring a legal team that will advocate on your behalf.
Preparing for Your First Meeting with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Once you schedule your first meeting with a personal injury lawyer in Brownsville, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you are prepared for this conversation. If you are wondering how to prepare for a personal injury consultation, then keep in mind that you want to bring as much evidence and information as possible so that the legal team can evaluate your case and offer a plan going forward.
Take time to write down all of the details about the accident that you can remember. Providing this information in written form is helpful because it allows the legal team to review as needed. Include information about the events that occurred, the injuries that you experienced, and timeline details whenever possible.
Documents and Evidence to Bring
In addition to your written statements, you can bring other forms of evidence that will strengthen your case. Examples of the documents that you might gather before your personal injury lawyer consultation include:
- Medical records
- Medical bills and invoices
- Proof of treatment
- Police reports
- Witness statements
- Accident photos
- Proof of lost wages (such as pay stubs)
- Any correspondence you’ve had with the insurance companies
Keep copies of this evidence for yourself and also provide copies to your legal team. It’s a good idea to have a backup in case anything is lost accidentally.
Questions You Should Ask Your Lawyer
Not only is this first personal injury lawyer consultation a time when you can get legal advice for your case, but it’s also an opportunity to evaluate whether or not this legal team is the right fit for your needs. Write down some of the most common questions to ask a personal injury lawyer so that you know what to bring up during the conversation:
- How much experience do you have as a personal injury lawyer?
- Do you have experience working on other cases that are similar to mine?
- What is your success rate and examples of recent settlements your clients have received?
- How will we stay in contact during this time?
- What potential issues do you see with my case?
What Happens During the Consultation
During this initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer, it is a casual conversation (not a formal proceeding). Your lawyer will listen to your story, ask questions, and take notes about the details. This is a two-sided conversation where you can share information and also ask questions.
Then, we will discuss potential legal options that you might pursue. Our legal team has many years of experience working with personal injury victims, so we can outline the potential next steps to help you achieve an optimal outcome.
Your lawyer will give a preliminary perspective about whether your case is worth pursuing. Together, we can discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your personal injury claims, as well as the anticipated timelines for the legal proceedings. We will help you understand what you should expect for the filing process, as well as negotiations and a possible trial in court.
Discussion of Legal Fees and Payment Structures
One important detail that needs to be discussed during this initial conversation is how much these legal services are going to cost. The good news is that you can hire a personal injury lawyer in Brownsville on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket upfront, because the legal team is only paid if you win the case and receive a settlement.
You should always have clear, written details about the legal fees and payment structure. Ask about the percentages that will be taken, as well as any other costs and expenses that will be taken out of your settlement. It’s critical to establish this transparency now so there is no confusion in the future.
FAQs
Is the first consultation with a personal injury lawyer free?
Yes, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and determine if it is worth pursuing.
What documents should I bring to a consultation?
Bring as much evidence as possible to your personal injury lawyer consultation, including medical records, accident reports, photos, and any communication that you’ve had with the insurance company.
Will the lawyer tell me the value of my case during the first meeting?
You might be able to discuss a rough estimate for the potential settlement. But it is very difficult to determine an exact amount this early in the case. Our team needs to complete the investigation first before we can start to finalize the numbers.
Call Us at Green Law Firm to Schedule Your First Consultation
When you need help with a personal injury claim, then our team at Green Law Firm is always just a phone call away. We offer free consultations for accident victims and have experience supporting clients in Brownsville and all of the surrounding areas.
Rest assured knowing that you will receive personalized attention every step of the way. Each accident is unique, which is why we never use a one-size-fits-all approach.
At Green Law Firm, our professional team offers the quality legal services you can depend on. Contact us to schedule your free consultation to discuss your case: (956) 542-7000.
